What if I told you that Chamblee, Georgia started as dairy farms? This city offers a blend of history and modern growth. Welcome to Chamblee a city northeast of Atlanta. Chamblee is a place where the past and future intertwine.
Originally, the area was dairy farms in the late 19th century. The intersection of two railroads marked the beginning of Chamblee. One line ran from Atlanta to Charlotte. The other moved workers and goods from Roswell to Atlanta. This intersection led to the settlement of Roswell Junction. When the U.S. Postal Service established a post office, they chose Chamblee. They felt Roswell Junction was too similar to Roswell. Chamblee was officially incorporated in 1907.
During World War I and World War II, Chamblee became a site for U.S. military operations. Camp Gordon housed 40,000 servicemen during World War I. This influx caused a building boom. After the war, Camp Gordon closed. It reopened as a Navy Flight Training Center during World War II.
Post World War II, Chamblee saw growth in blue-collar industries. This was due to the General Motors plant in nearby Doraville. Manufacturing plants also appeared along Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. By the 1980s, the industrial base declined. Multi-ethnic businesses emerged catering to immigrants. Affordable housing attracted many to Chamblee and Doraville. By the 1996 Summer Olympics, Chamblee was a multicultural city with a large immigrant community.
In the 2000s, Chamblee focused on refining its image. A new city hall was constructed in 2002. In 2010, Chamblee annexed an area to the northwest, including Huntley Hills. Peachtree Industrial Boulevard was renamed Peachtree Boulevard. Steps were taken to revitalize downtown. In 2014, a court decision gave Century Center to Chamblee.
According to 2020 Census data, Chamblee’s population tripled since 2010. It grew from roughly 9,800 residents to over 30,000. This growth was due to two annexations. Chamblee’s location as a transportation hub is key. It has close proximity to two interstates. Chamblee is near a MARTA station and the DeKalb–Peachtree Airport.
Chamblee is south of Dunwoody and southwest of Doraville. It is northeast of Brookhaven and north of Interstate 85. Downtown Chamblee preserves its early 20th-century railroad community feel. Many buildings are historic. The architecture resembles other railroad communities. Downtown businesses include antique shops. Commercial development has increased since 2000. The Chamblee MARTA Station and City Hall are downtown. Massive economic development has turned Downtown Chamblee into a mecca for foodies. The Buford Highway community has a high concentration of foreign-born residents. These include Mexican, Central American, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese residents. Asian business owners were attracted by cheap leases. The area is now the International Corridor.
Chamblee offers a unique blend of old and new. From its dairy farm roots to its diverse community today, Chamblee is a city on the move. Its strategic location and rich history make it a fascinating place to explore. As Chamblee continues to evolve, it remains a city with a vibrant past and a promising future.