Emory University in Atlanta: What Residents, Students, and Newcomers Need to Know

Emory University is one of Atlanta’s defining institutions—academically, culturally, medically, and economically. Whether you’re considering moving to Atlanta, already live here and are exploring education options, or just want to understand how Emory fits into the city, it helps to see the full local picture.

This guide focuses on how Emory University works in and around Atlanta, Georgia: campuses, neighborhoods, commuting, costs of living nearby, educational options, and how non-students still interact with Emory every day.

Where Emory University Is in Atlanta

Emory’s main footprint sits in the Druid Hills area, just northeast of the City of Atlanta, with additional locations woven into the metro area.

Main Emory Locations Around Atlanta

Main Campus Address (Druid Hills):
Emory University
201 Dowman Drive
Atlanta, GA 30322

Most day-to-day student life and academic activity happens in and around this Druid Hills campus and the Clifton Road corridor.

Emory’s Role in Atlanta: More Than a University

Emory is not just a school; it’s a major employer, healthcare provider, and research center in Atlanta.

As an Employer

Emory and Emory Healthcare together employ tens of thousands of people in the region. Job-seekers in education, healthcare, research, administration, and facilities often look at Emory as a core option, especially if they live:

• In-town (Virginia-Highland, Morningside, Inman Park)
• Along the I-85 / North Druid Hills corridor
• In nearby DeKalb County neighborhoods

For many residents, working at Emory shapes decisions about where to live, commuting routes, and school choices for children.

As a Healthcare Hub

For Atlanta residents, Emory is strongly associated with:

• Emory University Hospital (Clifton Rd, Atlanta)
• Emory University Hospital Midtown (Atlanta)
• Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital (Sandy Springs)
• Emory clinics and specialty centers across the metro

People who never set foot in a classroom at Emory may still see Emory doctors, use Emory Imaging centers, or visit clinics in their neighborhood.

Academic Options at Emory for Atlanta Residents

Emory offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that attract both local and out-of-state students.

Undergraduate Pathways

For students in Atlanta and nearby suburbs, there are two main undergraduate routes into Emory:

1. Emory College of Arts and Sciences (Druid Hills)

   • Traditional 4-year experience
   • Located in-town in Druid Hills
   • Appeals to students who want immediate access to city life

2. Oxford College of Emory University (Oxford, GA)

   • Smaller 2-year liberal arts campus
   • Students typically spend first 2 years in Oxford, then complete degrees at the Atlanta campus
   • Located about 35–45 minutes east of central Atlanta, depending on traffic

Local Atlanta families often compare Emory with:

• Georgia Tech (Midtown Atlanta)
• Georgia State University (Downtown)
• Nearby private colleges (Agnes Scott in Decatur, Oglethorpe in Brookhaven)

Considerations often include commuting, cost of living, campus culture, and access to internships in the city.

Graduate and Professional Schools

For Atlanta professionals, Emory offers graduate programs in:

• Business (Goizueta Business School)
• Law (Emory School of Law)
• Public Health (Rollins School of Public Health)
• Nursing, Theology, Medicine, and more

Many students enrolled in these programs already live and work in Atlanta, and:

• Continue to work part- or full-time locally
• Use MARTA, Emory shuttles, or short drives to reach campus
• Live in nearby neighborhoods like Decatur, Druid Hills, Midtown, or Brookhaven to balance work, school, and city access

If you’re an Atlanta resident considering going back to school, Emory’s professional programs may be attractive because of proximity to major employers, hospitals, and government agencies.

Neighborhoods Around Emory: Where Students and Staff Tend to Live

Location is one of the biggest practical questions for anyone planning to attend or work at Emory.

Popular Neighborhoods Near Emory

1. Druid Hills (Immediate Surroundings)

• Tree-lined, historic, largely residential
• Mix of single-family homes and some apartments
• Generally higher housing costs
• Easy access to Emory and the CDC

2. Decatur (City of Decatur + Unincorporated Areas)

• Strong local schools, walkable downtown
• Popular with Emory faculty, staff, and grad students
• MARTA rail access (Decatur Station) with bus connections toward Emory
• Mix of apartments, condos, and homes

3. Virginia-Highland, Morningside, Inman Park

• In-town neighborhoods west/southwest of Emory
• Short commutes by car or bike
• Known for restaurants, nightlife, and older homes
• Tends to be popular with graduate students and young professionals

4. North Druid Hills / Toco Hills / Briarcliff Area

• Apartments, condos, townhomes, and houses
• Shopping centers and everyday services nearby
• Short drive or bus ride to Emory

5. Midtown & Old Fourth Ward

• More urban feel, lots of high-rise and mid-rise apartments
• Access to MARTA rail, BeltLine, and city amenities
• Emory Midtown and other healthcare sites are nearby

When choosing where to live as an Emory student or staff member in Atlanta, most people weigh:

• Commute time (especially along Clifton Road)
• Access to MARTA buses or Emory shuttles
• Budget and housing style (apartment vs. house share vs. on-campus)
• Proximity to restaurants, parks, and nightlife

Getting To and Around Emory from Atlanta

Traffic around Emory, especially on Clifton Road, is a central part of everyday life for students, staff, and nearby residents.

Commuting Options

By Car:

• Main access roads: Clifton Rd, North Decatur Rd, Briarcliff Rd, Houston Mill Rd
• Parking near the main campus is often permit-based, with limited visitor parking
• Commute times vary widely depending on time of day; rush-hour traffic can be significant

By MARTA (Atlanta’s Transit System):

• There is no rail station on campus, but several bus routes connect nearby rail stations (such as Decatur, Lindbergh Center, Edgewood/Candler Park) to the Emory area
• Many students and staff ride MARTA bus routes and then transfer to Emory shuttles

By Emory Shuttle (Cliff Shuttles):

• Free shuttle system primarily for Emory community members
• Connects:
  • Main campus
  • Emory University Hospital Midtown
  • Oxford shuttles (for Oxford College students)
  • Nearby transit points and housing areas, depending on routes

By Bike or On Foot:

• Nearby neighborhoods such as Druid Hills, Decatur, and Virginia-Highland are bikeable and walkable for some residents
• Hills and traffic patterns make this easier from some directions than others

If you’re relocating to Atlanta specifically to attend Emory, it’s smart to map your likely daily route in advance and consider rush-hour realities.

Cost of Living Near Emory

Living close to Emory typically means living in intown or near-intown Atlanta or DeKalb County, where housing prices are often higher than more distant suburbs.

Housing Considerations

• On-Campus Housing:

  • Primarily for undergraduates and some graduate students
  • Simplifies commuting but may come with higher per-square-foot costs and limited privacy

• Off-Campus Apartments & Rentals:

  • Common in Decatur, North Druid Hills, Toco Hills, and nearby Atlanta neighborhoods
  • Students often share multi-bedroom apartments or houses to manage rent

• Commuter Living:

  • Some Emory students and staff choose to live farther away (e.g., Tucker, Stone Mountain, East Atlanta, Chamblee)
  • Trade-off: lower rent but longer commute times

Everyday Expenses

Living near Emory, you’re close to:

• Grocery stores in Decatur, North Druid Hills, and Toco Hills
• Dining options on and around campus
• City amenities (parks, gyms, entertainment) within a short drive or ride

Costs will feel similar to living elsewhere in in-town Atlanta, with some variation by neighborhood.

Emory for Atlanta Families: K–12 and Dual Enrollment Context

For families with children in Atlanta considering Emory in the long term, there are a few angles to keep in mind.

Local Schools and College Pathways

Neighborhoods around Emory are served by a mix of:

• DeKalb County School District (for unincorporated areas and some neighborhoods)
• City Schools of Decatur (if living within the City of Decatur)
• Various private and independent schools across Atlanta

High-achieving students in Atlanta often consider Emory alongside:

• Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and the University of Georgia
• Out-of-state options

Some local high schools may offer dual enrollment or advanced coursework that helps students prepare for a future application to Emory or similar institutions, though specific program details depend on the high school and district.

Campus Life and Student Experience in Atlanta

What Campus Feels Like

Emory’s main Druid Hills campus is:

• Leafy and residential in feel, despite being close to the city
• Walkable, with a defined campus core
• Close to Lullwater Preserve, Emory Village, and Clifton Corridor dining and services

For students coming from within metro Atlanta, Emory often feels like a compromise between a traditional campus and a big-city university, because:

• You have a self-contained campus
• But you’re only a short ride from Midtown, Downtown, or Decatur

Access to Atlanta’s Opportunities

Students regularly take advantage of:

• Internships with Atlanta-based companies, nonprofits, hospitals, and government agencies
• Cultural institutions like the High Museum of Art, Atlanta History Center, and local theaters
• Professional networking in business, law, healthcare, public health, and tech

For locals, the Emory experience can mean staying close to family while still gaining access to a nationally recognized university environment.

Emory Healthcare and Services for Metro Atlanta Residents

Even if you’re not directly connected to Emory as a student or employee, you may engage with Emory through healthcare or community programs.

Major Emory Healthcare Sites in the Atlanta Area

Some key locations many residents use include:

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

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

• Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital
  5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road
  Atlanta, GA 30342

There are also numerous Emory clinics and specialty centers across the metro region, including in Decatur, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, and other suburbs.

Residents often choose Emory for:

• Specialist care in complex conditions
• Access to academic medical expertise
• Coordinated care within one large system

For appointments, referrals, and clinic locations, it’s best to contact Emory Healthcare directly by phone or use their official patient access channels.

Visiting Emory University from Within Atlanta

If you’re just exploring the campus, attending an event, or accompanying a patient, a bit of planning can make your visit smoother.

Planning Your Visit

• Check parking options: Visitor parking decks and lots near the main campus and hospitals often fill up quickly.
• Account for traffic: Clifton Road and surrounding areas can be congested, especially on weekdays and during rush hours.
• Consider transit and shuttles: MARTA trains plus bus connections, rideshare, or Emory shuttles (if eligible) can sometimes be easier than driving directly.

Common Reasons Locals Visit

• College information sessions, campus tours, or graduation events
• Medical appointments or visiting hospitalized family members
• Lectures, performances, and cultural events open to the public
• Using campus libraries or attending conferences (where access is permitted)

How Emory Shapes Daily Life in Atlanta

Living in Atlanta, you will likely feel Emory’s presence in more ways than one:

• Traffic patterns and commuter flows around Druid Hills, Decatur, and Midtown
• Job opportunities in education, healthcare, research, and operations
• Student housing demand in nearby neighborhoods
• Healthcare decisions for families choosing between Emory, other hospital systems, or community providers
• Cultural and academic events that attract visitors from across the city

If you’re moving to Atlanta and considering Emory as a place to study, work, or receive care, it helps to:

1. Narrow down potential neighborhoods that balance commute, cost, and lifestyle.
2. Understand your transportation options to and from the Emory area.
3. Get familiar with the main campuses and hospitals so you know where you’ll actually be day to day.

Emory University is a central part of Atlanta’s identity, and whether you’re a student, professional, patient, or long-time resident, it’s likely to intersect with your life here at some point.