Brookhaven is more than a hundred years old and one of metro Atlanta’s newest cities at the same time. Just northeast of Buckhead along Peachtree Road, it grew from a railroad stop and a golf club community into a city of historic homes, mid-century neighborhoods, big parks and busy restaurant streets. If you’re thinking about buying here, here’s what to know and my step-by-step guide.
Want the big picture first? See my Brookhaven neighborhood guide for the video tour, market update and local favorites.
Brookhaven at a glance
- Location: DeKalb County city, about 10 miles northeast of Downtown Atlanta
- Neighbors: Buckhead, Chamblee, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs
- Single-family median: $952,300 (past 12 months)
- Townhome and condo median: $631,500 (past 12 months)
- Transit: Brookhaven/Oglethorpe MARTA station on Peachtree Road
- Schools: Mostly DeKalb County School District; part of Historic Brookhaven is in Atlanta Public Schools
A little history
Before Brookhaven, there was a small railroad community called Cross Keys. In 1910 the Brookhaven Country Club formed around a new idea for Georgia: a neighborhood built around a golf course. The course was laid out in 1911 and the club was soon sold to Atlanta’s Capital City Club, and homes by well-known architects went up around the fairways. Historic Brookhaven, considered Georgia’s earliest planned golf club community, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The City of Brookhaven itself wasn’t created until 2012. Nearby, Oglethorpe University laid the cornerstone of its Gothic-style campus in 1915, and its Crypt of Civilization, sealed in 1940, isn’t meant to be opened until 8113.
What it’s like to live in Brookhaven
Brookhaven puts a lot within reach. Dresden Drive in Brookhaven Village is lined with restaurants, patios and coffee shops, Town Brookhaven handles shopping and errands, and Buford Highway on the city’s southern side has one of the region’s best international food scenes. Murphey Candler Park, Blackburn Park and Brookhaven Park give you lakes, trails and tennis, and the Cherry Blossom Festival brings the whole city together each spring. The tradeoffs: busy main roads at rush hour, ongoing new construction and prices that vary a lot by neighborhood.
Homes and prices
Historic Brookhaven has Colonial, Georgian, Tudor and Dutch Colonial revival homes on large wooded lots. Ashford Park, Drew Valley and nearby neighborhoods began with 1940s and 1950s brick cottages and ranches, many now renovated, expanded or replaced with new construction. Townhomes and condos cluster near Peachtree Road and Town Brookhaven. Over the past 12 months, 234 single-family homes sold at a median of $952,300 and a median of just 9 days on the market, and 104 townhomes and condos sold at a median of $631,500 and 42 days. In October there were 60 single-family homes and 59 townhomes and condos for sale.
Who Brookhaven fits
Brookhaven tends to fit buyers who want established neighborhoods, big parks and great restaurants close to Buckhead and the Perimeter, with MARTA nearby. If you want a lower price point or a quieter road network, you may want to compare Chamblee, Doraville or Tucker too.
My step-by-step guide to buying in Brookhaven
Step 1: Get fully pre-approved
Single-family homes went under contract in a median of 9 days last year. Have your pre-approval ready before you tour.
Step 2: Pick your neighborhood first
Historic Brookhaven, Ashford Park, Drew Valley, Lynwood Park and others each have their own feel. In Brookhaven, the right neighborhood matters as much as the right house.
Step 3: Confirm the city and school district
Most of Brookhaven is in the DeKalb County School District, but part of Historic Brookhaven is in the City of Atlanta and Atlanta Public Schools. Check the exact address.
Step 4: Look at what’s being built nearby
New construction is common, so a brick ranch may sit next to a new two-story home. Ask about nearby lots and teardowns.
Step 5: Check the HOA and condo details
For townhomes and condos near Peachtree, review HOA budgets, dues, rules and any special assessments.
Step 6: Inspect carefully
For older homes, get a full inspection and a sewer scope. For new construction, still get an independent inspection.
Step 7: Test your routines
Drive or walk your daily routes on Peachtree at rush hour, try MARTA from Brookhaven/Oglethorpe, and find the park closest to the homes you like.
Local favorites in Brookhaven
- Dresden Drive, restaurants, patios and coffee shops in Brookhaven Village
- Haven, a neighborhood favorite for more than 20 years
- Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub, a go-to for brunch and casual dinners
- Town Brookhaven, shopping, restaurants and errands
- Buford Highway, international restaurants and markets
- Murphey Candler Park, about 135 acres with a lake, trail and pool
- Blackburn Park, tennis center and the spring Cherry Blossom Festival
Brookhaven FAQ
How much do homes cost in Brookhaven?
Over the past 12 months (Nov 2025–Oct 2026), single-family homes in Brookhaven sold for a median of $952,300, and townhomes and condos for $631,500, according to FMLS.
How fast do Brookhaven homes sell?
Single-family homes went under contract in a median of 9 days; townhomes and condos took 42 days.
When did Brookhaven become a city?
The City of Brookhaven was created in 2012 in DeKalb County.
What schools serve Brookhaven?
Mostly the DeKalb County School District, while part of Historic Brookhaven is in Atlanta Public Schools. Confirm each address.
Is there MARTA in Brookhaven?
Yes. The Brookhaven/Oglethorpe station sits on Peachtree Road.
What is the Crypt of Civilization?
A sealed time capsule at Oglethorpe University, closed in 1940 and meant to be opened in the year 8113.
Ready to explore Brookhaven?
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, selling, relocating to Atlanta, or looking for an agent who welcomes LGBTQ+ clients, I’d love to help you find your place in Brookhaven. Start with my Brookhaven neighborhood guide, or call or text me at 404-643-2013.