Bursting with charm, new developments hitting Dunwoody make it a neighborhood to watch
There's a reason this Atlanta suburb is nicknamed "Funwoody"
Perched on the top end of the Perimeter (I-285) at the northern tip of Dekalb County and bounded by the Fulton County line on the north and west, Dunwoody is a familiar destination for Atlanta shoppers visiting the second largest mall in Georgia, Perimeter Mall. But residents will tell you there’s more than primo department stores here, including a lovely array of historic structures from the early 1900s, traditional homes on large lots, newer swim and tennis communities, plus luxury townhome and condominium communities. Drive through any neighborhood in Dunwoody and you’ll likely see folks riding bikes and neighbors chatting—an idyllic Atlanta suburb.
History
Dunwoody has only officially been a city since 2008, but its roots date back to the early 1800s when a Cherokee tribe first inhabited the area, and it was the busiest trading center in the vicinity. Dunwoody is named for Major Charles Dunwody (who indeed spelled his name with one “o”—an extra “o” was added courtesy of an incorrect spelling on a bank note). The Dunwody family founded the Roswell Manufacturing Company cotton mills, which employed about 400 people in the area. The Dunwoody Farmhouse at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Chamblee Dunwoody roads is the geographical center of the city, and is the reason the Dunwoody Preservation Trust exists. In 1994, rather than see it torn down, neighbors rallied their community to save it and founded the organization in the process. Since then, the Dunwoody Farmhouse has become the symbol of Dunwoody, appearing on both the city seal and logo. Originally built in 1906, it is now a community gathering place for celebrations like Fourth of July and “Light Up Dunwoody” holiday events.
$446
Highest price per square foot (last 12 months, single-family homes)
110
Acres of Dunwoody’s signature Brook Run Park, which includes a 2-mile loop trail, amphitheater, ballfields, dog park, and play areas
$804,915
Average sale price (last 12 months, single family homes)
Future
The historic Dunwoody Village, known since the 1970s for its distinctive Colonial Williamsburg architectural style and as the location of the iconic Dunwoody Farmhouse, has been polished up by restaurateurs and entrepreneurs who saw the opportunity to make this community even more vibrant, family-friendly, and connected. David Abes, owner of Dash Hospitality (formerly of Here to Serve and Buckhead Life), grew up in Dunwoody and is a current resident. In 2020, he stood in an underutilized and quiet Dunwoody Village and had a vision for a “center of gravity for Dunwoody.” Says Abes, “When I was a kid, this is where we biked up to. It was the heart of Dunwoody. I wanted to bring that back—a central hub. And I was tired of my wife saying ‘let’s go to Alpharetta.’” His plan to create a vibrant city center was realized in 2021 with the opening of Bar{n}, a neighborhood whiskey and wine bar, along with The Funwoody Food Truck. Morty’s Meat & Supply and Message in a Bottle followed, as did a steady stream of activity in “The Village,” which also now hosts regular festivals, live music, and watch parties on the outdoor big screen. Next up is Good Vibes Ice Cream Shop & Soda Pop, opening this spring.
“Dunwoody is family-friendly with a strong sense of community. Picture tree-lined streets filled with well-maintained parks, coffee shops, and enough wonderful restaurants to ensure you’ll never have to cook if you don’t want to.”—Gina Christman, AH&L Publisher Emeritus and Dunwoody Resident
IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW
Now a trademarked term, Funwoody is more than just a cute nickname for the city, but a movement created by residents to bring back the fun community vibes they enjoyed decades ago. Says resident and Dash Hospitality owner David Abes, “Funwoody is about the events that bring 1,000 people together for a tree lighting, or Green Eggs and Kegs cooking event in the spring. Funwoody events are a big mix of young families, older people, people with their dogs, singles, everyone just enjoying our community.”
NOTABLE MENTION
Dunwoody is home to the 115-year-old Marcus Jewish Community Center, widely regarded as one of the largest and most impactful JCCs in the country. A tangible sign of love and support for the center is its tremendously successful capital campaign, which launched in 2023 and within a year, announced the goal of $36 million had been eclipsed by nearly half a million dollars. Funds raised are used to enhance the center’s rich amenities (including aquatics and pickleball) and programming (from preschool to active seniors).
BIG BRAG
Morty’s Meat & Supply in Dunwoody Village proudly displays a Dunwoody wall of fame of sorts, highlighting residents from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, with a full Ryan Seacrest tribute. The multitalented, ubiquitous Seacrest is possibly Dunwoody’s all-time most famous former resident.
MASCOT
A dinosaur (a nod to the infamous Dinowoody inflatables).