Is Brookhaven Safe, Pros and cons of living in Brookhaven

Brookhaven, a vibrant city situated in DeKalb County, Georgia, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. It’s a place that attracts a diverse range of residents, from young professionals to growing families, drawn by its amenities and proximity to Atlanta. Understanding the nuances of life in Brookhaven, including its safety, cost of living, and economic landscape, is key for anyone considering a move to this dynamic community.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Brookhaven, delving into its key characteristics to help prospective residents make informed decisions. We will explore the safety of its neighborhoods, the financial aspects of living there, the job market, and the general quality of life, all backed by current data and reliable sources.

Is it Safe to Live in Brookhaven?

Brookhaven’s crime statistics present a complex picture, with overall crime rates that are above the national average, largely driven by property crimes. However, violent crime rates are reported to be below the national average (as reported by HomeSnacks using FBI UCR data). The city’s violent crime index is significantly lower than that of Atlanta, suggesting a comparatively safer environment for violent offenses (as reported by BestPlaces/FBI data). Some sources indicate a combined crime risk of 1 in 40 in Brookhaven (as reported by NeighborhoodScout using FBI data).

Resident perceptions of safety vary, with some feeling very safe and others experiencing noticeable safety concerns. Law enforcement is generally perceived as visible and responsive by a majority of residents. Certain areas, like Northwest Brookhaven, are considered the safest zones within the city, while the Buford Highway corridor tends to concentrate a higher number of incidents, potentially inflating overall city statistics (as reported by Callaway Security). Brookhaven’s overall crime rate is reported as 16.9% above the national average, but this is heavily influenced by property crime (as reported by AreaVibes using FBI data).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Brookhaven, Georgia, is characterized by a median home price that has seen an increase compared to the previous year. As of March 2026, the median sale price for a home in Brookhaven was $246,000, with homes selling in an average of 22 days (as reported by Redfin). The median rent for all property types in Brookhaven, GA, is approximately $2,342 per month, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). A 1-bedroom apartment averages around $1,700, while a 2-bedroom averages about $2,240.

For those looking to rent, houses in Brookhaven, GA, are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $3,250. However, this is for Brookhaven, GA; other Brookhavens, such as in Pennsylvania, have significantly different housing costs, with a median home price of $224,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). Rent in Brookhaven, PA, averages $1,620 per month (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Major Employers

Brookhaven, Georgia, boasts a diverse and educated population, making it an attractive location for businesses and job seekers alike. The city is home to several major employers across various sectors. Key companies include Rooms 2 Go, Burns and McDonnell, Sysnet, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and The Weather Company (as reported by the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce). The average annual salary in Brookhaven, GA, is reported to be around $59,179, with hourly wages averaging approximately $28.45 (as reported by ZipRecruiter as of April 2026).

Other sources indicate a higher average annual salary of $84,308, or an hourly wage of $41, for employees at “Brookhaven” (which may refer to a specific company or a generalized average for the area) (as reported by Salary.com as of April 2026). The City of Brookhaven, Georgia, itself has an average annual salary of $69,973 (as reported by Salary.com as of May 2026). Brookhaven, New York, has different major employers, with Northrop Grumman being the largest, employing approximately 6,000 people (as reported by Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney At Law).

Climate and Environment

Brookhaven, New York, experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy, and windy winters, with partly cloudy conditions year-round. The temperature typically ranges from 25°F to 82°F, rarely dropping below 12°F or exceeding 89°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warmest month is July, with average highs of 81°F and lows of 67°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows of 26°F and highs of 40°F.

For Brookhaven, West Virginia, the weather forecast indicates sunny conditions with highs around 58°F and lows near 45°F for a specific day in early May. The National Weather Service provides detailed forecasts and climate data for various Brookhaven locations, including New York and West Virginia, influenced by regional bodies of water and continental weather systems (as reported by the National Weather Service and Brookhaven National Laboratory). Specific rainfall data is not readily available in the provided search results for Brookhaven, GA.

Education and Demographics

Brookhaven, Georgia, is noted for its diverse and educated population. The city’s median age is around 35.4 years, with a significant portion of the population holding a college degree, specifically a Bachelor’s degree or higher, at 71.8% (as reported by Brookhaven, GA Demographics). The median household income in Brookhaven, GA, is notably high at $167,266 (as reported by Brookhaven, GA Demographics). The racial composition is diverse, with White individuals making up approximately 58.9%, Hispanic or Latino at 21%, Black at 12.4%, and Asian at 7.7%.

In terms of education, Niche provides ratings for public schools serving Brookhaven, GA. Schools like Paul Duke STEM High School receive an A+ rating, while others like Chamblee High School have a rating of 3.81 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). The US Census Bureau and other demographic data sources provide detailed breakdowns of age, race, ethnicity, and education levels for Brookhaven, GA, showing a population of around 59,574 (as reported by Brookhaven, GA Demographics).

Major Employers

Brookhaven, Georgia, hosts a variety of significant employers that contribute to its economic vitality. Among the prominent companies are Rooms 2 Go, Burns and McDonnell, and Sysnet. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and The Weather Company are also key players in the local employment landscape. The list of major corporate employers continues to grow, indicating a healthy and expanding business environment within the city (as reported by the City of Brookhaven, GA Economic Development).

In Brookhaven, New York, the employment landscape is dominated by large corporations such as Northrop Grumman, which is the largest employer with approximately 6,000 individuals on its payroll. Other substantial employers in that Brookhaven include GMD Consulting Engineers and State Street Bank. The construction industry also provides significant employment, along with retail trade, education, healthcare, and food service industries (as reported by Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney At Law).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Brookhaven, Mississippi, is reported to be significantly less expensive than the national average. Housing costs are approximately 13.2% lower, with monthly expenses for a single person around $1,041 and for a family of four around $1,909. Food expenses are slightly higher than average, but overall monthly expenses for a single person are around $2,370 and for a family of four, $5,354, making it one of America’s less expensive cities (as reported by Salary.com as of March 2026). Brookhaven, MS, is 18% less expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

Conversely, Brookhaven, New York, has a cost of living that is considerably higher than the national average. The overall cost of living is 46% higher than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Monthly expenses for a single person are around $2,495 and for a family of four, $5,200, with housing costs being 25.4% higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com as of March 2026). Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, has a cost of living that is 15% higher than the national average, with housing expenses being 39% higher (as reported by PayScale).

Demographics

Brookhaven, Georgia, presents a diverse demographic profile. The population is approximately 52.0% White, 21.0% Hispanic, 14.3% Black, and 7.4% Asian, with smaller percentages for multiracial and Native American populations (as reported by Brookhaven, GA Demographics). The median age in Brookhaven, GA, is 34.1 years, with a slightly higher median age for males (34.7 years) than females (33.7 years) (as reported by World Population Review). A significant majority, 71.8%, of the population has a college degree, with 40% holding a Bachelor’s degree and 31% holding a post-graduate degree (as reported by Brookhaven, GA Demographics).

Brookhaven, Mississippi, has a different demographic makeup, with a population that is 40% White and 57% Black (as reported by Census Reporter). The median household income in Brookhaven, MS, falls within the $50K-$100K range for 20% of the population, and 62% earn under $50K (as reported by Census Reporter). Brookhaven, New York, has a median home price of $577,000 and a median household income of $95,345 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

Climate

Brookhaven, New York, experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The weather is generally partly cloudy throughout the year. Average daily high temperatures exceed 73°F from June to September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 81°F and a low of 67°F. Conversely, the cold season runs from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 47°F, and January being the coldest, with lows around 26°F and highs of 40°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The climate in Brookhaven, West Virginia, shows a forecast for a sunny day with a high near 58°F and a low around 45°F. There is also mention of increasing clouds and potential for showers later in the week. The National Weather Service provides detailed climate data for various Brookhaven locations, noting that weather systems are influenced by nearby bodies of water like the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, which moderate temperatures (as reported by Brookhaven National Laboratory).

School Ratings

Brookhaven, Georgia, is served by the DeKalb County School District, and Niche provides ratings for various public schools. Schools like Paul Duke STEM High School are highly rated, receiving an A+ with a rating of 4.45 out of 5 stars based on numerous reviews. DeKalb Early College Academy also receives strong reviews, with a rating of 4.02 out of 5 stars. Other schools like Chamblee High School are rated 3.81 out of 5 stars (as reported by Niche).

For elementary schools in Brookhaven, GA, Niche offers ratings and statistics for public and private institutions. While specific ratings for all elementary schools are not detailed here, the availability of highly-rated secondary schools suggests a commitment to education within the community. Niche also ranks Brookhaven as one of the best neighborhoods to raise a family in Atlanta, indicating a positive environment for families and their educational pursuits.