10 Things to Know Before Moving to Dunwoody, GA

Dunwoody, GA, a youthful city brimming with growth potential, sits just 17 miles north of Atlanta. It serves as an ideal suburban haven for Atlanta commuters or a tranquil home base for young families. 

Named after Major Charles Dunwody, the city’s early days were marked by a comical spelling error that led to its unique name. Despite its humble beginnings in the 1830s, Dunwoody has evolved into a vibrant community, offering a wealth of benefits to its residents.

Let’s check out ten things to know before moving to Dunwoody, GA!

1. Dunwoody’s cost of living is 10% higher than the national average

Dunwoody, being one of Georgia’s pricier areas, boasts a cost of living approximately 10% higher than the national average. This is primarily driven by the expensive housing market and local transportation costs.

The median home price is $618,040. For renters, the average monthly rent in Dunwoody ranges from $1,289 for a one-bedroom to around $2,029 for a four-bedroom.

2. Dunwoody is home to the Art Institute of Atlanta

Comprising approximately 16.3% of Dunwoody’s population, there are roughly 7,964 children aged 5 to 17 in the city. These students attend schools within the esteemed Dekalb County School District, ensuring quality education year after year.

Parents in Dunwoody can choose from top-notch local schools such as Austin Elementary School, Dunwoody Elementary School, Kingsley Elementary School, and Dunwoody High School. 

Additionally, the city hosts the Art Institute of Atlanta, offering recent high school graduates a solid secondary education. For those seeking alternatives, Oglethorpe University is conveniently located just 6 miles south in Brookhaven.

3. Explore Brook Run Park or Dunwoody Nature Center

After settling in Dunwoody, you’ll surely want to explore all it has to offer. One of the highlights is Brook Run Park, a sprawling destination featuring a playground, skate park, baseball fields, walking trails, and a dog park. For the adventurous, the park’s Treetop Quest offers an aerial adventure park and zip lines. 

The Dunwoody Nature Center is another must-visit, offering hiking trails, Wildcat Creek for wading, lovely gardens, and a playground for children. Unique classes and events are also held at the center’s treehouse location, making it a vibrant hub of activity.

4. Eat at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse or Village Burger

You’ll want to know the best dining spots in Dunwoody for those times when you don’t feel like cooking. Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse offers an upscale dining experience with a menu featuring a variety of Brazilian dishes, including steak, chicken, lamb, pork, seafood, sides, and desserts.

For a more casual dining option, visit Village Burger. They serve up a delicious selection of burgers, including their House Burger and the popular Village Burger. Don’t miss their tasty sides like french fries, onion rings, pickle chips, and coleslaw.

5. Work in sectors like technical services, healthcare, financial services, or insurance

Dunwoody residents are employed by several prominent companies based in the city. Among the top employers offering jobs to locals are Northside Hospital, Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG), APEX Systems, Convergent Outsourcing, and CGS. 

These companies, along with others, contribute to Dunwoody’s main industries, including technical services, healthcare, financial services, insurance, retail, and information technology. With a median household income of $87,252, residents enjoy stable employment opportunities and economic prosperity.

6. Atlanta is 17 miles away

Dunwoody’s prime location offers easy access to Atlanta, a bustling cultural and economic center in the southeastern United States. Just north of Atlanta, Dunwoody provides residents with convenient proximity to a wealth of cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and business opportunities. 

This accessibility enhances Dunwoody’s appeal as a residential community, providing urban amenities in a suburban setting. The distance between Atlanta and Dunwoody is approximately 17 miles.

7. Go shopping at Perimeter Mall

Perimeter Mall stands out as one of the Southeast’s largest shopping centers, setting the standard for upscale shopping in Dunwoody. Known for its high-end retailers, unique boutiques, and varied dining choices, the mall draws shoppers seeking a top-tier retail experience. 

Dunwoody’s status as a top shopping destination adds to its allure as a lively and diverse community for locals.

8. Dunwoody has a property crime problem

With only a violent crime rate of 12.5 compared to 22.7 nationally, Dunwoody residents bask in enhanced public safety. Proactive policing, community watch programs, and engaged neighborhoods have all contributed to driving down serious criminal activity over the past decade. 

However, the city still sees higher property crime rates at 58.8, compared to the national average of 35.4. To counter non-violent theft and burglaries, police have increased targeted patrols, while citizens have hardened homes and vehicles against unlawful entry. Though no city can eliminate crime completely, Dunwoody remains committed to collaborative strategies for maintaining its reputation as one of Georgia’s relatively safe communities.

9. It hardly snows in Dunwoody

Blessed with agreeable weather throughout the year, Dunwoody provides residents with a comfortable climate to enjoy the outdoors. Summers are warm and muggy, averaging a high of 78 degrees Fahrenheit under sunny skies. Winters are mild, with daily temperatures typically remaining above freezing even on cooler days. 

Compared to national averages, Dunwoody sees higher rainfall at 54 inches per year, allowing lush greenery to thrive. But this Atlanta suburb gets far less snow than the rest of the country, averaging just 1 inch annually. With pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunny days year-round, Dunwoody’s moderate climate is ideal for an active lifestyle in the fresh air.

10. A rich history and artistic culture

The residents of Dunwoody take great pride in their city’s rich cultural and historical background, with a strong emphasis on preservation. The threatened demolition of the 1906 ‘Dunwoody Farmhouse’ in 1994 led to the establishment of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, sparking a community effort to save the building. Today, this farmhouse stands as a symbol of the city’s heritage and serves as a focal point for various community events.

At the heart of Dunwoody’s arts scene are the Spruill Center For The Arts and the Spruill Gallery, showcasing works by local and regional artists. A mural outside the gallery with the message “Everything Will Be OK” has become an iconic feature of Dunwoody Village, thanks to the efforts of locals to ensure its permanence.

To Sum it All Up

For potential residents weighing a move to Dunwoody, GA, the town offers quality schools, low violent crime, mild weather, and good jobs. However, high costs of living, long commutes to Atlanta, and property crime challenges may deter some.  

Overall, Dunwoody provides a charming suburb with both advantages and disadvantages to consider before relocating.