Applicants who have never previously been to Atlanta—or perhaps even the South—are often pleasantly surprised when they do visit by the diversity and vitality of the Atlanta metropolitan area. With a population of nearly five million, the Atlanta area has grown to be the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States. Two decades of rapid growth have caused more than just heavy traffic and suburban sprawl: Atlanta has become a dynamic, cosmopolitan city that is populated by immigrants from around the country and the world. In fact, according to the Atlanta Regional Commission, the rate of growth in the population of foreign-born residents increased by 29 percent from 2000 to 2004, more than three times as fast as the region’s population as a whole.
Emory is located in the Druid Hills neighborhood, the kind of district that Atlantans refer to as being “intown.” Intown neighborhoods are those found within the boundaries of I-285, a superhighway (affectionately known as “The Perimeter”) that encircles the city. This location puts Emory in proximity to several other attractive neighborhoods, all of which are noted for their shady sidewalks, corner restaurants, and affordable living spaces. Commuting from any of these communities to Emory is easily accomplished while avoiding Atlanta’s notoriously congested freeways. These neighborhoods include:
- Virginia Highland: One of Atlanta’s most popular districts, Virginia Highland is known for its upscale shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as its quiet side streets and well-maintained bungalow homes.
- Midtown: Fine dining, Piedmont Park, and one of the most prominent gay communities in the nation are all hallmarks of this remarkable neighborhood.
- Little Five Points: Atlanta’s alternative music scene is headquartered in Little Five, and clubs and music venues such as the Variety Playhouse can be found amid the off-beat shops and restaurants and street-after-street of beautiful houses and apartments.
- Decatur: A city in its own right, Decatur is well known for its traditional southern courthouse square that is ringed by casual dining, condos, and bars, including the favorite watering hole of the Director of Graduate Studies, The Brick Store Pub.
Neighborhoods like these make it possible for many graduate students to live within walking or biking distance of the Emory campus while others have no more than a short drive. They also offer a diverse range of affordable apartments, condos, duplexes, and houses for rent, making Atlanta one of the few major cities in which graduate students can make ends meet with their stipends.
The city also offers a wide range of cultural activities. The High Museum of Art and a number of galleries explore the visual arts, while The Alliance Theatre leads a vanguard of professional and local theaters. Musicians performing in a wide range of styles—everything from classical to crunk—can be found at venues large and small throughout the metro area. There are other attractions as well, including the world’s largest aquarium. North Georgia has a mild climate, and it is possible to bike, hike, and run all year round. In fact, the North Georgia Mountains—where a number of state and national parks can be found—are only a short drive away from the Emory campus.
Atlanta is also a notable sports town, the home to both well-known professional (Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Thrashers) and collegiate teams (Georgia Tech and University of Georgia). In addition, local arenas host indoor football and soccer, as well as minor league hockey.
Restaurants are plentiful and range from down-home cooking to haute cuisine. Mainline grocers are complemented by specialty stores and chains such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Your DeKalb International Farmer’s Market, which features an incredible selection of produce, dried goods, meats, fish, cheese, wine, and beer, is a local, one-of-a-kind institution that is well worth the trip.
Finally, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, one of the two busiest airports in the world, makes leaving Atlanta almost as easy as visiting is. Flights are available for destinations throughout the United States and Europe, so traveling to conferences, archives, and even to visit family is always convenient.
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