With a growing population of 53,819 residents, Brookhaven, located in western DeKalb County, has become an Atlanta hot spot for real estate and lifestyle. A newer addition to the Atlanta area, Brookhaven became DeKalb County’s 11th city on December 17, 2012 and is located directly northeast of the city. Atlanta residents began constructing summer cottages in the community around the 1900s, and in 1924 the area was incorporated as the city of North Atlanta.

In the 1950s to the 1970s, big time commercial and residential development took place in Brookhaven, which led to the area being largely built-out by 1980. The Capital City Club and its surrounding estate homes were placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is now known as “Historic Brookhaven.” Today, the city has grown tremendously and shows no signs of stopping.

Neighborhoods in Brookhaven range from the charming Historic Brookhaven, to the modern, urban town center of Brookhaven Village. Due to their curb appeal and prime location, homes in Brookhaven are in high demand. There are currently no available homes listed on Zillow but they typically start in the $600,000s and range to upwards of $2,500,000.

Children of Brookhaven families attend one of Atlanta’s finest public school systems and are located near the campuses of some of Georgia’s well-recognized colleges. Some schools found in the area are Dunwoody Elementary, Fernbank Elementary, Cedar Grove Middle, Sequoyah Middle, Marist School and Cross Keys High. Located nearby is Oglethorpe University, which is a highly accredited private university in the U.S.

Ashford- Dunwoody Road provides easy access to I-285. Brookhaven’s MARTA station, Chamblee and Peachtree Roads provide direct access to Atlanta, so a day of big-city shopping and dining is just a ride away.

Checking out the Brookhaven area will not lead to disappointment. Here are some suggestions of what to see and do when you’re in town:

Shopping and Dining

• Verde. This fun and relaxed local taqueria will quickly become a staple for families, friends and date nights. Whether you’re sitting in the privacy of a booth or out on the patio with a group of friends, Verde strives to make each guest feel at home. Verde’s menu consists of classic Mexican appetizers, fresh salads, warm quesadillas and gourmet tacos that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
• Atlanta Vintage Books. Serving the community for 30 years, this independent, neighborhood bookstore offers new and used books. With over 75,000 books, there is something for everyone.
• Redefined Home Boutique. Find custom, locally made furniture or decor pieces for your home in this home boutique. Offering unique, carefully selected pieces to make your home cozy and put together.
• Vestique. A contemporary clothing store for women that offers a unique and fun shopping experience.
• Haven. This urban eatery features a crisp, hearty selection of American cuisine. The seasonal menu will have you returning as the leaves change to discover what new delicacies the chef has to offer. The warm ambiance is completed by soft lighting, earth tones and dark rustic woods, making for a comforting, upscale dining experience.
• Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub. An authentic Irish Pub found in the middle of Brookhaven. This pub features fish & chips, bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage and shepherd’s pie.
• Kaleidoscope. Serving an international, eclectic fare, this roomy, comfy neighborhood spot is a favorite among locals. The menu is every changing, just as a kaleidoscope changes color and pattern over time.

Entertainment and Recreation

• Brookhaven Park. This nine-acre park is a beloved destination within the Brookhaven community. The park serves as a place to leisurely catch up with friends, play sports, host a picnic or simply walk the dog.
• Murphy Candler Park. Offering 135 acres of walking trails around a lake, baseball fields, picnic areas and a swimming pool.
• Oglethorpe University Museum of Art. The only small liberal arts museum in the southeast that regularly shows international and local art exhibitions.
• Brookhaven Farmer’s Market. Providing healthy, local produce and other goods, this farmers market can be shopped every Saturday from late March to early November.
• Ashford Forest Preserve. A park consisting of 30-acres of old growth forest, several springs, a meadow and a wetland area. The walking trails throughout are perfect for walking, running or riding a bike.
• Peachtree Creek Greenway. A multi-use trail connecting all the communities located on the North Fork Peachtree Creek and eventually connects to Path400 and the Atlanta BeltLine. The completed part in Brookhaven is 1.3 miles and runs from North Druid Hills Road to Briarwood Road.

History and Attractions

• Oglethorpe University. Founded in 1835, this university’s gothic campus marks a point of history in the state of Georgia. On average, Oglethorpe University enrolls over 1,000 students annually and is considered to be one of America’s most selective liberal arts institutions.
• Brookhaven Historic District. Developed in 1910, Brookhaven Historic District represents the oldest golf course and country club residential community in Georgia. The community features a golf course, lake, woodlands and a clubhouse.

Add Brookhaven to the top of your activities list, and experience all the charm and history it has to offer. For more information on DeKalb County homes, visit www.AtlantaRealEstateForum.com.