Sandy Springs

Resting against the Chattahoochee River, the Dunwoody Panhandle features luxurious homes situated among rolling hills and tree-lined streets. In addition to its idyllic setting, just north of Dunwoody’s city center, the area is conveniently located 20 miles from downtown Atlanta, which is accessible by nearby interstates and MARTA subway stations. “It’s very close to the Dunwoody Country Club, which is important to people moving here,” says Rachel Provow, a Realtor with Home Real Estate and Dunwoody resident. “Some of the properties face or are on the Chattahoochee River.” Winding neighborhood streets give way to spacious, well-maintained yards with tall trees scattered throughout. The home inventory includes everything from Colonial Revivals and split-levels to Cape Cods and condos. Some of the higher-priced properties feature amenities such as guest cottages, pools and river views. “It’s a great area for people who love the outdoors and want a little more land,” says Richard Beeman, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, who has been selling homes in the area for 20 years. “You can get lots on two-plus acres out there. The Chattahoochee River and the recreational areas are big draws.” Condos can range from the low $200,000s to $300,000, while single-family homes typically run from $800,000 to $1.25 million. “There are a couple of factors that determine how fast properties move. First is the condition and how updated the property is because these homes tend to be larger, and it is a lot of house to renovate if they are needed. Secondly, the yard is important because some lots slope off in the back, leaving you with no yard. These homes take longer to sell,” Provow says. Dunwoody Panhandle has an overall crime score of 2 out of 10, according to the CAP Index Crime Score, significantly lower than the national average of 4. Dunwoody Panhandle is served by Fulton County Schools, which scores an A-minus on Niche and is the fourth-largest school system in Georgia. Students head to Dunwoody Springs Elementary, Sandy Springs Middle and North Springs High School. The schools score B, B-plus and A Niche grades, respectively. North Springs is Georgia’s only dual magnet school offering programs in math and sciences and visual and performing arts. Famous alumni include musicians Gunna, Playboi Carti and Usher. "Parents like to send their kids to private school. Not because there is anything wrong with the public schools, but they have the means to send their children to private schools," Provow says. Many nearby options exist, including The Davis Academy, the largest Reform Jewish Day School in the country. Dunwoody Panhandle is home to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area - Island Ford, a popular spot for kayaking and fishing. The park on Roberts Drive features 3 miles of hiking trails that curve along the river. It’s also the site of Hewlett Lodge, the former summer home of Georgia Superior Court Justice Samuel Hewlett, which is now the visitor’s center at the park. Many residents in the panhandle are members of the Dunwoody Country Club, a social and family-oriented club on Dunwoody Club Drive. The club, which can only be joined by invitation, offers an 18-hole championship golf course, a swimming pool and a tennis facility. There’s no shortage of retail options in Dunwoody Panhandle. At Orchard Park Shopping Center on Dunwoody Club Drive, locals can stock up on groceries at Kroger, go dress shopping at Jilli Boutique or grab a bite to eat at Los Rancheros Mexican Restaurant. Spalding Corners on Spalding Drive counts a Publix, a hair salon, a liquor store and popular restaurants like Dagwood’s Pizza. The famous Phipps Plaza in Atlanta, with high-end boutiques like Gucci and Versace, is about 10 miles south by way of Georgia 400. Commuters into Atlanta have easy access to Interstate 285, known as the Perimeter, which encircles Atlanta and connects three major interstates – I-20, I-75, and I-85 – in the city. The other option is Georgia State Route 400, which runs to north Atlanta and right through Dunwoody. MARTA subway stations in Dunwoody, Medical Center, North Springs and Sandy Springs are all within about 5 miles. Residents can reach downtown Atlanta by traveling 20 miles south on Interstate 85 and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is 30 miles away on the same stretch of road. Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital is about 6 miles southwest on Peachtree Dunwoody Road. The city of Dunwoody hosts the largest Independence Day parade in Georgia. Every year on July 4, more than 32,000 people line the 2.7-mile parade route that starts off on Jett Ferry Road. The Dunwoody 4th of July Parade features marching bands, decorated floats and vintage cars.

ITP Sandy Springs’ name alludes to its allure. The neighborhood is tucked inside the Interstate 285 perimeter, a prime location that allows residents easy access to all that greater Sandy Springs, Buckhead and Atlanta have to offer. The area is not without its own charms. There’s plenty of shopping and green space, with the Chattahoochee River providing a natural western border. “It seems like there is a wave of people moving north from Buckhead but want to stay inside the perimeter,” says Lindsey Tilley, a Realtor with Ansley Atlanta Real Estate, LLC. “You get the best of both worlds because you get all the amenities of Buckhead while paying Sandy Springs taxes, which are lower.” ITP Sandy Springs offers a wide variety of home styles including condos, ranch houses and Greek Revival estates. While the area lacks sidewalks, most single-family homes come with plenty of land to roam around on. It’s not hard to find properties with an acre or more. “We love it here because we have been able to get two houses on at least half an acre,” Tilley says. The average sales price hovers around $1 million. A two-bedroom condo could be found for $300,000, while an eight-bedroom mansion might fetch upwards of $6 million. “The market is moving fast, but that is to be expected with its location,” Tilley says. The Prado on Roswell Road serves as a hub for shopping and dining. The shopping center offers everything from Target to casual eateries like Taco Mac, a popular regional chain known for its wings. For something more upscale, try Ray’s on the River for a steak dinner and views of the Chattahoochee River. Grocery shopping is painless with chains like Whole Foods, Publix and Kroger scattered throughout the area. “We are within a mile of five grocery stores, easily,” Tilley says. Just outside the perimeter, City Green park on Galambos Way hosts multiple community events. City Green Live is a free Friday night monthly concert series that runs from April through October and the Sandy Springs Farmers Market also takes place there on Saturdays from April through November. Heards Ferry Elementary, Ridgeview Charter Middle, and Riverwood International Charter High serve the neighborhood. Part of the Fulton County Schools district, the elementary and high schools score A Niche grades, while the middle school scores an A-minus. Home of the Raiders, the high school boasts a 93 percent graduation rate compared to the 84 percent state average. Multiple private schools are also in the area, including The Schenck School on Mt. Paran Road Northwest. It’s one of the premier schools for students with dyslexia in the country. Windsor Meadows Park, on Windsor Parkway, is a four-acre open green space with a walking trail that runs along Nancy Creek. Chastain Park, the third largest park in Atlanta, is just south of the neighborhood in Buckhead. Loaded with amenities, it features a horse park, public golf course and the Cadence Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park, a Live Nation venue that attracts some of the biggest names in music. Residents can access the Chattahoochee River at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area on Interstate North Parkway. The river is a top spot for trout fishing and kayaking. ITP Sandy Springs is located directly south of the Interstate 285 loop, which quickly connects residents to Interstate 75, Interstate 85 and State Route 400. “The biggest thing about this area is the convenience,” says Sara Ohmer, a Realtor with Harry Norman Realtors, who has been selling homes in the area for more than 20 years. “You can truly get to everywhere really quickly.” Downtown Atlanta is 15 miles south on Interstate 85, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta is 25 miles away along the same stretch of road. Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital is located on Peachtree Dunwoody Road and Northside Hospital Atlanta is just across the street on Johnson Ferry Road.