Scottdale

History of Scottdale, GA

During the late 1800s, a former Confederate Army Colonel and plantation owner named George Washington Scott moved to a little community just east of Atlanta and built the Scottdale Cotton Mill, and soon, series of small ranch-style homes began popping up around it for the workers. For the next several decades, the Scottdale Cotton Mill saw great success, but it eventually closed in 1982. Since many of its employees found work in other parts of Atlanta, they were able to remain in their homes in the community.

Quick Facts

• 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.

Demographics

The median household income in Scottdale is around $20,000 for individuals and $28,000 for families. Over 67 percent of households have children under the age of 18 living in them. The median age is around 31 years old.

Local Attractions

Scottdale is a mostly residential area with a few parks, antique shops, and grocery stores within its boundaries, but it is just minutes away from exciting Metro Atlanta attractions like Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Dining

• 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.

Transportation

• 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.

Shopping

• 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.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• 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.

Real Estate Information

The majority of the homes in Scottdale are one-story and ranch style homes built during the early to mid-20th century to accommodate the employees at the old mill. Some of them have been renovated, and in recent years, some have been removed in favor of new construction as part of a plan to revitalize the community. Scottdale’s neighborhoods are mostly wooded with plenty of mature growth trees and green grassy lawns on every street.

Average Price of Homes

Home prices in Scottdale typically fall between $70,000 and $400,000 with most falling between $100,000 and $200,000. The median home value is $110,000. The median sales price is around $136,000.