Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Brookhaven ~ A Most Liveable City That Defies Definition


When Atlantans old and new hear the name Brookhaven any number of images may come to mind. One may think of Oglethorpe. Another the Capital City Club. Yet others may contemplate Cross Keys, Murphey Candler, Brookhaven Village or Lynwood. 

Even each of these can evoke thoughts of a neighborhood, school, park or historic development, depending on who is doing the thinking.



Brookhaven's rich history dates to the early 1800s, when the first European settlers established permanent homes. This was long before there was even a Terminus, Thrasherville or Marthasville - early names for what is now Atlanta.

An early settlement known as Cross Keys emerged in the 1870's. Beginning circa 1900 Georgians began building summer homes in the vicinity. A golf course that would become The Capital City Country Club followed, and in 1914 spacious nearby lots were released as Oglethorpe Park.



What was fast becoming an elegant community was incorporated as the city of North Atlanta in 1924. By popular vote the city's charter was dissolved in 1965. By 1980 buildable space in the area was scarce. In 1986 a large district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, creating the known as Historic Brookhaven.

In 2012 renewed municipal interest resulted in the incorporation of the City of Brookhaven, again bringing local control back to the community.



With a population of just over 50,000, Brookhaven is located in western DeKalb County and is its largest city. 

Brookhaven enjoys easy access to I-85, I-285, and Georgia 400, and has its own MARTA station. Efforts are underway to improve mobility from Brookhaven to communities across north metro Atlanta via the Peachtree Gateway Partnership.



The 2015 median property value was $368,300, and the homeownership rate is 50%.

Brookhaven is anchored by strong public and private schools, vital to every stability and desirability of every vibrant community. 



With an average age of 34 years old, 62% of Brookhaven residents hold a 4-year degree or higher. Median income excedes $70,000. Companies are drawn here to attract high skill employees. Brookhaven ranks among the best communities for millennials in Georgia and one of the most diverse suburbs of Atlanta.

Founded in 1835, Oglethorpe University remains a stately architectural and educational treasure. Oglethorpe’s art museum features three galleries offering year round exhibits.The dining hall even offers exceptional fare for those on a budget.


The community abounds in undeveloped and manicured terrain, with a multitude of parks, preserves and trails. Despite growing demand for residential and business space, city planners hold firm to preservation of nature. Peachtree Creek Greenway provides 12 miles of open space to bike, jog and stroll.



Brookhaven bustles with activity year round and is host to a Cherry Blossom Festival, Chili Cookoff, Arts Festival, Beer Fest and a myriad of other festivities. The city offers so many events each year no single website can cover them all.



Dining and entertainment is vital to everyday Brookhaven life. From fine dining to family restaurants and unique food trucks, the city offers virtually every imaginable cuisine.

The Brookhaven Post, Brookhaven Neighbor, Brookhaven Patch and Brookhaven Reporter keep residents and visitors informed on happenings around town.

As rich as Brookhaven's past and present, its future may be brighter still. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta recently announced plans for a major new facility.



Brookhaven recently earned Movoto Real Estate recognition as the Most Exciting Place to Live in Georgia based on its youthful
population, and variety of nightlife, music venues and the arts.

Whatever image comes to mind when one hears Brookhaven, it is indeed a most desirable place to call home.