Dunwoody traces its roots back to the Cherokee tribe, who called the area “Standing Peach Tree” for its fertile farmland. Over time, this farmland supported a manufacturing hub aided by the Roswell Railroad. While the railroad is now just a part of the city’s history, many residents today still travel by rail via the MARTA trains to get into Atlanta. Dunwoody has a population of just over 50,000 but maintains a homey feel for many long-time residents like Matthew Weber, a Realtor with Real Broker, LLC. “I love living in Dunwoody, and at this point, I don’t think I’ll leave," he says. "It feels like a small town outside a major city."
Local employers include the DeKalb County School District and Peachford Hospital. Neighboring Sandy Springs is also home to Fortune 500 companies, such as United Parcel Service, WestRock and Cox Enterprises. However, for many Dunwoody residents, the 20-mile commute into Atlanta is common. The city is known for its community events, including Georgia’s largest Independence Day parade. There's also ample green space, with Brook Run Park being one of the largest parks in the region. Locals enjoy easy access to Perimeter Mall, the second-largest mall in Georgia, and proximity to many independently owned businesses.
Aerial View of the Main Retail Area of Dunwoody, at Chamblee Dunwoody Rd and Mount Vernon Road.
Dunwoody has great shopping and green spaces.
The Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody is a great place to shop and catch up with friends.
The Massive Skate Park at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody.
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Condos, townhouses and acreage just outside Atlanta
Dunwoody offers a mix of housing options, from suburban neighborhoods with single-family homes to apartments, townhouses and condos concentrated near Perimeter Mall and Dunwoody Village. Many of the city’s subdivisions feature wide, leafy streets and spacious, well-kept front yards. The local real estate market has been defined by its low inventory. "As a whole, the market is moving slowly. When houses get listed, are priced right and are in good condition, they move extremely fast,” Weber says. The median home price in Dunwoody is about $635,000, slightly under neighboring Sandy Springs’ $650,000 median. However, prices have been climbing, according to Weber, with some properties surpassing $1 million.
A Typical Newer Home Stye in Dunwoody.
A Typical Neighborhood Street of Newer Homes in Dunwoody.
A Colonial Style Home in Dunwoody.
A Ranch Style Home in Dunwoody.
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Dunwoody High School is A-rated
Children in Dunwoody attend schools in the DeKalb County School District, the third-largest in Georgia, with a C-plus rating on Niche. The city has several elementary schools, one middle school and a high school. A-rated Dunwoody High School is an AP Honor School and TV host Ryan Seacrest’s alma mater. The school is home to the Academy of Finance and Mass Communications, a two-year program offering students hands-on activities and internship opportunities. Dunwoody also has private schools, including Dunwoody Christian School and Crossroads Christian Academy. For higher education options, Georgia State University’s Perimeter College–Dunwoody Campus is a two-year institution located in the city.
Enjoy the Dunwoody High School track and field.
The Main Entrance of Dunwoody High School.
Main Entrance of Peachtree Middle School in Dunwoody.
Entrance to Crossroads Christian Academy School in Dunwoody.
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Trails and community concerts at Brook Run Park
The city offers about 200 acres of recreational space across seven major parks. “We also have a nice library, and Alliance Theater has been around for many years,” says Mary Katherine Sharp, a lifelong resident and employee of Blooms of Dunwoody, a locally owned floral shop. She points to Brook Run Park as a popular spot for outdoor activities. Covering 110 acres, it’s the city's largest park and received upgrades in 2020 that included new sports fields, a skate park and a nine-hole disc golf course. One of its most used features is a multiuse trail that connects to Pernoshal and Georgetown parks. There’s also an amphitheater that hosts events like concerts and a farmers market. Not far from Brook Run is the Dunwoody Nature Center, a nonprofit that attracts 30,000 visitors annually. The community is also active in tennis and swim clubs. The private Dunwoody Country Club features an 18-hole golf course for members.
Like much of Georgia, Dunwoody experiences all four seasons, with summers bringing long waves of heat, cool autumns and short, brisk winters. Dunwoody does experience tropical storm risk and flooding during heavy rainfall.
Soccor practice at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, GA.
Guy shredding at the skate park in Dunwoody, GA.
The Dunwoody Nature Center Offers Nature Trails and Activities.
The Amphitheater at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody.
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The Perimeter Mall and weekly farmers market
Dunwoody is filled with shopping centers, chain restaurants and local shops. The city is home to Perimeter Mall, the second-largest mall in Georgia, featuring over 150 retailers and eateries. Small businesses line downtown Dunwoody. “I love the beauty of Dunwoody. We have great parks, historic businesses, community, churches and places to shop like Perimeter Mall and Dunwoody Village, which has Fresh Market and Starbucks,” Sharp says. Brook Run Park's Saturday morning farmers market was established in the 1970s and sells homebaked goods, produce and crafts.
Dunwoody
Village Burger is a local hot spot in Dunwoody, GA.
Dunwoody
Bar{n} Booze {n} Bites Restaurant at The Village Shopping and Dining Area in Dunwoody.
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The largest Fourth of July Parade in Georgia
The Dunwoody Homeowners Association and The Reporter, the local newspaper, host Georgia’s largest Independence Day Parade attracting over 30,000 spectators each year. In April, the Dunwoody Preservation Trust hosts Lemonade Days at Brook Run Park, its biggest fundraiser. The five-day event features carnival rides, games and Dunwoody Idol, a talent show showcasing local middle and high school students. It’s a fun nod to the city’s connection to Ryan Seacrest, host of American Idol.
The Dunwoody Reporter covers everything from council meetings to future events in the city.
The Dunwoody Homeowners Association comes up with exciting ways to bring life to the city.
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Just north of the Atlanta Perimeter
Located just north of the Atlanta Perimeter, Dunwoody offers easy commutes into the city. “It’s close to major interstates with multiple routes,” Weber says. The city is connected to Georgia Highway 400, just north of I-285, a critical link between I-20, I-75 and I-85 for downtown access. Ongoing construction along I-285 is part of the $4.6 billion I-285/GA-400 projects, adding lanes and ramps to ease congestion. Though the work has caused some disruptions, it’s expected to improve traffic flow in the long run. Dunwoody is less than 30 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and residents can also catch the Metropolitan Atlanta Area Transit Authority (MARTA) Red Line at the Dunwoody Rail Station. The city is 3 miles from Emory Saint Joseph’s and Northside Hospital Atlanta.
The North Springs MARTA Light Rail Station in Dunwoody.
Dunwoody is right off of 285 the beltway that goes around the city.
Dunwoody residents can utilize the MARTA rail to access nearby cities.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a 30 minute drive from Dunwoody.
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Overall crime in Dunwoody is lower than in Atlanta
According to the Dunwoody Police Department’s Crime Comparison for 2023-2024, violent crime has increased by 10% over the past year, while property crime has decreased by 4%. Despite the rise in violent crime, overall rates remain consistently lower than those in Atlanta. The Dunwoody Police Department also offers community programs like Christmas for Kids, which collects gifts for local children and a Teen Police Academy.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
