Incorporated in 2012, Brookhaven is one of Georgia’s newest cities, yet the area has boasted a vibrant culture, an undeniable neighborhood atmosphere, and the ultimate in conveniences for many years. Located inside the Perimeter, it cuts a swath from I-85 to I-285. Incorporating northern stretches of Peachtree Road and Buford Highway, Brookhaven boasts just the right mixture of an intown and suburban feel.
With acclaimed local dining, plentiful parks and activities for families, and unique shopping destinations, it’s no surprise Brookhaven ranks third among Niche’s Best Georgia Suburbs for Young Professionals.
Thinking of making a move to Brookhaven? Keep reading to learn more about the amazing opportunities in DeKalb County’s largest city.
Job Opportunities
At just 12 square miles, Brookhaven is small, and it’s packed with opportunity. Major employers range from technology companies, to healthcare providers, to the Atlanta Hawks.
Brookhaven’s convenient location places it in a prime spot for commuting into Atlanta’s midtown and downtown areas. The community boasts an average commute time of about 26 minutes, which shaves about a fourth off metro Atlanta’s average commute time and is significantly shorter than commute times in most of Atlanta’s suburbs.
If you’re relocating to Brookhaven and on the hunt for a new job, the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce lists job openings for its member companies.
Homeownership Opportunities
Brookhaven is an affluent neighborhood, as shown by the median home value, which Zillow currently lists as $577,196. About a quarter of homes in the area were built in the 1960s and 1970s, and most of those remaining were constructed either earlier or in the 1980s, according to the site. Zillow typically shows several hundred homes for sale in Brookhaven at any time.
New construction is more limited in Brookhaven than in some of metro Atlanta’s larger and newer suburbs, where land is more plentiful. One current opportunity for new construction is Skyland Brookhaven, a luxury townhome community with prices starting in the mid-$400,000s. Atlanta’s fastest growing real estate brokerage, Engel & Völkers, can assist with information and home tours.
Things to Do
As a community where the average age is 33, Brookhaven is bustling with activities for adults and families alike.
The city boasts some 20 parks and greenspace areas. Joggers and walkers love the popular Peachtree Creek Greenway, a 1.3-mile stretch that will eventually link to the Atlanta BeltLine.
Ashford Park is a favorite for young children. Dubbed the Island of Misfit Toys, the large built structure, swings and giant sandbox are complemented by scores of toys community residents have left as donations for children to enjoy. Kids can play on scooters; ride-on cars and trucks; wagons; and more left by their neighbors. The highlight of a trip to Ashford Park for many children is watching the trains that pass close by.
Another family favorite is Plaza Fiesta, located off Buford Highway, an area known for its diverse international cuisine. Plaza Fiesta is home to Georgia’s largest indoor playground, so it’s an automatic win for kids on a rainy day. Adults visit for the food court (believe it or not!) and its array of authentic Central American offerings. Fiesta Plaza is a can’t-miss combination street market, shopping center and venue for cultural celebrations and events.
For more intellectual pursuits, Brookhaven residents need only to make the short trip on Peachtree Road to the stately, gothic-inspired buildings of Oglethorpe University. The Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, nestled in the top floor of the campus library, hosts three major and several smaller exhibitions each year. Lectures in the Museum and on campus are open to the community. Oglethorpe University also invites the community on campus to enjoy college theatre, basketball, baseball and more.
The shopping in Brookhaven is as diverse as the rest of the community’s offerings, ranging from upscale, local boutiques to popular national chains. You can’t mention shopping and Brookhaven in the same sentence without talking about Town Brookhaven, which offers everything from Costco to Big Peach Running Co. and LA Fitness to doctor’s offices. It’s easy to spend an afternoon getting lost in the contemporary women’s clothing at Vestique; exploring the art, jewelry and home décor at Marguerite’s on Dresden; spoiling your pet at City Dog Market; or perusing the collection of more than 75,000 books, including rare, collectible, new and used editions, in Atlanta Vintage Books.
No spring, summer or fall Saturday morning is complete without a stop by the Brookhaven Farmers Market. Vendors sell fresh produce, eggs, meats and honey alongside regionally produced confections for people and pets. Several local artisans are always on hand with pottery, jewelry and other creations as well.
Looking for more things to do in Brookhaven? Check out the Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Explore Brookhaven site!
Places to Eat
Restaurants in Brookhaven are as varied as the people who live in the city.
Running errands on a Saturday? Pick up a Cuban sandwich or empanadas at Havana Sandwich Shop, which introduced Cuban fare to the Atlanta restaurant scene when it opened its doors in 1976.
For an afternoon treat, take the kids by Southern Custard, where frozen custard is made fresh daily – and espressos are ready for the grownups who need a little pick-me-up.
For a date night, stop by Brookhaven Wines for a wine tasting. Go for a leisurely dinner at Arnette’s Chop Shop, where locally sourced and seasonal food products are prepared in an American style with southern influences.
A favorite for groups is Sunday dinner at Valenza’s, with three courses of Italian favorites served with family-style sides.
Of course, that’s only the tips of the iceberg when it comes to dining in Brookhaven! Find many more restaurant options at Explore Brookhaven.
Healthcare
It’s no surprise that Brookhaven’s convenient location also offers fast access to Atlanta’s top health centers. Georgia’s top four hospitals as ranked by U.S. News and World Report are all within a short distance of Brookhaven.
World-renowned Emory University Hospital, ranked No. 1, is less than four miles away, as is third-ranked Piedmont Hospital. It’s only about six miles to No. 4 Northside Hospital, home of the region’s most popular maternity care and known for delivering more babies than any community hospital in the nation. Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital, ranked No. 2, is a neighbor to Northside Hospital, just a little further away.
Nationally recognized care for children is also nearby, at either Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston near the Emory University Hospital campus or Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite near the Northside Hospital complex.
Awards
It may be a young city, but Brookhaven is already racking up awards.
In 2021, the Georgia Municipal Association and Georgia Trend Magazine named Brookhaven a Visionary City for creating positive change in the community.
In 2020, Niche ranked Brookhaven the third Best Suburb for Young Professionals in Georgia (out of 165) and the 29th Best Place for Young Professionals in Georgia (out of 397). Additionally, the city was ranked 21st in the list of Best Suburbs to Live in Georgia (out of 165).
And in 2018, Brookhaven was honored with the Latin American Association’s Corporate Champion Award.
It’s no wonder homeowners and families are finding DeKalb County’s Brookhaven the perfect place to call home. Not only is it filled with one-of-a-kind local shopping, dining and cultural opportunities of its own, but it’s location just north of Buckhead and inside the Perimeter is also convenient to metro-Atlanta’s many employment centers, best health care, and myriad of entertainment venues. To learn more about the fun and opportunities in Brookhaven, visit www.explorebrookhaven.com.
