In physical geography, a dell is a small wooded valley. Like "dale", the word "dell" is derived from the Old English word dæl.
The area was developed by rail and real estate magnate Edwin P. Ansley, while George W. Adair, Jr. and Forrest Adair marketed the lots. It was marketed as an alternative for the city's elite to Inman Park, the most fashionable residential neighborhood in the city at the time. It was more fashionably located, astride Peachtree Street and adjacent to the city's largest public park. With Edwin Ansley's former residence serving as the governor's mansion and the Piedmont Driving Club adjacent, the area remained upscale until the 1960s when a slight decline was experienced with some residences turning into boarding houses. However residents turned this decline around and the area never experienced the deep decline in the 1950s-1960s due to suburbanization as neighborhoods like Inman Park did.
Source: Wikipedia
Ansley Park named one of nation's best neighborhoods
The American Planning Association has named Ansley Park as one of America's ten best neighborhoods, citing it for its open spaces, among other notable features. The APA singled out Ansley Park for its verdant open spaces, covering nearly a third of the neighborhood; compact design, allowing residents to shop, work and play close to home; array of architecturally distinguished dwellings; and citizens, who continuously strive to maintain the area's charm and diversity.
The association particularly noted the layout of the neighborhood, citing how Ansley Park is designed so that no home is more than a 10-minute walk from one of 14 parks.
"These parks are adorned with old-growth trees, hearty plants, and colorful flowers,” the APA noted. “Stone benches serve as contemplative stopping points. Large stepping stones lead to unique creek bridges."
Source: WSB Radio. http://www.wsbradio.com/news/news/ansley-park-named-one-nations-best-neighborhoods/nDzYx/