Olmstead’s influences are clear in the Atlanta suburb of Druid Hills
If you feel drawn to Druid Hills, it’s all part of the design – as one of Atlanta’s earliest suburbs, Druid Hills was designed by famed architect Frederick Law Olmsted, focusing on open spaces, pleasing streetscapes and enhancing the area’s natural terrain. Featuring winding roads and eclectic architecture, this quiet historic district is shared between the city of Atlanta and DeKalb County. Both localities are committed to preserving the exceptional landscaping and building styles found throughout the neighborhood.
Close to bustling Atlanta activity and employment opportunities and tucked within a gathering of Atlanta suburbs, Druid Hills offers a tranquil residential lifestyle with abundant cultural, outdoor and academic opportunities. Here, your home is nearly next door to Emory University’s main Atlanta campus, the Druid Hills Golf Club and the stunning Fernbank Forest. The combination of modern developments and historical and natural simplicity makes Druid Hills a wonderful place to call home.
Lullwater Preserve in Druid Hills is home to abundant wildlife, offering residents and visitors a serene nature escape.
Located near Druid Hills and just outside Decatur, Druid Hills Golf Course is a favorite spot for golfers in the area.
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Historic and new homes, condos and townhouses vary in prices
While considered an Intown Atlanta neighborhood, Druid Hills still has a quaint, communal appeal. Homes are traditional style with solid bones, open layouts and mature hardwood flooring. Houses are set back from the street with lush lawns and gardens. Even updated homes maintain the traditional style, and the same goes for the exteriors of modern condos and apartment communities within the neighborhood. Smaller homes cost $420,000 to $850,000. Larger ones range from $850,000 to $3 million. Most townhouses and condos cost $120,000 and $1.1 million, depending on size and location.
Recreation ranges from museums to parks and Lullwater Preserve
In Druid Hills, there’s always something to do. Discover a world of insights at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, which includes a 3D Theater, forest walking trails and NatureQuest activities. The Fernbank Science Center is home to the Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium and a massive exhibit hall. The private Druid Hills Golf Club is a big attraction for golfers, offering gorgeous greens, a pro shop and a tennis center. Visit Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum to uncover an extensive and unique collection of ancient art. Interested in science and medicine? Get a glimpse into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the David J. Sencer CDC Museum.
Druid Hills boasts fantastic parks and outdoor spaces where you can hike, golf or relax. Smaller neighborhood parks include Rutledge and Heaton parks. The expansive Druid Hills Golf Club is bookended by the Lullwater Conservation Garden and Burbanck Park, which offers places to rest and decompress in the natural habitat surrounding Peavine Creek. You can also explore the 150-acre Lullwater Preserve on Emory University's campus. At Lullwater Preserve, visitors can discover gentle waterfalls, miles of trails, an English Tudor mansion and Candler Lake, a peaceful place to cast a line or canoe. A more than 200-foot pedestrian suspension bridge over South Fork Peachtree Creek connects Emory’s campus to the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Olmsted Linear Park comprises six segments that amass 45 acres within the Druid Hills community. These segments are conjoined parks, including Springdale, Virgilee, Oak Grove, Shady Side, Dellwood and Deepdene — with Deepdene Park being the largest segment at 22 acres.
Druid Hills hosts the Druid Hills Country Club, renowned for its challenging golf course and well-maintained grounds.
The Fernbank Museum in Druid Hills welcomes visitors with its iconic entrance and engaging exhibits.
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Locals attend concerts, Emory events and holiday celebrations
Whether it’s an outdoor concert, a home and garden tour of Frederick Law Olmsted's architecture or a festival hosted by the Emory Village Alliance, many events keep you busy in Druid Hills. Emory Farmers Market features fresh, seasonal local produce, artisanal bread, organic coffee and lunch options for the whole community during the academic year. The Druid Hills Civic Association also hosts an annual holiday home decorating contest.
Wagaya in Druid Hills serves fresh sushi for lunch and dinner, making it a favorite among local diners.
Sankranti Indian Kitchen offers modern Indian cuisine in Druid Hills, attracting locals for flavorful meals.
Sweetgreen in Druid Hills draws a lively lunch crowd with its fresh salads and seasonal menu.
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Druid Hills students attend public schools and Paideia School
Highly ranked public schools within the Druid Hills neighborhood include Fernbank Elementary and Druid Hills High School. A variety of private schools are available throughout the surrounding area. Druid Hills is also home to Emory University, a private research institution known worldwide for its scientific advancements and state-of-the-art medical facilities and treatment centers. Paideia School is also located in Druid Hills, providing children in kindergarten through 12th grade with an education encompassing academics, arts, athletics and leadership. The school ranks high for student performance where recently 13% of seniors were named National Merit semi-finalists.
Fernbank Elementary School in Druid Hills is located directly across from the Fernbank Science Center, providing convenient access for students and families.
Druid Hills Middle School sits on a spacious campus in a quiet residential neighborhood.
Druid Hills High School serves students from Druid Hills and neighboring communities as a comprehensive public high school.
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Residents dine at franchises and local restaurants like The Point
Druid Hill residents can choose from culinary options throughout the neighborhood, from franchises such as Panera and Chipotle to unique mom-and-pop and fusion restaurants. One favorite is The General Muir, offering a modern American take on a classic deli menu. It’s located in The Point, a popular destination for dining and shopping at the northwest edge of the neighborhood. Druid Hills also offers quick access to Kroger and Publix grocery stores just outside the neighborhood border. Health care dominates the job market, with the largest employers including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University and Emory University Hospital.
Public transit and major highways like U.S. Route 78 lead to Atlanta
Commuting to downtown Atlanta is made easy by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, which has three stops in the neighborhood. When driving, residents often use Clifton Road, which runs north through Emory University, as the main north-south thoroughfare. Residents can take U.S. Route 23 into North Druid Hills or south toward Decatur. U.S. Route 78 runs along the neighborhood’s southern border and connects to Interstate 85 for additional travel options. Following I-85 south, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is only about 15 miles away.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Jason Buch
Video By
Charlie Lingner
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Pamela Hughes,
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