In the heart of Sandy Springs, where the Chattahoochee River winds its way north of Atlanta, locals find a waterside retreat that rivals the allure of any ocean or river cruise. The river offers 20 miles of waterfront across our city and offers not only a scenic backdrop but a hub of vibrant community life. For both newcomers and long-time residents, the Chattahoochee is not just a waterway; it is a cornerstone of community life, a natural playground and a thread that weaves through their everyday experiences, offering endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure right on their doorstep ..read more

In its 10th year, Orbit Arts Academy is one of several live performance theater troupes in Sandy Springs that is not only providing residents and visitors with exciting entertainment, it is also training new generations of thespians, musicians and dancers. “We started with a handful of kids and now we’re teaching over 400,” said Shane Simmons, musical director and accompanist who has been with Orbit for nine years. “We cater to young people ages six through 20,” split between several “companies” and classes based on the children’s ages. “This is for people who want to take part in all aspects ..read more

Some people complain about traffic congestion. Others do something about it. The City of Sandy Springs appears to be in the latter category. A year short of celebrating its 20th anniversary, Sandy Springs can brag that its population has grown to 108,601, making it the state’s sixth largest city, and the second largest city in the metropolitan area. According to a U-Haul International study released a year ago, Sandy Springs is the No. 25 growth city in the country. Between 2000 and 2022, the population jumped by more than 20,000. That has meant new houses, new condos, new apartment ..read more

2023 saw the largest drop in the number of both single family homes and condos sold in Sandy Springs in recent history.  From its peak in 2021, Sandy Springs saw a 44.3% drop of single family homes sold and a 45.5% drop of condos/townhomes sold.  Clearly, the exponential rise in mortgage rates has resulted in a drastic reduction in inventory keeping more homeowners in their homes over the last 2 years and also sidelining many buyers due to affordability.  This will create pent up demand at some point in the future.  The good news for sellers is that in ..read more

For the younger generation, “lamb chop” may be an item on a restaurant menu. But for an older crowd, it is the name of an iconic sock puppet that they have known since childhood. The opportunity to see Lamb Chop in his younger days in the 1950s on film with the late creator and puppeteer Shari Lewis, as well as with daughter Mallory in person is coming to the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center on the closing night of the annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, February 26 at 7 p.m. The screening is the Southeast Premiere of the film and is sponsored by Visit Sandy Springs. Lamb Chop first ..read more

As the second annual Dine Like a Local program opened in Sandy Springs on Jan. 2, already the foodie affair appeared to be pulling in more people than last year’s inaugural event. As of Jan. 3, 272 signups were counted, compared to 188 on the same date last year, according to Jennifer Cruce, executive director of Visit Sandy Springs, which sponsors the program. A total of 1,406 signups were made last year. The program runs through March 31. Several improvements were made for this year’s Dine Like a Local which encourages both Sandy Springs residents, the wider Atlanta community and visitors fr ..read more

The City of Sandy Springs has done a great job of utilizing the City Green outside of Sandy Springs city hall and the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. In warmer months, the City Green and surrounding pedestrian areas are filled with concert-goers, festivals, and families enjoying the open greenspace. This year the city has come up with a great way for Sandy Springs families and visitors to enjoy the City Green when the weather gets cooler. Skate City is a 5,000 square feet ice skating rink that has been constructed in front of the outdoor stage on the City Green.  The new Skate City ..read more

Sandy Springs has been chosen for a new and innovative business concept that blends health with shared workspace. Called Wello Works, its creators coined the phrase “where wellness meets coworking.” This U.S. prototype will open in Fountain Oaks Shopping Center on Roswell Road in February. The man behind the business model is Australian native Tony de Leede, who is no stranger to Sandy Springs. He first moved to Sandy Springs in 1981 and opened his first Australian Body Works fitness center in the Chastain area, although its headquarters was in Sandy Springs. “So, this is a bit of a homecoming ..read more

Sandy Springs saw a rise in home sale prices during the 3rd quarter of 2023.  As mortgage rates continue their rapid ascent, we are seeing substantial reductions in inventory year-over-year.  While there are many who are reluctant to give up their +/- 3% mortgage rates, Sandy Springs home values are holding remarkably strong due to our gorgeous neighborhoods with oversized lots, fine restaurants, retail, and entertainment, all within its close-in location along Atlanta’s perimeter.   Year   July – Sept 2022 July – Sept 2023 Difference YOY  Single ..read more

It’s true. It’s somewhat sad to see the hulking remains of old, reliable, favorite restaurants dotted around Sandy Springs over the past year, but a closer look reveals a more pleasing plethora of new restaurants that have opened in the city in the last few years. Despite the lingering effects of the pandemic, which admittedly cast a shadow on the restaurant industry nationwide, Sandy Springs restaurateurs and industry executives are wholeheartedly optimistic about their eateries. And Sandy Springs reflects the overall picture for restaurants in the State of Georgia. Two-thirds of Georgia’s re ..read more