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WHY ATLANTA

City of transformation: Why you’ll want to call Atlanta home

You belong here

From its capital-of-the-South charm to its vibrant nightlife and art scene, Atlanta is a hub for creativity and culture—and lots of great food. Bike, walk, shop, or dine along the city’s famous 22-mile BeltLine. Explore world-class museums. Cheer on one of five pro sports teams. And feel at home in the city that’s known as much for its rich history as it is for its focus on the future. Because here, warm hospitality and all-are-welcome inclusivity reign.

The Home of Martin Luther King Jr.

As the birthplace of civil rights visionary Martin Luther King Jr., Atlanta remains a leader in the fight for racial equity today—and the city’s iconic landmarks inspire others to follow in his footsteps. 

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Atlanta BeltLine

This stunning urban greenway stretches for 22 miles around Atlanta’s in-town neighborhoods. The multi-use path is lined with native plants, art installations, and more. And it’s now one of the largest urban redevelopment programs in the country.

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National Center for Civil and Human Rights

This museum and human rights organization celebrates the American Civil Rights Movement and global Human Rights Movement— and inspires people to help make change.

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Diverse Neighborhoods

From the bustling past-meets-present activism of the Old Fourth Ward, a.k.a. O4W, to the Clarkston, Atlanta suburb that’s home to “the most diverse square mile in the country,” Atlanta’s culture is anchored in its immigrant population—and increasingly diverse roots.

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Picture of Yanru Ma posing in front of an Emory RSPH building.

Why I Love Atlanta

“Living in Atlanta and studying at Rollins gives me the chance to explore new places, meet new people, and experience new cultures. Specifically, the culture here is wonderful. People are enthusiastic and willing to talk and share with others. I meet people from all over the world who have their own unique perspectives and experiences to share.”

Yanru Ma
MSPH’24 in Biostatistics and Bioinformatics

The home of public health

With dozens of top public health institutions located here, Atlanta is the place to be for those interested in a career in public health. Cultivate hands-on learning at organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CARE, and the American Cancer Society. Connect with leaders in the field, including some of the 1,400-plus Rollins graduates working at the CDC. And make an impact in one of the top public health cities in the world.

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Modern city, international cool

James Beard award-winning chefs. Pro sports. International art scene. More than 30 Fortune 500 companies. Atlanta has emerged as a world-class city with cutting-edge culture. Plus, with the world’s busiest airport and daily flights from every major global city, you can easily call it home.

Abundant green spaces

With beautifully designed green spaces woven throughout the fabric of the urban landscape, Atlanta now has the highest percentage of overall urban tree canopy in the nation. Bike paths, walking trails, plentiful farmers markets, and the BeltLine that connects more than 40 neighborhoods make Atlanta the perfect mix of city and green space to live and learn.

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A place you can thrive

In comparison with other highly ranked schools of public health in major U.S. cities, the Rollins School of Public Health is located in a more affordable, livable city. The cost of living in Atlanta is slightly lower than the national average and the city offers a wide variety of neighborhoods where you can not only live—but also thrive.

Diversity at its core

With the legacy and spirit of the Civil Rights Movement alive today, Atlanta is known for its commitment to cultural and ethnic diversity—and fight for racial justice. Its inclusive community bring together immigrants, people of color, and a high LGBTQIA+ population, and the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion aims to build a city that works for everyone.

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