City Comparison · DeKalb County
Dunwoody vs. Brookhaven: Which DeKalb Suburb Is Right for You?
Dunwoody and Brookhaven are neighboring DeKalb County cities, both served by MARTA rail and both above the metro-cost average — but one leans family-and-Perimeter, the other closer-in and village-walkable. Here's an honest, side-by-side comparison.
Quick answer
Dunwoody pairs a family-oriented character with the Perimeter Center job hub and a MARTA Red Line station, with median home values around $603,000. Brookhaven is closer-in and inside the Perimeter, known for the walkable Dresden Drive village and Historic Brookhaven estates, on the MARTA Gold Line, with home values around $693,000. Both are DeKalb with an 8% sales tax. Choose Dunwoody for family living near Perimeter jobs; Brookhaven for a closer-in, walkable, higher-energy scene.
At a glance
| Measure | Dunwoody | Brookhaven |
|---|---|---|
| County | DeKalb | DeKalb |
| Median household income | ~$121,900 | ~$117,700 |
| Median home value | ~$603,000 | ~$693,000 |
| Combined sales tax | 8% | 8% |
| Schools | DeKalb County (Dunwoody HS) | DeKalb County (Cross Keys, Chamblee) |
| MARTA rail | Red Line (Dunwoody) | Gold Line (Brookhaven/Oglethorpe) |
| Main highway | I-285 | Peachtree Rd, I-85 nearby |
| Known for | Perimeter Center jobs, Dunwoody Village | Dresden Drive village, Historic Brookhaven |
Income and home-value figures reflect U.S. Census Bureau (ACS) data; market prices run higher.
Cost & value
The two are close on income, with Brookhaven's home values running a bit higher — a reflection of its closer-in, inside-the-Perimeter location and estate district. Both carry DeKalb's 8% sales tax and Georgia's flat 4.99% income tax. See our cost of living in Dunwoody and cost of living in Brookhaven guides.
Schools
Both are served by the DeKalb County School District (neither has an independent city system). Dunwoody centers on the well-regarded Dunwoody High School; Brookhaven's public high schools include Cross Keys (in Brookhaven) and, for some areas, Chamblee. Attendance zones vary within Brookhaven, so confirm the zone for a specific address.
Location & getting around
Both are rare north-side suburbs with MARTA heavy rail. Dunwoody sits farther out on the Perimeter's edge, with the Red Line's Dunwoody station at Perimeter Mall and I-285 along its southern border — ideal for Perimeter-area jobs. Brookhaven is closer in, on the Gold Line at Brookhaven/Oglethorpe, along Peachtree Road with quick access to Buckhead. Brookhaven feels more urban and walkable around Dresden Drive; Dunwoody feels more suburban and family-oriented.
Who each suits
- Choose Dunwoody if you want family-oriented neighborhoods near Perimeter-area jobs, well-regarded schools, and MARTA access, a bit farther from the city core.
- Choose Brookhaven if you want a closer-in, walkable, higher-energy setting around Dresden Drive with quick Buckhead access and MARTA rail.
Planning a move? See our moving to Dunwoody and moving to Brookhaven guides.
Dunwoody vs. Brookhaven FAQ
Is Dunwoody or Brookhaven more expensive?+
Do both have MARTA rail?+
Which is more walkable?+
Which is better for families?+
Which is closer to Perimeter jobs?+
Moving to Dunwoody or Brookhaven?
LIOO Moving serves both and all of DeKalb County — Licensed Georgia Household Goods Carrier, insured crews, transparent hourly pricing, 24/7 booking.
Keep reading
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — Dunwoody & Brookhaven, Georgia (census.gov)
- DeKalb County School District · MARTA (itsmarta.com)
- Georgia sales-tax references — SalesTaxHandbook
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