Welcome to Atlanta!
We have walkable, tree-lined neighborhoods, local and international farmers markets, delicious dining, a lively arts scene, a full slate of seasonal festivals, celebrated sports teams, and friendly people.
About 3,000 churches call Atlanta’s metro area home, and there’s a rich variety of spiritual retreat options nearby. We’re a global health hub, with the CDC, The Carter Center, CARE and the UMC’s General Board of Global Ministries headquartered here. And Emory University is an active citizen in the community, which naturally develops connections and makes it easy for Candler students to get involved.
There’s something for everyone in Atlanta
Professional and rec sports, cultural events, historic sites, fantastic restaurants, and the great outdoors. We get four distinct seasons with temperate weather, give or take a couple of snow days we eagerly anticipate each year. On average, there are 217 sunny days to study on the plaza right outside our front doors!
A great home base for great escapes
A couple of hours to the mountains for some peace and quiet (and the start of the Appalachian Trail), or a quick road trip to Florida, Georgia or Carolina beaches for some sun and surf. Plus, a major airport for ready global access, no matter where you’re bound.
Nearby neighborhoods to enjoy
Druid Hills
Candler and Emory are located right in the middle of this tree-lined historic neighborhood. There’s plenty of green space, like Lullwater Park with its lake and trails and the Olmsted Linear Park with its backdrop of stately homes. There are spots to kick back for a meal, grab a cookie on the go, or relax by painting pottery in Emory Village, so close it’s basically an extension of campus.
Virginia-Highland
Charming bungalow homes, boutique shopping, a real-live independent bookstore, art galleries, lively night spots, sidewalk cafés and restaurants, all within a few walkable blocks. And gelato! Did we mention that? The perfect treat to flavor your Sunday stroll anytime of year.
Decatur
An off-beat, indie area close to Emory with lots of public art and gathering spaces, funky shops, good food and drink, and the historic old Decatur courthouse and city hall. It’s also home to great hometown celebrations for Fourth of July and NYE, and hosts the wildly popular Decatur Book Festival and the Decatur Arts Festival.
Midtown
The heart of Atlanta’s arts scene, with a heaping side of intown living perks. The High Museum of Art, Symphony Hall, the Fox Theatre, and many other music and arts venues are all here. And for your favorite outside activities, there’s Piedmont Park for festivals, farmers markets and ultimate frisbee, plus the Atlanta BeltLine, an urban space to walk, run, or cycle while you take in some art!
Little Five Points
Dubbed L5P, this eccentric pocket is a place where self-expression and street art reign. It boasts several live music venues and some of the best thrift-shopping in the city. And in case you’re curious, its ancestor the bigger Five Points is in downtown Atlanta and is a major hub for public transit. You’ll probably change trains there at least once in your ATL travels.
...And more!
Atlanta has more than 50 unique neighborhoods that make up this vibrant city. There’s sure to be one you’ll want to call home.
Things to see and do in Atlanta
A city in the forest
At 47.9%, Atlanta has the highest percentage of overall urban tree canopy in the nation when compared to other cities that have conducted assessments. Atlanta is a “City in the Forest.” —Trees Atlanta
47.9%
URBAN TREE CANOPY