Scottdale

Nestled between Decatur and Clarkston and just north of Avondale Estates is a small, historic community in unincorporated DeKalb County. If you blink, you will miss Scottdale, but that is part of its charming appeal. Once a mill town, it is now a largely residential area with mostly historic homes, though some new development is taking place. The community offers affordable homes, a quick commute to Atlanta and many of DeKalb’s top employers, and proximity to all of the exciting places to shop, dine, and have a good time in the eastern part of Metro Atlanta.

• Population: 11,000
• Scottdale has two recreation centers and two parks which include green spaces, ball fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, a pool, trails, and more.
• Scottdale is a small place and only takes up 3.5 square miles of land.
• When it comes to health care needs, DeKalb Medical North Decatur Campus is just outside the community to the west. The hospital has a cancer center, emergency room, heart and vascular services, radiology and medical imaging, rehabilitation and physical therapy, senior care, orthopedic services, wound care, women’s services, weight loss surgery support and a wellness center.
• Several higher education institutions are just minutes from Scottdale, including Emory University and Agnes Scott.

• Airport – Scottdale is approximately 20 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport via Interstate 285. The busiest airport in the world, it handles over 2,500 flights daily.
• Interstate 285 – Scottdale sits just inside Interstate 285, Atlanta’s Perimeter. As a matter of fact, the interstate forms the community’s eastern border. Interstates 20 and 85 are also just minutes away.
• MARTA – Metro Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA, provides rail and bus service to much of DeKalb County, including the Scottdale area.

• Your DeKalb Farmers’ Market – Your DeKalb Farmers’ Market is located within the boundaries of the Scottdale community. The huge market is open seven days a week and is home to every type of fresh food you can think of. From fruits and vegetables to nuts, meats, and seafood, prices are competitive and much of the food is organic. Many people shop here for hard-to-find ingredients from around the world, and don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant before you leave.
• North DeKalb Mall – North DeKalb Mall sits just north of Scottdale and is home to several shopping and dining options. They include Burlington, Macy’s, Ross, Marshall’s, Play It Again Sports, Bath & Body Works, Dollar Tree, GNC, and more.
• North Decatur Square – For everyday needs, Scottdale is home to North Decatur Square which is a shopping center built around what the locals call “Big Kroger.” The grocery store is on the larger side, and there are other smaller stores and restaurants surrounding it.

• Caribbean Chicken & Fish – When you want Caribbean food in Scottdale, there is only one place to go: Caribbean Chicken & Fish. Dishes like jerk chicken, plantains, and curried goat earn rave reviews from patrons, but don’t let the vast menu intimidate you. Also, don’t be surprised when you drive up and find that it’s a really small place with only a few tables and some outdoor seating. Those are the types of places that always have the best food, right?
• Let’s Eat Café – Let’s Eat Café is Scottdale’s hometown diner. You will receive large portions at great prices, and whether you want a burger or southern comfort food, the menu is made up of mostly traditional dishes you might expect in a diner. The atmosphere is laid-back, relaxed, and friendly.
• Piassa – Scottdale even has its own Ethiopian restaurant, Piassa, where the food is great and the prices are even better. Expect your service with a smile, and if you stay late enough, you might catch some live music. After enjoying your authentic Ethiopian meal, you can pick up some spices, tea, and other Ethiopian items at the restaurant’s store.
• Pallookaville Fine Foods – Many Scottdale residents head next door to some of the yummy restaurants in Avondale Estates for dinner. Pallookaville Fine Foods is one reason why. You will feel like you stepped back in time when you walk in the door, and menu has all the classic American fare, like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The corndogs are the restaurant’s biggest draw.
• Skip’s – Speaking of Avondale Estates and dogs, Skip’s Chicago Dogs are another favorite amongst Scottdale residents. The restaurant opened during the 1970s, and its wings, sandwiches, and beef hot dogs are all absolutely delicious.

• Stone Mountain Park – Stone Mountain Park is one of Atlanta’s top destinations, and it is only 7 miles east of Scottdale. Whether you want to learn about history or have a day of family fun, there is so much to do. You can ride or walk up the mountain, take a train or boat ride, visit a real plantation, watch the laser show, climb the rope bridges, and enjoy numerous seasonal activities.
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Located next door in Decatur is the Fernbank Museum of National History. It features an exhibit called A Walk through Time in Georgia that tells the history of the state, large dinosaur skeletons made from fossils, an IMAX theater, and various events and exhibits throughout the year. It sits next to the 65-acre largest old-growth urban Piedmont forest in the United States.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Atlanta Botanical Garden is about 8 miles west of Scottdale, and it is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the country. The 30-acre facility features a restaurant, conservatory, orchid house, and so much more. There is always something in bloom.
• Zoo Atlanta – At 18 miles, Zoo Atlanta is a little further away but well worth the drive, especially if you have children. It is one the only zoos in the nation with giant pandas, and it is home to world-famous gorillas. In addition to the over 1,500 animals there, you can grab a bite to eat, shop, play on the playground, ride the carousel, and visit several demonstrations and shows.
• Eddie’s Attic – For live music in a legendary venue, head about 2 to 3 miles east towards Decatur to Eddie’s Attic. Artists like The Civil Wars, John Mayer, and Sugarland got their start there, and other artists who have graced the stage include India Arie, Edwin McCain, Indigo Girls, Sheryl Crow, The Black Crowes, and Justin Bieber.

• Avondale Middle School
• Druid Hills Middle School

• Clarkston High School