Kirkwood, Atlanta: Neighborhood Guide
Kirkwood calls itself "the small town in the big city," and it lives up to the name. It's an east-side neighborhood of Craftsman bungalows and front porches, with a walkable village center on Hosea L. Williams Drive.
A short history
Before the Civil War, the land was owned mostly by the Kirkpatrick, Dunwoody and Clay families, and the name Kirkwood likely comes from blending Kirkpatrick and Dunwoody. Homes began going up in the 1870s, and an early guidebook described the area as a place of "beautiful suburban villas."
In the 1890s, Kirkwood became its own town, with a mayor, council, schools, water system and fire department. It was annexed into Atlanta in the early 1920s after a long debate, and as part of the deal the city agreed to build parks in the neighborhood.
Kirkwood went through hard decades in the mid-1900s. A revival began in the late 1990s, and a new streetscape in the early 2000s helped bring the business district back to life. The Kirkwood Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
Why people love living here
Small-town feel. A walkable village center with restaurants, a bakery and neighborhood bars.
Craftsman bungalows. Many designed by local architect Frank Ruggles, plus Victorian homes and newer builds.
Great parks. Bessie Branham Park, Gilliam Park and more.
Community. An active neighborhood organization, tours of homes and lots of front-porch neighbors.
Location. Close to Decatur, East Atlanta, Edgewood and Oakhurst, with quick access to downtown.
Notable spots
Food and drink
Le Petit Marche: A brunch favorite for its French toast sandwich and grits.
El Myriachi: Mexican food with a popular patio.
Evergreen Butcher and Baker: Sourdough bread, French pastries and a butcher counter.
The Argonaut: A raw bar with crudos, small plates and cocktails.
Bob and Harriet’s Home Bar: A relaxed neighborhood bar with a family-friendly menu.
Wyatt’s Country BBQ: Long-running barbecue known for its ribs.
Parks and outdoors
Bessie Branham Park: A park and recreation center built on land donated by Bessie Branham in the 1920s, with a community-built playground.
Gilliam Park: Created as part of Kirkwood’s annexation agreement with Atlanta.
Landmarks
Pullman Yards: A historic former rail yard turned into an arts and event venue.
The Kirkwood Historic District: Blocks of early 1900s bungalows and Victorian homes.
Neighboring areas
Kirkwood borders Lake Claire, Edgewood, East Lake, Oakhurst and East Atlanta, with Decatur just to the east.
Thinking about Kirkwood?
King Moore Group at Keller Williams Realty Intown Atlanta helps first-time buyers, move-up buyers and sellers in Kirkwood and across intown Atlanta. Call 678-641-7925 or send us a message.