Exploring Atlanta’s Perimeter Center Business District: What to See, Do, and Know

The Perimeter Center Business District in Atlanta isn’t just a cluster of office towers and malls—it’s one of the metro area’s most active hubs for shopping, dining, business, and transit. If you live in Atlanta, commute here for work, or are visiting and wondering what the buzz is about near I‑285 and GA‑400, Perimeter Center is worth understanding.

This guide walks through what Perimeter Center is, where it is, why it matters, and how to enjoy it like a local.

What Is the Perimeter Center Business District?

Perimeter Center is a major mixed-use business district centered around Perimeter Mall in the cities of Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and Brookhaven, just north of the Atlanta city limits.

It’s known for:

• Corporate headquarters and offices
• Regional shopping and dining
• High-density residential buildings
• Direct MARTA access
• Easy access to I‑285 and GA‑400

While it’s called a “business district,” for many Atlantans it functions as:

• A shopping destination
• A dining and nightlife pocket outside Midtown and Buckhead
• A convenient hotel area for business travelers and families
• A commuter hub with three nearby MARTA rail stations

Where Exactly Is Perimeter Center?

Perimeter Center isn’t a single address; it’s a large area roughly bounded by:

• I‑285 (the Perimeter) – running east–west
• GA‑400 – running north–south
• Ashford Dunwoody Road
• Perimeter Center Parkway / Peachtree-Dunwoody Road

Key points within the district include:

• Perimeter Mall – 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30346
• Dunwoody MARTA Station – 1111 Hammond Dr, Dunwoody, GA 30346
• Sandy Springs MARTA Station – 1101 Mt Vernon Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30328
• Medical Center MARTA Station – 5711 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30342

If you’re coming from intown Atlanta, Perimeter Center is typically:

• About 15–25 minutes by car (outside of rush hour)
• About 20–30 minutes by MARTA rail from Downtown or Midtown

Why Perimeter Center Matters in Metro Atlanta

Perimeter Center is one of Atlanta’s key employment and activity centers, sometimes mentioned in the same breath as Midtown and Buckhead. Many residents interact with it in at least one of these ways:

• Work: Large office towers and corporate campuses line Perimeter Center Parkway, Hammond Drive, and Peachtree-Dunwoody Road.
• Healthcare: The “Pill Hill” area (near Medical Center MARTA) is a cluster of major hospitals and medical offices.
• Shopping: It’s a go-to for mall shopping plus big-box and specialty stores.
• Living: Newer apartments, condos, and townhomes make it a dense residential area with walkable pockets.

For visitors, it’s often chosen as a base for staying in metro Atlanta because it’s easy to reach by MARTA and close to the interstate loop.

Things to Do in the Perimeter Center Business District

Even though it’s work-focused during the day, Perimeter Center offers plenty to do after hours and on weekends.

Shopping and Retail

The heart of the district is Perimeter Mall, one of the largest and best-known malls in metro Atlanta.

Perimeter Mall
4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd
Dunwoody, GA 30346
Main mall hours typically run during standard shopping hours; individual stores may vary.

Around the mall, you’ll also find:

• Big-box retail along Ashford Dunwoody and Hammond Drive
• Specialty shops and boutiques in mixed-use developments (such as those near Perimeter Center West and Perimeter Center Place)
• Everyday essentials (grocery, pharmacies, service shops) that support nearby residents

It’s a practical destination whether you need everyday items, business attire, or last-minute travel gear.

Dining and Nightlife

Perimeter Center has become a restaurant-heavy corridor, with options ranging from quick lunch spots to full-service dinner destinations.

Expect:

• Fast-casual chains and quick bites for office workers
• Sit-down restaurants covering American, Asian, Mediterranean, Latin, and more
• Hotel bars and lounges that draw a mix of locals and business travelers
• Happy hour spots clustered near Hammond Drive, Ashford Dunwoody Road, and Perimeter Center Parkway

If you live elsewhere in Atlanta, Perimeter Center is a useful option when you want:

• A group-friendly spot with easy parking
• A central meeting point for people coming from different suburbs
• A place to eat before catching MARTA to a game or event elsewhere

Green Spaces and Walking

Perimeter Center is urban and busy, but there are a few places to get fresh air:

• Perimeter Center parks and pocket greens near office towers and apartments
• Sidewalks and walking paths along Perimeter Center West/East, Ashford Dunwoody, and Peachtree-Dunwoody that make short walks between offices, hotels, and restaurants manageable

Many locals combine a mall visit with a short walk around the surrounding developments, especially in the evenings or on weekends when traffic is lighter.

Events and Community Activities

You may find:

• Seasonal events hosted by area hotels, offices, or community groups
• Holiday decorations and mall programming at and around Perimeter Mall
• Business networking events at hotels and office buildings

Event offerings change frequently, so locals typically check city event calendars for Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and Brookhaven or individual venues when planning a visit.

Getting to Perimeter Center: Transit, Driving, and Parking

MARTA Access

For many Atlantans, the MARTA Red Line is the easiest way into Perimeter Center, especially during rush hour.

The three key stations:

1. Dunwoody Station
   1111 Hammond Dr, Dunwoody, GA 30346

   • Directly connected to Perimeter Mall area
   • Short walks to nearby offices, hotels, and shopping

2. Sandy Springs Station
   1101 Mt Vernon Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30328

   • Serves offices and residences northwest of Perimeter Mall
   • Walkable to nearby commercial centers

3. Medical Center Station
   5711 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30342

   • Serves the Pill Hill medical campuses
   • Useful for hospital visits and nearby medical offices

From Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, you can ride the Red Line north toward North Springs and exit at any of these stations depending on your destination.

Tip: 🚆 If you’re planning to shop or dine near the mall during peak traffic, MARTA can be significantly faster than driving.

Driving and Major Roads

The Perimeter Center Business District is built around:

• I‑285 (The Perimeter) – East–west loop around Atlanta
• GA‑400 – North–south freeway connecting Buckhead to North Fulton

Common routes from intown Atlanta:

• Take GA‑400 North from Midtown/Buckhead, exit at
  • Exit 4A (Glenridge Connector) for the Medical Center area
  • Exit 5 (Dunwoody) or Exit 5A (Abernathy Rd) for Perimeter Mall and main business district
• Or take I‑85 North → I‑285 West to Ashford Dunwoody Rd exit if you’re coming from east of the city

Traffic notes:

• Rush hour (especially weekday mornings and late afternoons) can be heavy around I‑285/GA‑400 and surface streets.
• Expect congestion near Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Hammond Dr, and Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd during peak times.

Parking

Parking is widely available and typically free or low-cost:

• Perimeter Mall offers large parking lots and decks.
• Many office buildings and hotels have structured parking with validation or guest parking options.
• Some denser, mixed-use areas may have time-limited or paid parking in decks or surface lots, especially near apartments and retail clusters.

🅿️ What locals do:

• Park once near the mall or in a centrally located deck, then walk between restaurants, stores, and offices.

Perimeter Center at a Glance

Living, Working, and Staying in Perimeter Center

Working in the District

For many Atlantans, Perimeter Center means commuting to a job in one of its numerous office towers or campuses.

Common experiences:

• Walkable from MARTA for some buildings, especially near Dunwoody and Sandy Springs stations.
• Structured parking decks attached to offices.
• Easy access to lunch options within a short walk or drive.

If you’re interviewing or starting a job here, it’s useful to:

• Ask your employer whether MARTA is a realistic commute option.
• Clarify parking arrangements (deck access, costs, validation).
• Test your rush hour route at least once before your first full day.

Living in Perimeter Center

The district and its edges host:

• Mid- and high-rise apartments
• Condominiums
• Townhomes and nearby single-family neighborhoods

People who choose to live here often prioritize:

• Easy commute to work in the district or nearby areas
• Walkable access to shopping and dining
• Proximity to MARTA for going into Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown

If you’re considering moving to Perimeter Center, pay attention to:

• Noise and traffic levels near I‑285 and GA‑400
• Walking routes to MARTA, parks, and grocery stores
• City services and school zoning (Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, or Brookhaven may apply depending on the exact address)

Hotels and Short-Term Stays

Perimeter Center is a major hotel cluster for metro Atlanta, often used by:

• Business travelers with meetings in nearby offices
• Families visiting Atlanta looking for a quieter, suburban-feeling base
• Visitors wanting direct MARTA access without staying intown

Most hotels:

• Are located along Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd, Hammond Dr, and around Perimeter Center Parkway
• Offer shuttle services within a short radius (offerings vary by property)
• Provide easy access to restaurants and retail within a short walk or drive

When choosing where to stay:

• Look for proximity to Dunwoody or Sandy Springs MARTA stations if you plan to ride transit.
• Consider traffic patterns if you’ll be driving to other parts of metro Atlanta.

Healthcare and the “Pill Hill” Area

On the southeastern edge of Perimeter Center, near Medical Center MARTA Station, is one of the largest medical clusters in Georgia, often referred to locally as “Pill Hill.”

The area includes multiple major hospitals and specialty clinics along:

• Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd
• Johnson Ferry Rd
• Hospital Blvd

For Atlantans, this area is a common destination for:

• Specialist appointments
• Outpatient procedures
• Hospital visits

If you’re visiting a medical provider in this area:

• Consider using MARTA to Medical Center Station to avoid parking challenges.
• Arrive early to navigate hospital campuses, parking decks, and registration areas.
• Confirm parking deck locations and validation policies with your provider’s office.

Tips for Enjoying Perimeter Center Like a Local

• Time your visit:

  • Avoid peak rush hour driving if possible, especially around I‑285/GA‑400.
  • Weekend afternoons are popular for shopping; mornings are often quieter.

• Use MARTA when it makes sense:

  • Great option if you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
  • Especially helpful for events, holiday shopping, and medical visits.

• Plan for walking:

  • While not as walkable as Midtown, certain pockets near Perimeter Mall and the MARTA stations are reasonably pedestrian-friendly.
  • Comfortable shoes help if you’re moving between multiple buildings or stores.

• Know which city you’re in:

  • Depending on the exact block, you may be in Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, or Brookhaven; this can matter for city services, police, and regulations.

• Use it as a hub:

  • Perimeter Center’s central location on I‑285 and GA‑400 makes it a useful launch point for exploring other parts of metro Atlanta—Alpharetta and Roswell to the north, Buckhead and Midtown to the south, and other suburbs along the Perimeter.

If you’re looking for things to do in Atlanta beyond the traditional intown neighborhoods, the Perimeter Center Business District offers a practical mix of shopping, dining, work, transit, and services—all in one of the metro area’s most connected locations.