What’s Up Dunwoody wouldn’t be the same without all the other Dunwoody news media publications around us. I’ve shared countless articles on social media that Cathy Cobbs has written over the years, and learned so much from her Dunwoody Reporter and now Rough Draft stories. She reached out to me a couple weeks ago about a story she was writing about my Facebook groups, and I talked her into recording another podcast with me. We get into all kinds of Dunwoody stuff, as she is an absolute wealth of knowledge after covering the city for 20 years!
Cathy Cobbs: A Deep Dive into Dunwoody’s Growth and Community Spirit
Dunwoody, Georgia, has evolved significantly over the years, transforming from a quiet, suburban enclave to a thriving city with a strong sense of community. In a recent episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, host Matt Weber sat down with Cathy Cobbs, a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience covering the area. Cathy’s insights offer a unique perspective on the changes in Dunwoody and the forces driving its growth.
A Rich History of Reporting
Cathy Cobbs has witnessed Dunwoody’s transformation firsthand. Having covered the city for two decades, she’s seen it grow from a “sleepy bedroom community” into a city with substantial impact. Her journey in journalism has taken her through various media outlets, but she’s always found herself drawn back to Dunwoody. Today, Cathy is a staff reporter for Rough Draft, where she continues to tell the stories that shape the community.
When Cathy first started reporting on Dunwoody, the stories were often lighthearted and community-focused—think herons eating koi fish and school rankings. But as Dunwoody has grown, so has the complexity and relevance of the stories. The emergence of Perimeter Center as a major hub for living, working, and playing has been a significant factor in this shift.
The Impact of Perimeter Center
Perimeter Center’s development has been a game-changer for Dunwoody. Once just a mall and a few office buildings, it’s now a bustling area that attracts new residents and businesses alike. Cathy pointed out that the area’s growth has brought a new level of relevance to Dunwoody, drawing in a diverse population and enhancing the city’s appeal.
The growth of Perimeter Center has also led to an influx of high-quality restaurants and entertainment options, transforming places like Ashford Lane into popular gathering spots. This shift has not only made Dunwoody more vibrant but also more attractive to younger, diverse demographics.
A Community Shaped by Diversity
One of the most notable changes in Dunwoody over the years has been the increase in diversity. Cathy highlighted the growing Indian community as a prime example. At Austin Elementary, for instance, about one-third of the kindergarten students are of Indian descent. This cultural diversity has enriched the community, with events like Diwali celebrations becoming a part of the local fabric.
Cathy and Matt also discussed how the city has adapted to these changes. For instance, various groups within Dunwoody, such as those in Ashford Lane, have started organizing their own cultural events, reflecting the community’s evolving demographics.
Dunwoody’s Unique Vibe
Despite its growth, Dunwoody has managed to retain its small-town charm. The sense of community remains strong, with local events like Lemonade Days and the July 4th Parade continuing to bring people together. Matt reflected on how Dunwoody still feels like a small town, even as it becomes increasingly integrated with the broader Atlanta metropolitan area.
Cathy agreed, noting that Dunwoody has avoided the perception of being “too far away” from everything, a label often attached to other suburban areas. In fact, Dunwoody has become cooler and more connected, making it a desirable place to live.
Navigating Social Media and Community Forums
Social media has played a significant role in how people connect and engage in Dunwoody. Matt, who started the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast in 2018, has seen firsthand how platforms like Facebook have become modern-day town squares. His Dunwoody Area Community Forum, for example, serves as a space where residents can discuss local issues, share news, and even influence change.
Cathy and Matt discussed the challenges of managing such a forum, particularly when it comes to filtering out spam and maintaining a positive atmosphere. Despite these challenges, Matt emphasized the importance of the forum in fostering community engagement and ensuring that residents’ voices are heard.
The Role of Local Journalism
Cathy’s work with Rough Draft has given her the opportunity to dive deeper into stories that matter to the community. Unlike larger media outlets, Rough Draft allows Cathy to take her time with stories, ensuring that they are well-researched and informative. This approach has earned her the trust of the community, as people know they can rely on her to provide accurate and thoughtful reporting.
One of the key topics Cathy and Matt touched on was the importance of local journalism in a rapidly changing city like Dunwoody. Cathy’s deep dive into local issues, such as the bond referendum and the challenges facing the local ambulance service, highlights the critical role that local journalists play in keeping residents informed and engaged.
Real Estate in Dunwoody: Challenges and Opportunities
As a REALTOR® and active member of the Dunwoody community, Matt provided insights into the local real estate market. The rising home prices in Dunwoody have made it increasingly difficult for many to achieve the American dream of homeownership. However, Matt pointed out that there are still opportunities for those willing to look in areas like the Hightower district, which offers more affordable entry points into the Dunwoody cluster.
Matt also discussed the role of public schools in driving demand for real estate in Dunwoody. He emphasized how the quality of schools in the area remains a top priority for homebuyers, even for those without school-aged children. This focus on education has helped maintain property values and made Dunwoody a desirable location for families.
Looking Ahead: Dunwoody’s Future
Both Cathy and Matt are optimistic about Dunwoody’s future. The city’s growth shows no signs of slowing down, and with ongoing developments like Assembly in nearby Doraville, the area is poised for even more transformation. Cathy mentioned how cities like Chamblee have already experienced similar growth, and Doraville could be next in line.
Dunwoody’s unique blend of suburban charm and urban convenience will likely continue to attract new residents. As Cathy noted, many people who grew up in Dunwoody are now returning to raise their families, further driving demand for housing and contributing to the community’s vibrant atmosphere.
Conclusion: The Importance of Community Engagement
In closing, Matt and Cathy agreed on the importance of staying engaged with the community. Whether through local journalism, social media, or simply attending local events, being an active participant in Dunwoody’s growth is key to maintaining the strong sense of community that makes the city special.
As Dunwoody continues to evolve, platforms like the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast and the Dunwoody Area Community Forum will play crucial roles in keeping residents informed and connected. Cathy’s work with Rough Draft will also remain vital, providing the in-depth reporting that helps residents navigate the changes and challenges that come with growth.
For those looking to stay informed about Dunwoody’s future, following Cathy’s reporting and engaging with local media platforms like What’s Up Dunwoody is a great place to start. Together, these efforts ensure that Dunwoody remains a vibrant, connected, and thriving community.
