So, you’re driving down Old National Highway. Maybe you’re coming from the airport or just trying to navigate that notoriously heavy South Fulton traffic. You need a prescription filled, or maybe just a cold Gatorade and some ibuprofen because the day has been a lot. You’re looking for the CVS.
It sounds simple. It should be simple. But if you’ve lived around College Park or South Fulton long enough, you know that retail footprints in this corridor shift constantly. What was a pharmacy yesterday is a boarded-up window today, and what looks like a thriving store on a map from 2022 might actually be an empty shell in 2026.
The CVS on Old National Highway—specifically the one located at 6370 Old National Hwy—is a weirdly central hub for a community that is often underserved by major retail chains. It sits right in that pocket where College Park melts into South Fulton. It isn’t just a place to buy toothpaste. For many, it’s the only reliable pharmacy within a three-mile radius that accepts a broad range of insurance plans.
Why This Specific CVS Location Matters
Location is everything. If you're familiar with the 30349 zip code, you know it’s a mix of residential neighborhoods, logistics hubs near Hartsfield-Jackson, and busy commercial strips. This CVS isn't tucked away in a quiet corner. It’s right there near the intersection with Sullivan Road.
People depend on it. Honestly, the wait times can be brutal. You’ve probably sat in that drive-thru line for twenty minutes at 5:30 PM watching the planes take off nearby, wondering if it would have been faster to just walk inside. It usually isn't. The staff there handles a massive volume of customers, and the reality of pharmacy deserts in South Fulton means this specific store carries a heavy load.
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The area has seen a lot of change. While other big-box retailers have shuttered locations along Old National due to "shrink" or corporate restructuring, this CVS has remained a bit of an anchor. It’s a landmark. "Turn left at the CVS" is a common direction given by locals because it's one of the few consistent bright-red signs that hasn't changed in a decade.
Navigating the Pharmacy Chaos
Let’s talk about the pharmacy. It’s the heart of the building. Most people aren’t there for the seasonal aisle or the overpriced greeting cards; they are there for life-saving medication.
If you are trying to get a script filled here, you have to be strategic. Seriously. Showing up on a Monday afternoon is a recipe for a headache. The best time? Mid-morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday. If you wait until after work, you are competing with half of South Fulton.
One thing most people get wrong is assuming the hours are 24/7. They aren't. While some CVS locations in metro Atlanta still cling to that "always open" model, many have scaled back. Always check the app before you head out, especially for the pharmacy counter, which often closes for lunch between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM. There is nothing more frustrating than pulling up to the window only to see that "Closed for Pharmacist Break" sign staring back at you.
The Reality of Shopping on Old National
Old National Highway has a reputation. Some call it "The Old Nat." It’s vibrant, it’s busy, and it’s a bit chaotic.
The CVS reflects that energy. You’ll see people in airport uniforms, parents picking up diapers, and folks just stopping in for a quick snack. It’s a melting pot. But because it’s such a high-traffic area, the shelves can get cleared out fast. If there’s a flu season surge or a run on distilled water, don’t expect this location to have a full stock. They stay busy.
Safety and security are also a part of the conversation here. Like many retail spots in high-density urban corridors, you might see security guards or specialized locking cases on higher-end items like laundry detergent or electronics. It’s a bummer to have to wait for an associate to unlock a bottle of Tide, but it's the current reality of retail in the area.
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What about the competitors?
Is there a Walgreens nearby? Sure. But the loyalty to this CVS usually comes down to two things: insurance contracts and the MinuteClinic.
The MinuteClinic is a game changer for people who don’t want to deal with the ER at Grady or Wellstar. If you have a sinus infection or need a quick sports physical for your kid, it’s a solid option. However, "Minute" is a bit of a misnomer. You need to book your appointment online the moment the slots open up. If you just walk in hoping for a quick check-up, you’re going to be disappointed.
Expert Tips for a Better Experience
Look, no one goes to a pharmacy for fun. You go because you have to. To make the CVS on Old National Highway work for you, you need a plan.
- Use the App. This isn't just a corporate plug. The CVS app allows you to see if your prescription is actually ready before you burn gas getting there.
- The Drive-Thru is a Trap. During peak hours, the drive-thru line wraps around the building. Often, parking and walking in—even with the line inside—is five minutes faster.
- Check the Grocery Section. Believe it or not, they sometimes have better deals on milk and eggs than the surrounding convenience stores, especially if you use the ExtraCare coupons.
- Photo Printing. This location still does passport photos and same-day prints. If you’re heading to the airport and realized you need a passport photo last minute, this is your closest reliable bet.
The store is situated at a weird angle for exiting. If you’re trying to turn left back onto Old National during rush hour, good luck. You are better off turning right and finding a place to U-turn or navigating through the back streets toward Riverdale.
Beyond the Pharmacy Counter
What’s interesting about this corridor is how it’s evolving. We are seeing more mixed-use developments and a push for better infrastructure in South Fulton. There’s been talk for years about "cleaning up" Old National, but for the people who actually live there, that usually just means wanting more reliable services.
This CVS is part of that fabric. It’s a survivor. While other businesses have moved further out to Union City or Fairburn, this spot stays put. It serves a demographic that needs accessible healthcare options.
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Is it perfect? No. The parking lot can be a bit of a mess with litter, and sometimes the staff is clearly overworked. But in terms of sheer utility, it’s one of the most important buildings on that stretch of road.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're heading to the CVS on Old National Highway today, do these three things to save yourself a massive amount of stress:
- Call ahead for stock check: If you are looking for a specific medication that is prone to shortages (like certain ADHD meds or specific antibiotics), do not trust the "in stock" status on the website. Call the pharmacy directly and speak to a human.
- Join the CarePass program if you live nearby: If this is your primary pharmacy, the $5 a month usually pays for itself in the $10 monthly credit they give you, plus free shipping on prescriptions if you can't make it to the store.
- Validate the hours: Double-check the closing time for the pharmacy specifically. As of late, many CVS locations have been closing the pharmacy section earlier than the main store due to staffing shortages. Don't assume they are open until 10:00 PM.
Navigating Old National is an art form. It requires patience and a bit of local knowledge. Whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through on your way to a flight, knowing the quirks of this CVS makes the trip a lot smoother. It’s a busy, loud, essential part of the community. Treat the staff with a little extra kindness—they’re doing a lot with a little in one of the busiest corridors in Georgia.