Atlanta Perimeter Center: Your Guide to This Busy Hub in Dunwoody–Sandy Springs

Atlanta’s Perimeter Center is one of the metro area’s biggest employment, shopping, and transit hubs. If you live in Atlanta, commute to the suburbs, or are visiting and trying to understand where “Perimeter Center” fits into the city, it can be confusing at first glance.

This guide breaks down what Atlanta Perimeter Center is, where it is, how to get around, what’s there, and what to expect as a local, commuter, or visitor.

What Is “Atlanta Perimeter Center”?

Perimeter Center is a major commercial and mixed‑use district centered around Perimeter Mall and the I‑285/Ga‑400 interchange, spanning parts of:

• Dunwoody
• Sandy Springs
• A small portion of Brookhaven and unincorporated DeKalb

When people say “Atlanta Perimeter Center”, they’re usually talking about:

• The office towers and corporate headquarters clustered around Perimeter Mall
• The shopping and dining corridors along Ashford Dunwoody Road, Hammond Drive, Perimeter Center Parkway, and Perimeter Center West/East
• The nearby MARTA stations and hotels that serve commuters and business travelers

It’s technically outside the City of Atlanta, but for many residents, it functions like Atlanta’s northern edge business district, very similar in importance to Midtown or Buckhead.

Where Perimeter Center Is and How It’s Defined

General Location

Perimeter Center is roughly:

• 12–15 miles north of Downtown Atlanta
• Centered around Perimeter Mall at
  4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30346

Key borders (not official, but commonly understood):

• North: Near Mt Vernon Hwy in Dunwoody
• South: Around Hammond Drive and the I‑285/GA‑400 interchange
• West: Along Peachtree Dunwoody Rd in Sandy Springs
• East: Toward Chamblee‑Dunwoody Rd and Ashford Dunwoody Rd

You’ll see the name “Perimeter” in many local references:

• Perimeter Mall
• Perimeter Center Parkway
• Perimeter Center West/East
• Perimeter Center East/South/North office parks

Getting To and Around Perimeter Center

MARTA Access

Perimeter Center is one of the most transit‑connected suburban job centers in the Atlanta region.

Two main MARTA rail stations serve the area:

1. Dunwoody Station (Red Line)
   1200 Hammond Dr, Dunwoody, GA 30328

   • Short walk to Perimeter Mall via connected walkways
   • Close to major office towers on Hammond Dr and Ashford Dunwoody Rd

2. Sandy Springs Station (Red Line)
   1101 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30338

   • Serves offices and residential buildings mostly west of GA‑400
   • Good access to Hammond Drive and Peachtree‑Dunwoody Rd

Nearby, but less central for Perimeter Mall:

3. Medical Center Station (Red Line)
   5711 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30342
   • Serves the hospital and medical campus area just south of Perimeter Center

If you’re coming from:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  Take the Red Line northbound to Dunwoody or Sandy Springs.
• Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport:
  Take any train northbound to Five Points, then transfer to the Red Line toward North Springs.

Driving and Parking

Perimeter Center is built around the I‑285 “Perimeter” loop and GA‑400.

Key exits:

• I‑285 Exits:
  • Ashford Dunwoody Rd
  • Chamblee‑Dunwoody Rd
  • Peachtree‑Dunwoody Rd
• GA‑400 Exits:
  • Hammond Dr
  • Abernathy Rd (just north of the core district)

Traffic tip:
🚗 Rush hours (7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) around I‑285/GA‑400 can be heavy. Many commuters combine MARTA and driving by parking at stations further out and riding in.

Parking options:

• Large structured and surface parking at Perimeter Mall
• Decks attached to office complexes (may have access limits)
• MARTA park‑and‑ride at Dunwoody and Sandy Springs stations (check local signage for restrictions)

Walking and Biking

Perimeter Center has become more walkable over the past decade, especially:

• Around Perimeter Mall, Ashford Dunwoody Rd, and Hammond Dr
• Within new mixed‑use developments that add sidewalks, crosswalks, and green spaces

However:

• Crossings near the interstates and major intersections can still feel car‑oriented.
• Biking is possible but often better for short internal trips instead of long commutes, unless you’re comfortable with busy roads.

Major Landmarks in Atlanta’s Perimeter Center

Perimeter Mall

Perimeter Mall is the centerpiece of the district:

• Address: 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30346
• Anchors and many national retailers, plus restaurants along the perimeter of the property
• Connects to nearby office buildings and hotels by footpaths and pedestrian bridges

Locals use Perimeter Mall as:

• A shopping destination
• A landmark for directions
• A meeting spot for lunch, happy hour, or errands between work and home

Corporate and Office Clusters

Perimeter Center is one of metro Atlanta’s largest employment centers, home to:

• Regional and national corporate offices
• Financial services, healthcare administration, tech, and consulting firms
• Class A office towers along Hammond Dr, Peachtree‑Dunwoody Rd, and Perimeter Center Pkwy

You’ll notice high‑rise buildings around:

• Hammond Drive & Peachtree‑Dunwoody Road
• Near Dunwoody MARTA Station
• North and east of Perimeter Mall

This makes Perimeter Center a key commuting destination for people from all over the Atlanta region.

Medical and Healthcare Facilities

Just south of the core Perimeter area is “Pill Hill,” one of the largest medical clusters in the state. Nearby you’ll find:

• Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital
  5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30342
• Northside Hospital Atlanta
  1000 Johnson Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
  1001 Johnson Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342

These hospitals and surrounding medical office buildings are typically accessed via Peachtree‑Dunwoody Rd and the Medical Center MARTA Station, and are often considered part of the broader Perimeter area.

Living Near Perimeter Center

Residential Options

Perimeter Center has shifted from being strictly an office/retail area to a mixed‑use neighborhood with:

• Mid‑rise and high‑rise apartment communities
• Townhomes and condos
• Nearby single‑family neighborhoods in Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and Brookhaven

Benefits of living near Perimeter Center:

• Short commute to major employers
• Easy access to MARTA
• Walkable reach to shopping, dining, and services
• Proximity to both urban Atlanta and quieter north‑metro suburbs

Things to be aware of:

• Rents and home prices near key corridors (Hammond Dr, Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Peachtree‑Dunwoody Rd) can be on the higher side compared with some other outer suburbs.
• Traffic and noise are higher than in purely residential areas.

Schools and Local Services

Perimeter Center straddles multiple cities and counties, so school zones and services depend on the exact address:

• Dunwoody side: DeKalb County School District
• Sandy Springs side: Fulton County School District

For accurate info, it’s best to:

• Check the county school district website by address
• Contact the City of Dunwoody or City of Sandy Springs for local service questions (zoning, permits, parks, etc.)

Shopping, Dining, and Daily Errands

Shopping

Beyond Perimeter Mall, the area includes:

• Big‑box stores and strip centers along Ashford Dunwoody Rd
• Specialty shops and services on Hammond Dr and Perimeter Center West/East
• Grocery options (including supermarkets and specialty food markets) within a short drive

For many in North Atlanta, Perimeter Center is a go‑to place for errands, especially:

• Clothing, electronics, and home goods
• Banking and professional services
• Pharmacy and personal care

Dining and Nightlife

You’ll find a broad mix of:

• Quick‑service and fast‑casual spots around offices and the mall
• Sit‑down restaurants ranging from family‑friendly to upscale
• Hotel bars and restaurants geared toward business travelers
• A few lounges and late‑night spots, though nightlife is more low‑key than in Midtown or Buckhead

If you’re planning to meet someone:

• Areas around Perimeter Mall, Hammond Dr, and Ashford Dunwoody Rd are the most convenient for a range of price points and cuisines within walking distance or a short drive.

Hotels and Short‑Term Stays

Perimeter Center has a high concentration of hotels, often chosen for:

• Proximity to corporate offices
• Easy MARTA access to Downtown and the Airport
• Quick access to I‑285 and GA‑400 for regional travel

Hotels are typically clustered:

• Around Hammond Dr and Peachtree‑Dunwoody Rd
• Adjacent to Perimeter Mall
• Along Ashford Dunwoody Rd north and south of I‑285

This can be a convenient base if you:

• Have business in both Downtown/Midtown and North Fulton or Gwinnett
• Want a quieter place to stay than the core city while remaining transit‑accessible

Parks, Trails, and Things to Do Nearby

Perimeter Center itself is dense and urban‑suburban, but you’re close to several green spaces and recreation options.

Nearby highlights include:

• Brook Run Park (Dunwoody)
  4770 N Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338

  • Large park with trails, playgrounds, dog park, and community events

• Murphey Candler Park (Brookhaven)
  1551 W Nancy Creek Dr NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319

  • Lake, sports fields, and walking trails

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (multiple units)
  Several access points within a short drive west of Perimeter Center

  • Hiking, river views, and outdoor recreation

Within Perimeter Center, you’ll also find:

• Small pocket parks and plazas integrated into newer developments
• Short walking paths around office and residential complexes

Practical Tips for Using Atlanta Perimeter Center

Here’s a quick reference if you’re trying to figure out how Perimeter Center fits into your Atlanta plans:

When “Perimeter Center” Matters for Addresses and Directions

You might see “Perimeter Center” used in:

• Business addresses: e.g., “Perimeter Center West,” “Perimeter Center Parkway”
• Meeting invitations or job postings: “Position based in Atlanta – Perimeter Center”
• Apartment listings: “Luxury apartments in the Perimeter Center area”

If you see “Atlanta Perimeter Center” in an address or event listing, it usually means:

• You’ll be north of the City of Atlanta, near I‑285 and GA‑400
• You likely want to plug in Perimeter Mall or the exact street name (Perimeter Center Pkwy, Hammond Dr, etc.) for accurate navigation
• Transit‑friendly options are available via the MARTA Red Line

For day‑to‑day life in metro Atlanta, understanding where Perimeter Center is—and how it connects to the rest of the city—makes commuting, shopping, and planning much simpler.