Druid Hills Blends Historic Charm with Natural Beauty in the Heart of Atlanta

From Olmsted’s visionary design to stately mansions, Druid Hills offers a lifestyle rooted in legacy and community

Written by Tucker Sarkisian Illustrated by Meredith Gillespie

July 2025

Eccentric and elegant, Druid Hills is tucked just east of Atlanta’s core. Magnolias cast shadows and streets curve with a deliberate grace, the vision of designer Frederick Law Olmsted (Central Park, Biltmore Estate, U.S. Capitol grounds), who planned Druid Hills as his final residential project. If it looks familiar, perhaps you’re remembering scenes in Driving Miss Daisy, which was filmed in the neighborhood and showcases the tapestry of architectural styles from Colonial, Georgian, and Tudor Revivals to Italian Renaissance. Residents love the warm, lived-in charm of their historic mansions with impeccable preservation, original woodwork, and secret gardens. “The character of Druid Hills is truly unlike any other neighborhood in Atlanta—you’re surrounded by historic homes, charismatic people, and a deep sense of community,” says Harvin Greene, real estate agent with Dorsey Alston Realtors and Druid Hills resident. “Thanks to historic preservation efforts, we’ve been able to maintain the integrity of Olmsted’s original design, creating a rare oasis in the middle of the city.”

History

In the late 19th century, developer Joel Hurt hired Olmsted to craft a perfect suburb for Atlanta’s elite. The result was a masterwork of curving roads, expansive lawns, and six linear parks along Ponce de Leon Avenue. The smart design influenced suburban planning across the nation, and Druid Hills became a haven for Atlanta’s influential families, notably the Candlers of Coca-Cola fame. Asa Candler Jr., son of the beverage magnate, constructed the opulent Briarcliff Mansion in the 1920s. The Georgian Revival was famous for its private zoo with exotic animals and a massive Aeolian organ, the largest privately owned in Georgia at the time.

3,474

Average square footage (for sales last 12 months, single-family homes)

$1.495M

Average sale price (last 12 months, single-family homes)

$8.6M

Highest sale (last 12 months)

“My deep love and respect for historical architecture made this neighborhood an easy choice. With the timeless charm of Neel Reid homes and the iconic landscapes from Frederick Law Olmsted, Druid Hills truly has it all.” —Douglas Weiss, Designer and Druid Hills Resident

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Future

Druid Hills embarks on an ambitious multi-year restoration project, setting its sights on famous Briarcliff Mansion. After decades of only minimal repairs to keep the structure from falling into irreversible disrepair, Emory University has brokered a long-term ground lease with developer Galerie Living. While a portion of the property will be turned into a nearly 500-resident senior living community, the millionaire’s mansion will be restored to its former glory, set to open in 2026.

IYKYK

Asa Candler Jr.’s private zoo once led to a neighbor suing him after a baboon escaped and allegedly consumed $60 from her purse.

BIG BRAG

Druid Hills Golf Club (the only private club in the neighborhood) is home to The Dogwood Invitational, a boast-worthy amateur golf tournament held in June. First held in April 1941, The Dogwood validated DHGC as a challenging venue that has held 90-plus championships. The tournament is ranked as having one of the best fields among amateur tournaments in the world, with past champions including Webb Simpson and Brian Harman, and notable players Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Matt Kuchar, and Brooks Koepka.

HUMANITIES

Rooted in tradition, Druid Hills landmarks place it at the forefront of artistic endeavors and intellectual pursuits. The Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, a Gothic Tudor once the home of Charles Howard Candler, serves as a hub for the arts, offering classes and hosting performances. Emory University brings academic gravitas through teaching, medicine, and research.