A Guide to Living and Working in Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, cosmopolitan, hospitable, tree-filled city of over 5 million people with a seasonal climate suitable for nearly year-round outdoor activities. The city has long maintained a steady growth in both population and cultural diversity. While cost of living is lower than many other major cities, entertainment options are vast including arts, museums, theaters, shopping, symphony, aquarium, sports, and innumerable restaurant options with a wealth of ethnic cuisines.

Weather in Atlanta is mild with average temperatures ranging in the 40s during winter to the low 90s in the summer. Winter may occasionally bring a light snow, and summer water activities can be comfortably enjoyed from May through September. The average annual rainfall in the Atlanta area is 48 inches.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest in the U.S., is 17 miles, a 30 minute drive, from the main Emory campus.  It has direct flights to over 60 international destinations and 150 U.S. cities. MARTA is Atlanta’s public transportation system with buses and railway service throughout the metro area and suburbs.

Atlanta is home to several sports teams and sporting events including Atlanta United FC, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Mortorsports, and the PGA Tour Championship.

The Atlanta metro area is a collection of neighborhoods and communities that offer a selection of living situations from family-friendly suburbs to modern high rise apartments. Many Emory faculty and staff live in the Druid Hills, Decatur, Virginia-Highlands, and Midtown neighborhoods.

Whether you choose to visit the many attractions within Atlanta or venture outside of the city, you will always find a fun and interesting activity. Downtown Atlanta is home to Centennial Olympic Park, the Atlanta Zoo, the Coca-Cola Museum, the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Symphony, the Georgia Aquarium, the annual Pride Parade, and the Atlanta BeltLine. The BeltLine is a 22 mile multi-use trail with public parks, transit, and housing along an historic railroad corridor.  For activities outside of Atlanta, you can travel a short distance to hike in the north Georgia Mountains, visit the many lakes in Georgia, or visit one of Georgia’s islands or beaches on the east coast, all within a 2-4 hour drive.