Perimeter Survey Reveals Growing Demand for Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment  

Long considered one of the Southeast’s premier corporate office markets, Perimeter is quickly redefining what a vibrant, connected district looks like. Insights from the 2025 Perimeter Community-Wide Survey reveal a growing demand for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The district is answering the call with new developments, diverse restaurants, and revitalized retail. 

With dynamic experiences and a stronger sense of community taking shape, Perimeter is evolving beyond its 9-to-5 roots into a true live-work-play destination. 

Fueling the District 

Food is at the heart of Perimeter’s growing community culture: 36% of survey respondents go out to lunch twice a week or more, and an overwhelming 85% agree Perimeter offers great dining options. As the district grows beyond its traditional 9-to-5 rhythm, dining options have become one of the district’s most unique offerings. 

When asked what they would like to see more of, many highlighted diverse, fast-casual restaurants that stay open later — a shift that reflects how people are spending more time in the district after hours. Already filling this late-night niche are Nando’s Peri-Peri and Velvet Taco at High Street, as well as Desi District along Ashford-Dunwoody Road, all which serve guests until 10 p.m. or later.   

Other new culinary experiences are taking shape, blending local creativity with global flavor. With new names like Chubby Cattle, CT Cantina & Taqueria, and Magnolia’s Kitchen & Cocktails joining district favorites like Yalda and Food Terminal, Perimeter’s dining scene is redefining what eating out looks (and tastes) like. Workers and residents are also just minutes away from the celebrated Restaurant Row in the heart of Sandy Springs. 

Perimeter’s expanding restaurant scene, including 44 new openings in Dunwoody in the past year alone, is fueling increased activity, social connection, and foot traffic across the district. While Midtown and Buckhead remain popular dining destinations, Perimeter’s recent restaurant boom stands out for its balanced mix of options, offering everything from fast-casual and chef-driven experiences to family-friendly spots and after-hours destinations. 

Retail That Works 

Perimeter remains one of metro Atlanta’s favorite shopping destinations, and the data backs it up: 82% of respondents agree Perimeter offers appealing shopping destinations, and more than a third say they shop regularly for clothing and groceries in the district. 

Convenience, affordability, and variety are driving forces, but there’s a growing appetite for more unique, specialty experiences that go beyond the typical retail mix. 

At the center of it all, Perimeter Mall continues to evolve alongside this demand. With more than 150 stores and counting, the retail anchor is expanding its appeal through family-friendly and experiential retailers like the LEGO Store and POP MART, the global toy and entertainment brand behind the Labubu collectibles. The new LEGO store even opened with a nod to the district’s community, showing off LEGO sculptures of MARTA and a collaborative mural that visitors could add to. 

Elsewhere in the district, walkable developments are redefining what shopping looks like in Perimeter. High Street recently welcomed Allen Edmonds and Sugar Coat, blending elevated retail with dining and entertainment in a true mixed-use environment. Nearby, Ashford Lane continues to attract shoppers with its curated mix, from local favorites like fab’rik and Jewelry Artisans to everyday essentials like Target and Ross, all within a pedestrian-friendly plaza where you can grab a coffee, meet a friend, or stay for dinner.  

Even with these new additions, shopping demand remains high. When asked what types of businesses they would like to see added in Perimeter, respondents called for more diverse stores and shopping experiences, signaling opportunities for both established brands and boutique offerings.  

Life After the 9-to-5 

More people are sticking around after work, and they’re looking for ways to unwind: 40% of survey respondents stick around after work to visit restaurants or other businesses, and about a third spend time in Perimeter on their days off. 

This demand has sparked a new wave of “eatertainment” and cultural venues designed for gathering, playing, and relaxing. Community hubs such as City Springs and Park Place, along with privately-owned public spaces including the Lawn at Ashford Lane and Perimeter Summit’s Green, are hosting live performances and after-work events like City Green Live and Midweek Market, giving people more reasons to linger, connect, and enjoy the district. New mixed-use projects such as Campus 244, a 12-acre walkable office campus featuring open workspace, a boutique hotel, rooftop entertainment, and restaurants, are redefining what it means to stay local, making it easier to transition from work to leisure. 

Destinations like Puttshack and Game Show Battle Rooms are also bringing interactive play to Perimeter, and even local initiatives are helping build this new rhythm. Playfully Perimeter, a pop-up event series activating outdoor spaces across the district, encourages workers and visitors alike to rediscover Perimeter beyond the office. 

These destinations blend retail, dining, workspace, and entertainment, turning everyday errands and lunch breaks into full experiences. Want to stay in the know? Subscribe to our Stay the 5-to-9 newsletter for the latest events and experiences happening across Perimeter. 

Demand for more district destinations signals an emerging evening economy in Perimeter that counteracts the “drive-in, drive-out” culture of the past. Its new walkable developments, retail and dining options, and vibrant entertainment venues are creating a lively, connected environment where residents, workers, and visitors can live, work, and play — all in one place. 

Looking for more insights? Download the full Perimeter Community-Wide Survey report.