A charming, historic neighborhood next to Athens Square
Stephanie Reynolds says walking through the Robert Beaty Historic District is like stepping into another world. As the Assistant to the President of Athens-Limestone County Tourism, Reynolds works at the Visitor's Center and drives through the neighborhood every day. "It truly transports me to an aesthetic where it's always late spring, where green-tinged golden light floods the space between houses and tumbles through tree leaves to the grass below." While strolling through the neighborhood, "You have to watch not to catch your toe on the sidewalk cracks as you peek into the yards of the historic homes to see what's in bloom." From her office on Beaty Street, Reynolds can walk to Athens Square. The Main Street-style downtown district has "restaurants and posh boutiques nestled into old, hand-laid brick buildings." Along with the grand historic estates and walkable town square, "The neighbors here are all just so fascinating," she adds. "Everyone is friendly and healthy and relaxed and always strolling unhurriedly."
Greek Revivals, craftsman bungalows and Queen Annes
In the Robert Beaty Historic District, narrow, concrete sidewalks skirt around city blocks packed with grand estates dating back to the early 19th century. The oldest homes reflect Greek Revival, Italianate and Federal architectural styles, with wide bracketed eaves and gable roof entryways supported by stately columns. Some boxy Colonials and Georgian homes have wrought-iron fences wrapped around the front yards. The Queen Annes, craftsman bungalows and American Foursquares feature wide front porches decorated with hanging ferns and rocking chairs. Most homes are generational, so "you don't usually see a lot of homes going on the market," says Kim Shindorf, Associate Broker with Alabama Real Estate Solutions. When new neighbors do move in, she says, "they want to preserve the original Southern character and charm of the houses." The grand Greek Revival and Federal estates rarely go to market, but the other homes can range from $400,000 to $750,000.
Feed the ducks at Big Spring Memorial Park
A long, rectangular pond at Big Spring Memorial Park once served as the city's main water supply, but recently, it's become a haven for the neighborhood's beloved feathered residents. Dozens of quacking ducks guide visitors onto the park's paved walking trail. After making a pit stop at the feed dispenser, kids can check out the playground's T-Rex spring rider while parents meet up for afternoon practice on the pickleball courts. The Athens Public Library hosts community yoga classes every Tuesday night, just outside the neighborhood.
Local shops and restaurants around Athens Square
Neighborhood residents are less than a half-mile walk from the shops and restaurants surrounding Athens Square. This busy Main Street-style district is packed with all kinds of local establishments – from longstanding Southern restaurants and antique stores to new microbreweries and art galleries. Washington Street Diner is the neighborhood go-to for a homemade Southern-style breakfast on Saturday mornings. Shoppers can browse the outdoor gear at Bennett's Clothing or spend an entire afternoon hunting for treasures at Antiques on Jefferson. When it's time for a night out on 'the Square,' Ro's Grille is always the local choice. Fresh produce, local honey and other farm fresh products are available every Tuesday and Saturday at the Athens Farmers Market. For all the other groceries and everyday essentials, Hometown Grocery never disappoints.
Historic walking tours every Saturday in April
Locals and visitors can take one of the annual historic walking tours to learn more about the history of their neighborhood and the greater Downtown Athens community. Every Saturday in April, the Athens Visitor Center hosts guided walking tours showcasing the striking Antebellum estates, historic churches and Athens State University.
Kids attend top-rated Athens City Schools
Each elementary school in the Athens City School District focuses on a specific discipline: health and medicine, computer science, fine arts or STEM. Neighborhood kids can learn about health and wellness through the HEART Academy at Julian Newman Elementary. This school scores an A-minus on Niche. Fourth and fifth graders move to Athens Intermediate and then go to Athens Middle. Both of these schools receive a B-rating, while Athens High gets an A-minus. Athens State University is a historic college that sits just north of the neighborhood. It has just under 3,000 students and is the state's only upper-division university.
Next to US Route 31 and US Route 72 intersection
US Route 31 and US Route 72 intersect just outside the Robert Beaty Historic District near a cluster of national restaurant chains and big-box retailers. Drivers can hop on Highway 72 and follow it for about 30 miles to access the City of Huntsville. Interstate 65 runs parallel to Highway 31 along the neighborhood's east side. This major road links to Interstate 565, which connects to the Huntsville International Airport, about 25 miles away.
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This brick home gives you the best of both worlds, having the character of an antebellum home and the modern amenities of a three-year old home. Known as the Richardson-Gordon-Prater Home, circa 1827, this home has been restored and renovated to accommodate today's appliances and homeowners. Located in the Robert Beaty Historic District. Perfect for entertaining, the layout and renovation were
This 3bed 2bath home is full of rich history & character. Set on a generous .62 acre lot & just a short walk to restaurants & shops downtown, this property offers a rare blend of charm, space, & opportunity. Outside the home features an enormous covered front porch. Inside find massive rooms, high ceilings, & original details that speak to a different era of craftsmanship. The layout includes an
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
291
Median Age
42
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$51,000
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$68,452
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.6%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
46.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
3''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
61/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
