Living in Atlanta

- A guide to Atlanta for students attending colleges in Atlanta-

Most students would agree, of all the places to attend a college in Georgia, Atlanta is ideal. Although Atlanta has only been around since its incorporation in 1847, with few of its structures dating back earlier than 1915, Atlanta has more than come into its own. In 1996, the prosperous city proudly hosted the Summer Olympics and it is currently home to a great baseball empire. Atlanta also prides itself on its cultural resources, including several museums, theaters, and historical landmarks.

With a metropolitan population of 3.5 million, modern-day Atlanta is a progressive city with eclectic charm and a great mix of people. Atlanta's character is based on the diversity of those who have come to live there, including relocating Northerners and other transplants that account for more than half of the city's population and contribute to its unique flavor and feel.

Irish, German, Hungarian and Austrian immigrants played a major part in the early history of the city. Significant African American immigration to Atlanta made the city a strong player in the civil right's movement and helped to develop a thriving African American community in the Sweet Auburn district, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s childhood neighborhood with house still intact.

Over the past twenty years, Atlanta has experienced a boom in its Asian and Latin-American populations. As a result, ethnic shops, restaurants and organizations have contributed to the richness of Atlanta's texture.

TThe city is a dream come true for art and culture enthusiasts, with its numerous museums, prevalent theater community, opera and jazz productions, excellent symphony and reputable ballet company. Also on the menu: historic and cultural heritage sites, Broadway musicals and art galleries.

Sports fans can find the action at Turner Field or the Georgia Dome. Turner Field is the 45,000-capacity residence of the Atlanta Braves; the Georgia Dome holds some 71,000 Atlanta Falcons fans. Likewise, Phillips Arena features Thrashers hockey games and Hawks basketball.

Frequently referred to as "The City of Trees," the fast-moving metropolis of Atlanta is hardly deprived of greenery. Blooming dogwoods and azaleas give the city a small town feel, as do its numerous lush parks and residential areas. Likewise, the southern hospitality of Atlanta 's residents tends to make visitors, new implants and natives alike feel right at home. So, students of Westwood’s Atlanta colleges won't take long to adjust.

Traffic is often congested; however, one need not drive in Atlanta. The best alternative is the MARTA system. MARTA is a great way to get around, and it's affordable too-the bus system offers free transfers. Like with most cities, Atlanta's downtown area is the hub of business and local government activity. Coca-Cola headquarters can be found in Downtown Atlanta, and the Georgia World Congress Center, the fourth-largest convention center in the United States, is perpetually hosting trade shows with visitors from all over the world. You'll also spy the Georgia State Capitol Building in Downtown Atlanta.