Sherwood Forest: The Hidden Atlanta Neighborhood With a Storybook Past

Atlanta’s Sherwood Forest isn’t as widely recognized as neighboring Ansley Park or Midtown—and for many Atlantans, the name likely evokes Errol Flynn before real estate. But that relative anonymity is part of the appeal. Sherwood Forest has long been defined by its discretion: hidden in plain sight, tucked into the center of the city, yet remarkably insulated from it. There are no storefronts, no grand entrances, and little reason to drive through unless you live there, and for those who know Atlanta real estate, it’s one of the most strategically positioned and quietly desirable neighborhoods in the city. The naming indeed was driven largely by the enormous success of the 1938 film The Adventures of Robin Hood, which influenced American pop culture well into the following decade. Its developers fully embraced the theme, giving the neighborhood street names like Friar Tuck, Robin Hood, and Lady Marian Lane. Today, Sherwood Forest consists of approximately 200 homes and a diverse mix of residents, including families who have lived there for more than 60 years. Architecturally, the neighborhood has evolved thoughtfully over time. Homes range from historic properties tied to some of Atlanta’s earliest residential history to classic 1950s ranch houses—many carefully expanded or restored—alongside newer construction that generally favors scale, restraint, and livability over spectacle.

History

Before it was named, Sherwood Forest was home to George Washington Collier, Atlanta’s first postmaster with city roots dating back to 1823. Collier died in 1903, and in 1904, a portion of the land was sold and became what is now Ansley Park. Sherwood Forest was planned in the 1940s by Haas & Dodd, who described it as “amply restricted,” with generous lots often ranging from half an acre to over an acre—a rarity this close to Midtown. Homes were set comfortably back from the street, framed by hardwoods and layered landscaping. In 1950, an Atlanta newspaper headline heralded the neighborhood’s success: “Young Marrieds Dwell in Sherwood Forest.” The community association quickly created a social scene; a 1954 archive includes photographs from a garden club fundraiser tea party featuring women dressed as Robin Hood characters.

$4.1M

Highest sale (for sales last 12 months)

$2.9M

Average sale price (last 12 months, single-family homes)

5,913

Average square footage (for sales last 12 months, single-family homes)

A tucked-away butler’s pantry brings a pop of color to the home.

A European-inspired wine cellar features a tumbled stone wall.

A Sherwood Forest home by Norman Askins and Susan Bozeman abounds with timeless design—including inside the light and airy kitchen.

“Sherwood Forest is one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets. Living adjacent, I go on daily walks through “The Forest” with a group of neighborhood dog dads and our doodles and retrievers. The homes are diverse, and there’s an understated elegance and community spirit that’s incredibly special.” —Tucker Berta Sarkisian

Future

As Midtown and Buckhead continue to densify, the neighborhood’s defining characteristics—low density, mature landscape, and inward orientation—become increasingly scarce. Future investment will likely take the form of careful renovation and context-sensitive new construction rather than reinvention.

IYKYK

Halloween in Sherwood Forest is of the old-school trick-or-treat days. Because the neighborhood isn’t a cut-through, costumed kids, adults, and dogs parade the streets. The highlight is the annual pizza and piñata party on Magnolia Island, a charming community garden maintained by the neighborhood association, complete with benches and a Little Free Library.

On the Rise

This hidden gem neighborhood is becoming increasingly more visible within Atlanta’s luxury real estate market, with several recent listings drawing multiple offers above $3 million—including 1646 Friar Tuck Road, which sold for $350,000 over its $3.75 million asking price after just two days on the market.

Big Brag

Legendary football coach and athletic director Bobby Dodd called Sherwood Forest home. His house on Robin Hood Road was built in 1951, and in 1957, Georgia Tech purchased it for $49,500 and gifted it to the Dodd family for use while he was employed by the school. At the time, the university president reportedly said the home was “bought in place of a salary increase because he was doing such a splendid job.” The Dodds eventually moved to Polo Drive in Ansley Park, but Georgia Tech owned the house until 1997.

Mascot

Has to be a fox.