Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia: What Locals, Visitors, and Future Students Should Know

Emory University is one of Atlanta’s most influential institutions — academically, medically, and culturally. Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are considering Emory for school, work, or healthcare, understanding how Emory fits into Atlanta can help you navigate both the campus and the city more confidently.

Where Emory University Is in Atlanta

Emory University’s main campus is located in the Druid Hills neighborhood on Atlanta’s east side, just a few miles from downtown and Midtown.

Primary campus area:

• Emory University – Druid Hills (Main Campus)
  201 Dowman Drive
  Atlanta, GA 30322

This area sits near:

• Decatur (to the east)
• Virginia-Highland and Morningside (to the northwest)
• Atlanta’s I-85 and I-20 corridors, accessible by major surface streets

Emory Hospitals and some professional schools also have a strong presence in Midtown Atlanta and around Emory University Hospital Midtown, which is closer to downtown businesses and tourist attractions.

Emory’s Role in Atlanta: Why It Matters Locally

Emory isn’t just a private university sitting off on its own. It’s a major part of metro Atlanta’s:

• Higher education scene – A top-tier research university drawing students from across the country and world
• Healthcare system – Through Emory Healthcare, one of the largest and most recognized health systems in Georgia
• Economy and jobs – A major employer in DeKalb and Fulton counties
• Cultural life – With museums, performance venues, lectures, and community events

For many Atlanta residents, Emory is:

• A place to work
• A place to receive specialty medical care
• A nearby source of arts, public lectures, and continuing education

Getting to Emory from Around Atlanta

Atlanta’s layout can make transportation a key part of planning any visit to Emory.

By Car

From different parts of the metro area:

• From Downtown Atlanta
  • Head east via Ponce de Leon Avenue NE or DeKalb Avenue NE and follow signs toward Druid Hills and Emory University.
• From Midtown
  • Use Monroe Drive to Ponce de Leon Avenue, then connect toward Druid Hills.
• From I-85
  • Use the North Druid Hills Road or Clairmont Road exit and follow signs toward Emory.

Parking:
Emory has multiple paid parking decks. Common visitor options near the main campus include:

• Fishburne Parking Deck – off Fishburne Drive
• Oxford Road Parking Deck – near the Barnes & Noble at Emory
• Michael Street Parking Deck – near the health sciences complex

Parking rules and rates can change, so locals often check the latest campus parking information before heading over, especially on game days or during large events.

By MARTA and Emory Shuttle

Emory is not directly on a MARTA rail line, but it’s well connected by bus and Emory-run shuttles.

Typical access pattern:

• Take MARTA rail to Decatur Station or Lindbergh Center Station
• Transfer to an Emory Shuttle (Cliff Shuttle) or MARTA bus that runs toward Emory’s main campus or Emory University Hospital Midtown

The Cliff Shuttle system is widely used by students and employees, and some routes are open to the public, providing free or low-cost connections between Emory facilities and MARTA stations. Many Atlanta commuters who work at Emory rely on this combination to avoid driving and campus parking costs.

Main Emory Locations in the Atlanta Area

Here’s a quick overview of the key Emory locations you’re most likely to use or visit:

For most Atlanta-based students, staff, and visitors, the Druid Hills campus and Emory University Hospital Midtown are the primary points of contact.

Academics and Campus Life in Atlanta

What Kind of University Is Emory?

Emory University is a private research university with:

• Undergraduate programs through Emory College of Arts and Sciences and the Goizueta Business School
• Graduate and professional schools, including:
  • School of Law
  • Candler School of Theology
  • Rollins School of Public Health
  • Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
  • Laney Graduate School

Many Atlanta residents know Emory for its strong health sciences, public health, and business programs, which are closely tied to opportunities in the broader Atlanta metro area.

Campus Feel and Nearby Neighborhoods

Emory’s main campus has a walkable, tree-lined, collegiate atmosphere that stands in contrast to some of Atlanta’s denser urban districts. Yet, it’s only a short drive or shuttle ride from:

• Decatur Square – Restaurants, shops, and a small-town feel within the metro
• Virginia-Highland & Inman Park – Popular intown neighborhoods with nightlife and dining
• Midtown – Home to major offices, arts institutions, and Emory University Hospital Midtown

For students and staff, living in nearby neighborhoods such as Druid Hills, Decatur, North Decatur, Virginia-Highland, and Toco Hills is common, with easy access by car, bike, or shuttle.

Emory Healthcare in Atlanta

Emory is a major healthcare provider for metro Atlanta through Emory Healthcare, which includes hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers.

Key Atlanta-area locations include:

• Emory University Hospital
  1364 Clifton Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30322

• Emory University Hospital Midtown
  550 Peachtree St NE
  Atlanta, GA 30308

• The Emory Clinic locations across Atlanta, including:

  • At Emory University Hospital (Clifton Road)
  • In Midtown and various suburban areas

Residents often turn to Emory when they need:

• Specialty care (for example, complex surgery or advanced diagnostics)
• Access to physicians who are also faculty members
• Coordination between community care and academic medicine

For appointments and non-emergency questions, people typically contact Emory Healthcare’s central scheduling or specific clinic offices by phone, which are listed for each location.

⚠️ Note: In a medical emergency anywhere in Atlanta, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not rely on campus lines or general information numbers for urgent medical situations.

Visiting Emory: What Atlanta Visitors Should Know

Campus Tours and Visitor Access

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to see Emory:

• Undergraduate admissions tours are typically hosted on the main campus in Druid Hills.
• There is generally designated visitor parking for admissions guests; instructions are usually provided in tour confirmations.
• Weekdays during the academic year can be busy; many visitors choose mid-mornings or early afternoons to avoid peak commuting hours in Atlanta.

You do not need to be a student to enjoy parts of campus. Many public spaces on campus are open to visitors during normal hours, including some green spaces, dining areas, and common pathways.

Nearby Attractions

Combining an Emory visit with nearby Atlanta activities is easy. Popular spots within a short drive include:

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History (in Druid Hills)
• Atlanta BeltLine – Eastside Trail (access from Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or Virginia-Highland)
• Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market for food and shopping
• Decatur Square for a walkable restaurant and retail district

This makes Emory a convenient part of a broader intown Atlanta itinerary.

Community Resources on or Near Emory’s Campus

Residents in Atlanta who never attend Emory as students still often interact with:

Libraries and Learning

• Robert W. Woodruff Library – Main campus library

  • While full privileges are for students and staff, Atlanta residents may have limited access for certain services or events. Policies can vary, so it’s best to check ahead.

• Continuing education and public lectures – Emory regularly hosts public talks, panels, and educational programs on topics ranging from politics and literature to public health and the arts, often open to the wider Atlanta community.

Arts and Culture

• Michael C. Carlos Museum – On Emory’s main campus

  • Known for collections related to ancient civilizations and global art.
  • Often welcomes both students and general visitors from across metro Atlanta.

• Schwartz Center for Performing Arts – A venue for music, theater, and dance performances, drawing both campus and community audiences.

These resources make Emory a cultural hub for residents throughout Atlanta and DeKalb County, not just for those enrolled or employed there.

Housing, Commuting, and Daily Life Around Emory

Living Near Emory

People who study or work at Emory commonly live in:

• Druid Hills – Close, residential, tree-lined
• Decatur / North Decatur – Popular with families and young professionals
• Virginia-Highland / Morningside / Emory Village area – Mix of rentals and single-family homes
• Toco Hills / North Druid Hills – Apartment complexes and shopping centers convenient for commuting

Rent and home prices in these areas can be higher than some outer suburbs, reflecting their proximity to both Emory and intown Atlanta.

Commuting Patterns

Common commuting approaches for Atlanta-area Emory workers and students:

• Driving with parking pass – Many commuters use I-85, I-285, or local corridors such as Briarcliff Road, Clairmont Road, and North Decatur Road.
• Park-and-ride with Emory shuttles – Using MARTA plus the Cliff Shuttle to avoid parking challenges.
• Cycling and walking – More common for those living in Druid Hills, Emory Village, or nearby neighborhoods.

Traffic around Clifton Road, North Decatur Road, and Lavista Road can be heavy during rush hours and class start times, so locals often plan extra time.

Important Emory-Related Contact Points in Atlanta

Here are some of the most commonly used addresses and general contact points for people engaging with Emory from within Atlanta:

• Emory University (Main Campus)
  201 Dowman Drive
  Atlanta, GA 30322
  (Main operator numbers and departmental lines are publicly listed and can route you to admissions, student services, and administrative offices.)

• Emory University Hospital
  1364 Clifton Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30322

• Emory University Hospital Midtown
  550 Peachtree St NE
  Atlanta, GA 30308

• Oxford College of Emory University (for students starting at the Oxford campus)
  110 Few Circle
  Oxford, GA 30054

For undergraduate admissions, graduate admissions, or specific academic departments, contact details are typically listed per office and may change over time, so many Atlanta residents start by calling Emory’s main switchboard or visiting the specific office’s contact information page.

How Emory Fits into Atlanta’s Bigger Picture

In the context of Atlanta, Georgia, Emory University serves several overlapping roles:

• A major university drawing people to live, work, and study in the city
• A regional healthcare leader, with hospitals and clinics that many metro Atlanta residents rely on
• A cultural and intellectual hub, offering performances, exhibits, and talks
• An economic anchor, providing jobs and supporting local housing, retail, and services in neighborhoods like Druid Hills, Decatur, and Midtown

Whether you’re an Atlanta resident considering Emory for school or work, a patient seeking care within the city, or a visitor exploring what the Atlanta area has to offer, Emory University is a central institution worth understanding in both its campus setting and its wider role in metro Atlanta.