Living a College Town Lifestyle in Athens, Georgia

Athens is an immensely successful (population just over 100,000) university town in the hills of northeastern Georgia. The University of Georgia has helped to create an unusually liberal community with a thriving artistic, literary, musical, and intellectual scene. A number of musical groups such as REM and the B-52’s have gone on to international fame from here.

The University of Georgia with its 26,000 students has a large and beneficial impact on the city. The downtown, centered on College Avenue, is one of the most interesting and vital centers in the nation. It offers many interesting restaurants, nightclubs, music stores, sidewalk cafes, bars, bookstores, and shops.

Athens is located in Athens-Clarke County.

Thanks to Wikipedia and Richard Chambers for photo of downtown Athens. Athens Tourist Bureau

Where to Retire in Athens and Home Prices

There are many different neighborhoods to consider, such as west of Pulaski Street, where there are a number of historic homes. Five Points is another neighborhood near the downtown and the university. Five Points is mostly single family homes with nearby shopping and galleries. Fourteen of Athens’ neighborhoods are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are some golf communities in or near Athens (see link at left.
According to Zillow.com, the median home value was $301,072 in mid-2022, and had risen close to 25% over the past year.

What Is Special about Athens

•  Bustling college town • Internationally famous music scene – “The Liverpool of the South” • One of the best small downtowns in the nation • A variety of housing choices for retirees • University of Georgia • Multiple neighborhoods on National Register of Historic Places

What Is Not Special about Athens

Active adults who have moved to Athens report that it is not without its problems. They report public transportation is not all that it could be. And it can be hard to find an affordable apartment.

Climate and Physical Environment

Athens is located in the hills of northeastern Georgia, 71 miles from Atlanta. View Google Map for Athens GA.
The average July high temp. is 90, the avg. Jan. high is 53, and the average Jan. low is 33. March is the wettest month with 5".

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There are many festivals, such as the AthFest - Music and Art Festival, Stitching Stars Storytelling Festival, and the Athens Music Hall of Fame. The University of Georgia’s Performing Arts Center offers many cultural resources. Many nightclubs in downtown Athens, such as the 40 Watt Club and the Georgia Theatre. The downtown Classic Center is a multi-purpose facility containing a performing arts center and convention space. Additional cultural enrichment and lectures are available at the Georgia Museum of Art and its new Lamar Dood School of Art. There is an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Crime

Athens has a high crime rate.

Medical Facilities

St Mary's Hospital and Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center are located here.

Transportation

Athens Airport offers commuter flights to Charlotte, NC, and Athens Transit System offers local mass transit. Athens is above average in walkability when compared to other communities.

Valuable Links

Visit Athens

Athens on Wikipedia

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