EXHIBIT 5
                                                                    June 5, 1997

ATRIA COMMUNITIES, INC.
Providian Center
515 West Market Street
Louisville, KY 40202

Ladies and Gentlemen:

  We have acted as legal counsel in connection with preparation of a
Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1993, as amended
(the "Registration Statement"), covering an aggregate of 6,900,000 shares
(including 900,000 shares subject to an over-allotment option granted to the
Underwriters) of Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Common Stock"), of
Atria Communities, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), which are being
offered by the Company.

  We have examined and are familiar with the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and Restated By-Laws of the Company, and the various corporate
records and proceedings relating to the organization of the Company and the
proposed issuance of the Common Stock. We have also examined such other
documents and proceedings as we have considered necessary for the purpose of
this opinion.

  Based on the foregoing, it is our opinion that the Common Stock has been duly
authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of the
Registration Statement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

  We hereby consent to the filing of this Opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, and with such state securities administrators as may
require such opinion of counsel for the registration of the Common Stock, and to
the reference to this firm under the heading "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus.
In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category
of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, or the Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder.

                               Very truly yours,

                      /s/ Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC