Is Brookhaven safe?
Brookhaven, Georgia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Brookhaven as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Brookhaven
“Go. Brookhaven is one of the safest and most affluent suburban communities in metro Atlanta, offering a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Violent crime is rare, and risks are largely limited to opportunistic property theft in commercial parking lots.”
The City of Brookhaven has continued expanding its advanced policing technology, including automated license plate readers and drone response programs, to mitigate opportunistic vehicle crimes.
About the area
Situated immediately northeast of Atlanta's Buckhead district, Brookhaven features leafy, upscale residential enclaves alongside lively dining corridors on Dresden Drive and Town Brookhaven. Visitors enjoy tranquil city parks, golf clubs, and immediate proximity to the world-renowned international culinary stretch along Buford Highway.
- Affluent Suburb
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Parks & Greenery
Walking and biking in Brookhaven
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 42/100
The paved multi-use Peachtree Creek Greenway offers dedicated cycling infrastructure, though on-street protected bike lanes remain sparse on major arterial roadways.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are well below metro Atlanta and nationwide averages.
- High economic stability with median household incomes exceeding $115,000 and low poverty rates.
- Extensive municipal park system featuring lakefront trails and recreational facilities.
Cons
- Opportunistic vehicle break-ins occur periodically in busy retail parking decks and lots.
- High automotive traffic on major thoroughfares like Peachtree Road and Ashford Dunwoody Road hinders walkability.
- Marked wealth disparities exist between affluent western residential pockets and commercial fringes along Buford Highway.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is very low throughout the city, with occasional individuals noticed near the MARTA station plaza and major intersections along Buford Highway.
What Brookhaven is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Extremely peaceful and safe, with numerous residents out jogging, walking dogs, and commuting through tree-shaded streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively around retail centers and parks with a strong community presence and virtually no safety issues.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Safe and welcoming around dining pockets like Dresden Drive and Town Brookhaven as patrons gather for dinner.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet throughout the residential neighborhoods; standard vigilance is recommended in dimly lit parking lots and near transit stations.
Transit, parking and getting around
MARTA operates the Brookhaven/Oglethorpe Gold Line rail station on Peachtree Road, providing direct rail connections to Buckhead, Midtown, and the airport, supplemented by local bus routes 8, 25, and 110.
Parking is generally plentiful and free or validated in garages at Town Brookhaven and on-street along Dresden Drive, with standard curbside availability across residential streets.
Things to do in Brookhaven
- Walk the wooded nature trails and loop the lake at Murphey Candler Park.
- Dine at local chef-driven bistros along the pedestrian-friendly Dresden Drive corridor.
- Walk or jog along the scenic, paved Peachtree Creek Greenway.
Local favorites
- Haven Restaurant and Bar · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (870)A longtime neighborhood anchor serving upscale seasonal American fare with vibrant patio seating.
- Valenza · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (740)Charming trattoria offering rustic Italian dishes, handmade pasta, and an extensive wine selection.
- Terra Terroir · Bistro & Wine Bar · 4.5★ (620)Eclectic New American spot featuring an award-winning wine list and a lush garden courtyard.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.