Dunwoody's housing stock is anchored by established single-family neighborhoods, many developed in the 1970s and 1980s beneath a mature tree canopy. Traditional brick and frame ranch, split-level, and two-story homes predominate on generous lots, while newer infill and townhome construction adds density near Dunwoody Village and the Perimeter. The southern edge of the city, around Perimeter Center, skews toward high-rise condominiums and apartments serving the office district. The result is a market that ranges from leafy suburban streets to urban-style multifamily near the MARTA station and corporate campuses.

Dunwoody's neighborhoods generally fall north and south of the Perimeter. The north side holds long-established residential areas and country-club communities, including Dunwoody North and the homes around the Dunwoody Country Club. Dunwoody Village functions as a central commercial and community crossroads. To the south, the Perimeter Center district is dominated by office towers, Perimeter Mall, and attached multifamily housing rather than single-family subdivisions. This north-south split gives the city both a traditional suburban character and an urban employment core.

Dunwoody offers an upscale suburban lifestyle shaped by its corporate and retail core. Dining and shopping concentrate around Perimeter Mall, Dunwoody Village, and newer mixed-use nodes, with options ranging from casual neighborhood spots to fine dining. The city's park network and its position on the MARTA Red Line encourage an active, connected way of life; residents can reach Buckhead and Midtown by train while living among mature trees and cul-de-sacs. Community institutions such as the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, which helped lead the 2008 incorporation, reflect strong local civic involvement.

Dunwoody's public schools are part of the DeKalb County School District, one of Georgia's largest districts. Dunwoody High School, along with Dunwoody Elementary and several middle schools, anchors the city's education landscape, and the district offers magnet and charter options through school choice. A mix of private and parochial schools in the surrounding area adds further options. The presence of well-regarded schools is a significant part of the city's appeal for families relocating within metro Atlanta.

Dunwoody is one of metro Atlanta's best-connected suburbs. The Dunwoody MARTA station, on the Red Line, sits at the southwest corner of Perimeter Mall and links directly to Buckhead, Midtown, and downtown Atlanta. Interstate 285 (the Perimeter) forms the city's southern boundary, while Georgia 400 and I-85 provide regional highway access nearby. The Perimeter Center office district is walkable around the MARTA station, and State Farm's campus connects directly to the rail platform, underscoring the city's transit-oriented employment core.

Brook Run Park, at roughly 110 acres, is the region's largest park and the centerpiece of Dunwoody recreation, with a two-mile loop trail, playground, skate park, disc golf course, dog park, community garden, and amphitheater. The Dunwoody Nature Center preserves 22 acres of forest, meadow, and creek with year-round programming and trails. Additional neighborhood parks and the nearby Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area extend outdoor options for hiking, paddling, and green space access.