Exhibit 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the 
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Atria Communities, 
Inc. for the registration of 36,487 shares of its common stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 1, 1997 (except
for Note 11 as to which the date is March 3, 1997) with respect the consolidated
financial statements of Atria Communities, Inc. included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.


                                        /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Louisville, Kentucky
January 6, 1998