Moving to Dunwoody

Dunwoody, formerly known as “location, location, location,” is a good place to live, if you need to locate for flexibility to have equal access to I-85 and I-75.  It is especially good if you also work in Dunwoody.  If not, you can commute easily to work in Norcross, Doraville, Chambliss, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta or Atlanta.  You have equal access to Gwinnett, Fulton and DeKalb. It’s always good to avoid rush-hour traffic when you can, especially where it backs up at I-285 and I-85 or I-75 and GA-400.

There is gridlock in Dunwoody by Perimeter Mall at I-285 and Ashford Dunwoody Road during rush hour, so if you can go around that, you’re ok.

Homeowner problems in Dunwoody have prompted homeowners to hire lawyers to protect them from having lots split, having medical treatment facilities located in the middle of subdivisions and fear of water diversion flooding due to building upstream. Other problems include car lane narrowing, excessive easements, lake dredging expenses and inaccurate plats.

Alternative Locations

Cherokee County is a good North-Central location for some families depending on their commutes to work. What you will find in most unincorporated areas is that there is more freedom from the usual city permit tyranny and more freedom to use your land without government harassment. However, some subdivisions may have restrictions you need to check.

Things to Check

Before you buy a home, check the plat to see what easements exist.  If the easements are excessive, you need to know that part of your lot may be subject to seizure.

If you want the freedom to store a boat or trailer in your yard or put up a chicken coop or greenhouse you should find out what your restrictions are.

You should check what permits you may be required to get and for what purposes.  Find out what inspection fees you will need to pay to replace your driveway or roof or have your electrical and plumbing replaced or appliances replaced.  Also find out what fines you will have to pay if you if you don’t get these permits. These charges should be listed on the city or county government website.

Check your city or county “Land Use and Zoning Plans”.  Look for land disturbance permits and stream buffer requirements for creeks that could also limit your use of your yard. If there is a sidewalk in your yard, you will probably be responsible for repairing it when it cracks.

These city and county laws were not as numerous, onerous or severe as they are now.  Homeowner abuse by government is a recent phenomenon.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader