21 Aug Kirkwood – A History-Rich Streetcar Suburb

A national historic-designated neighborhood on the east side of Atlanta, GA, Kirkwood charms as a “streetcar suburb” designed by architect Will Saunders. The town is situated entirely in DeKalb County and is bordered by the neighborhoods of Lake Claire, East Lake, Edgewood and Oakhurst. It is largely believed that the name “Kirkwood” was derived from a fusion of the Kirkpatrick and Dunwoody family names, the most prominent landholders in early Kirkwood before the Civil War being the Kirkpatrick, Dunwoody and Clay families. Tracing its roots in residential development back to the 1870s, Kirkwood isn’t really considered a true suburb of Atlanta today – interestingly, an early tour book described it as “an area of beautiful suburban villas.” Still, the town was an early “streetcar suburb” of the great city of Atlanta – in 1910, streetcars were the providers of express service to and from Atlanta three times daily and these conveyances continued service along some streets including Kirkwood Road well until the early 1950s.

Local Attractions & Events

Kirkwood’s Spring Fling Festival has become an attraction all by itself, a time when Georgia residents usher in the warm weather and indulge in not only the festival but the Tour of Homes. Local residents get an opportunity to sample music, stroll amidst an artist market, enjoy food and beer and even bring the kids to a designated children’s area in Bessie Brahnam Park. Proceeds from the Spring Fling Festival have been committed to bolstering local community improvement projects.

The Kirkwood Wine Stroll is hosted by the Kirkwood Business Owners Association annually each summer, giving attendees the opportunity to sample wines from around the world at local businesses. A B*ATL Event, meanwhile, is held each July in commemoration of the area’s geographical role as the starting point of the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War. It’s here that Kirkwood, East Atlanta and East Lake play host to the B*ATL celebration across these communities, with events including a Gala Dinner and House Tour, a 5K run, van and walking tours, a re-creation of the front lines with re-enactment soldiers and artillery, a staged Civil War village with civilian re-enactors, history music concerts and dramatic performances, storytelling and more.

Schools & Education

Residents of Kirkwood are zoned to campuses belonging to the Atlanta Public Schools district. Three major institutions make up the hierarchy of the education system in Kirkwood – Fred A. Toomer Elementary, Coan Middle and Maynard H. Jackson High School.

Average Home Prices & Household Incomes

With a population of 11,592, homes in the Kirkwood area have been reported to be listing for around $237,775 on average, while median household income stats have been reported to be in the $44,291 vicinity.