Druid Hills, GA

County: DeKalb

History

Druid Hills, Georgia

Druid Hills is a historic neighborhood located in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. It is situated approximately six miles northeast of downtown Atlanta and covers an area of about 8 square miles.

The history of Druid Hills dates back to the late 19th century when Joel Hurt, a prominent Atlanta developer, purchased a large tract of land in the area. Hurt envisioned creating a suburban community that would reflect the charm and elegance of the English countryside. Inspired by the garden cities movement in England, he enlisted the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who is famous for designing New York City's Central Park.

Development of Druid Hills began around 1903, with Olmsted designing the layout of the neighborhood to follow the natural topography of the land, preserving the natural beauty of the area. The neighborhood features curvilinear streets, numerous parks, and green spaces, which are trademarks of Olmsted's designs.

The architecture in Druid Hills is also noteworthy. Many of the homes were constructed in the early 20th century and represent a variety of architectural styles, including Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, and Mediterranean Revival. The neighborhood boasts a significant number of stately mansions that were built by Atlanta's elite, including Coca-Cola magnate Asa Candler.

Druid Hills has a strong association with education. In 1914, Emory University purchased land in the neighborhood and relocated its campus to Druid Hills. The university's presence has played a significant role in shaping the character and development of the neighborhood.

Throughout its history, Druid Hills has been known for its affluent residents and distinctive charm. The neighborhood has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975 and has been designated as a local historic district by the City of Atlanta.

Today, Druid Hills remains a desirable place to live due to its historic character, beautiful homes, and proximity to downtown Atlanta. The neighborhood continues to attract residents who appreciate its tree-lined streets, well-preserved architecture, and sense of community.

Attractions

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

This museum features exhibits on natural history, including dinosaur fossils, interactive displays, and a planetarium.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Housed in a Gothic-Tudor style mansion, this center offers art classes, exhibitions, and hosts events such as concerts and festivals.

Olmsted Linear Park

Designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, this park features walking trails, historic monuments, and beautiful green spaces.

Callanwolde Estate

This historic mansion offers guided tours, art exhibits, and is a popular venue for weddings and other special events.

Druid Hills Golf Club

Established in 1912, this private golf club features an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a clubhouse.

Emory University

Located within Druid Hills, the campus of Emory University offers beautiful architecture, botanical gardens, and cultural events such as concerts and lectures.

The Carlos Museum

Located on the Emory University campus, the Michael C. Carlos Museum houses extensive collections of art from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Americas.

Hahn Woods

This small nature reserve offers hiking trails and a serene setting to escape the city and enjoy nature.

Freedom Park

Located nearby in Atlanta, this park features a playground, walking trails, and hosts various community events and festivals.

Historic Druid Hills

Take a stroll through the historic streets of Druid Hills to admire beautiful homes and gardens, many of which were designed by well-known architects.

Climate

Druid Hills, Georgia, has a humid subtropical climate. The area experiences four distinct seasons – a mild winter, a warm spring, a hot summer, and a pleasant fall.

Winter in Druid Hills is generally mild compared to many other parts of the United States. The average high temperatures range from the mid-50s to the low 60s Fahrenheit (around 13-16°C), while the average lows can drop to the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit (around 1-5°C). Snowfall is relatively rare, but light snow or ice may occur occasionally.

Spring brings increasing temperatures and more rainfall to the area. High temperatures range from the 60s to the 70s Fahrenheit (around 15-25°C), while lows range from the 40s to the 50s Fahrenheit (around 5-15°C). Spring can be quite pleasant, with blooming flowers and trees adding color to the surroundings.

Summer in Druid Hills is hot and humid. High temperatures often reach the 90s Fahrenheit (around 32-35°C), and occasionally even exceed 100°F (38°C). Nights are warm, with average lows in the 70s Fahrenheit (around 21-26°C). Thunderstorms are common during summer afternoons and evenings, contributing to the precipitation levels.

Fall in Druid Hills is generally mild and comfortable. High temperatures range from the 70s to the 80s Fahrenheit (around 21-30°C), while lows range from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit (around 5-20°C). The autumn colors in the trees create a beautiful scenery during this time of the year.

Overall, Druid Hills experiences a relatively moderate climate, with mild winters and hot summers. It is important to note that actual weather conditions can vary, and it is always a good idea to check the local forecast before planning any outdoor activities.

Neighborhoods

Druid Hills is a historic neighborhood located in unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia, just east of Atlanta. It is known for its stunning architecture, tree-lined streets, and proximity to nature.

Emory Village

Located on the western side of Druid Hills, Emory Village is a vibrant commercial area adjacent to Emory University. It offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular spot for students, faculty, and locals to socialize and dine.

Historic Druid Hills

This area is the heart of the neighborhood and is characterized by its stunning architecture and lush landscapes. The Historic District of Druid Hills was designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and features a mix of architectural styles, including Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, and Georgian Revival. Many of the homes are registered on the National Register of Historic Places.

Druid Hills Estates

Situated on the eastern side of Druid Hills, Druid Hills Estates is a more suburban neighborhood with spacious homes, large lots, and winding streets. It offers a quieter and more secluded atmosphere compared to other parts of Druid Hills while still maintaining the area's aesthetic appeal.

Emory Grove

Located on the southern edge of Druid Hills, Emory Grove is a charming residential area that consists of mostly single-family homes. It is known for its tranquil atmosphere and close proximity to both Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fernbank

Situated in the northeastern corner of Druid Hills, Fernbank is a residential area known for its natural beauty and access to outdoor spaces. It is home to the Fernbank Science Center and Fernbank Museum of Natural History, which offers educational exhibits and programs for both children and adults.

Overall, Druid Hills is known for its diverse blend of architectural styles and its close proximity to Emory University and downtown Atlanta. Whether you're interested in historic homes, vibrant commercial areas, or natural beauty, Druid Hills has something to offer for everyone.

Nearby Cities