Home to the 'Dawgs, the B-52s and growing families
Football and music are pillars in Athens – Georgia’s “Classic City” that’s named in honor of the Greek metropolis. Much of the city's economic success is driven by the University of Georgia, found in the heart of the city along the North Oconee River, including its national championship-winning football team, the Bulldogs. "UGA brings a lot of resources to this town," says Gena Knox, local Realtor with Ansley Real Estate and Christie's International Real Estate. She's lived in the city for over 20 years. "I don't think Athens would be what it is without the University and its students. And the football team brings a lot of people and a really fun energy." The University helped propel the city into the spotlight, but some folks would argue that the Classic City's legendary music scene brought equal shine. It's the birthplace of household names like the B-52s, REM and Widespread Panic. Whispers of the city's music scene quickly turned into screams heard nationwide – prompting the Smashing Pumpkins to play in the streets and Snoop Dogg to play revered music venues like the 40 Watt Club.
While downtown is filled with music, students and the Georgia football faithful, Athens is still a town where folks raise families, retire and get to know each other. "It's a very eclectic town where there's something for everybody," Knox says. "A lot of students living here will say to me, 'We had no idea there was this whole area for families.' They don't even realize we all have families and raise children here, too." And it reminds Knox of the small town she grew up in. "I grew up in a really small town with like 1,000 people, and I love that Athens has a similar feel," Knox says. "My kids are now the age where they can bike to the nearby drug store that has a lunch counter." Athens is a consolidated city council with Clarke County and home to nearly 130,000 people, making it the sixth-largest city in Georgia, just over 70 miles northeast of Atlanta. The median age here is 28, with a high concentration of college students and young professionals.
Athens is the birthplace of household names like the B-52s, REM and Widespread Panic.
Despite its size, Athens offers many quiet, tight-knit neighborhoods that are ideal for families.
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Living in downtown and working at UGA
Established and new neighborhoods surround the UGA campus and downtown areas, where there's a higher concentration of historic homes and condos. Early 20th-century cottages in a central area like Five Points can cost $550,000, while a two-story Craftsman from the 1910s can exceed $900,000. Condos are also prevalent near downtown; newer builds from the 2000s typically cost $245,000, while historic condos can cost $750,000. In the neighborhoods surrounding UGA and downtown, single-family homes often sit on large, tree-shaded lots; a midcentury ranch-style home here can sell for $350,000, while a New Traditional home from the 2020s can cost $450,000. Athens has long been known for being an accessible market, but as the city has grown, so have housing prices; between February 2023 and February 2024, the average sale price grew eight percent to $396,631.
The University of Georgia is Athens' largest employer, with over 11,000 employees. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents voted to expand UGA and establish an Independent School of Medicine in Athens. The medical school will open at the existing UGA Health Sciences Campus and inevitably broaden the city's University workforce. Piedmont Athens Regional and St. Mary's Health Care System operate two of the city's largest hospitals, employing over 5,000 people. The Clarke County School District has more than 2,000 workers. The manufacturing, agricultural and service industries are also integral to the local economy.
Rows of ranch-style homes in well-established neighborhoods are found in the Athens area.
Other custom-built homes can also be found throughout Athens.
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A legendary music scene and championship-winning football team
Athens earns its nickname "The Liverpool of the South" for its vibrant music scene. The downtown area hosts music events year-round, like AthFest, a three-day music and arts festival with regional musicians and artists. Downtown's streets are lined with popular venues like the intimate 40-Watt Club and the historic Georgia Theater. "I've seen the Smashing Pumpkins play here," says Realtor Marcelo Buril of Greater Athens Properties, who has lived in the city for 25 years. "And I've seen a bunch of bands play at the Georgia Theater." The Akins Ford Arena, a new music (and sports) venue, is under development. The facility is expected to be completed in Fall 2024 and will host over 100 events in its first year, including concerts and gymnastics competitions. The arena will have 8,500 seats. New commercial and residential developments are also planned around the arena; the venue and the surrounding retail and restaurants are expected to bring in $33 million annually for the city.
Football is a big deal in Athens, and celebrations happen across the city when the UGA Bulldogs play at home. "The energy is explosive," says associate broker Michelle Farmer of Athens Real Estate Associates. She's lived in the city for nearly three decades. "Everybody is nice, and everyone is dressed crazy. We do have traffic that day, but everyone is happy about it and screaming out their cars. It's just an overwhelming sense of pride and love." Tailgating starts early in the morning. "The celebrations start early; we have 'Dawg Walks' on Saturday morning," Farmer says. "Everyone is trying to get their parking spots to set up and tailgate." Just before kickoff, 93,000 pack Sanford Stadium to cheer on the Dawgs.
Athens is close to popular venues such as the historic Georgia Theater.
Athens residents can go to Sanford Stadium to watch the Georgia Bulldogs play football.
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Attending UGA and Clarke County Schools
UGA is the beating heart of Athens. Many residents attend the University, work there or have graduated and started to build a life in the area. According to 2021 Census American Community Survey data, about 30 percent of the city's population are UGA attendees. The University offers over 200 degrees and programs of study. The Clarke County School District serves over 12,300 students and scores an overall B on Niche. In 2023, the school district received the Leading Edge Award from the Georgia School Boards Association for its summer enrichment program, Student Opportunities for Accelerated Readiness. Clarke Central High School is the county's highest-rated school on Niche, scoring an A-minus and serving over 1,800 students. Many families favor Athens' esteemed private schools, like Athens Academy. Niche ranks the private school among the top 10 best overall private schools in Georgia and gives it an overall A-plus.
The University of Georgia campus sits at the heart of Athens.
Clarke County School District’s main office is located in the old Prince Avenue Christian School building.
Clarke Central High still stands in its original school building.
Athens Academy is a highly rated private school found just outside Athens.
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College bars in downtown and local spots in Normaltown
Downtown Athens is home to nearly 50 stores plus more than 100 bars and restaurants. The James Beard-winning Five and Ten is popular with families, and UGA students often gather at the college-favorite bar Double Barrel. Fashion boutiques, tattoo shops, thrift stores, and everything in between sit between mainstays, such as the music and comic book shop Wuxtry Records. Normaltown, a popular neighborhood west of downtown, features several lounges and restaurants. Five Points, the closest community to UGA, features popular restaurants like ZZ & Simone's and Cali N' Tito's. As the city grows, new shopping plazas are popping up around suburbs outside downtown, like the Athens West Shopping Center.
The music and comic book shop Wuxtry Records is a popular destination in Downtown Athens.
Cali N Tito's is one of the most popular restaurants in Five Points.
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Biking in the city or shopping the market
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services maintains over 2,000 acres of parks and green spaces. The department operates an arts center, dog parks, playgrounds, community centers and athletic fields. Bishop Park, close to the Normaltown and Boulevard communities, has a weekly farmers market and several sports facilities. Dudley Park, east of the UGA campus, serves the Chicopee-Dudley community and is also an intersection for the Firefly Trail and the North Oconee Greenway. Both trails are popular with cyclists. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is popular for its trails and playsets, and the skateboarding legend Tony Hawk designed the Skate Park of Athens.
Locals stay in shape by jogging on the North Oconee River Greenway in Chicopee-Dudley.
Locals use bicycles to get around the Athens area.
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ACC Transit and UGA buses
Athens has a robust public transit system that sets it apart from other cities in the state. Athens-Clarke County Transit and UGA buses transport residents and students almost everywhere in the city. To get around Athens by car, locals can hop onto the Georgia State Route 10 Loop, which wraps the city. Commuters can take the Atlanta Highway or Interstate 20 to reach Atlanta 72 miles away; although traffic around Georgia's capital is typically heavy, it's usually lighter coming in from the east. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the nearest airport, located about 74 miles away.
Several bus stops are available throughout the North Avenue area.
Southeast Atlanta includes the world's busiest passenger airport.
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Crime and weather in Athens
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department released crime statistics from 2023, and numbers are down from 2022. According to the police department's annual report, the overall crime rate was 33.08 crimes per 1,000 people, down from 34.23 in 2022. The crime rate has steadily declined from 2019's rate of 39.70. This overall crime rate is determined by consolidating three categories: Crimes against Persons, down 6.8 percent from 2022; Crimes against Property, down 2.6 percent, and Crimes against Society, up 5.4 percent.
"It's nice how we have the four seasons here," Buril says. "Winter isn't brutal either. It's not really going to snow. It may snow here once every three years, but just a couple of inches. Just enough to have a snow day and close the schools." Summer can get hot in Athens. According to Risk Factor, Athens-Clarke County has a major risk from heat. Athens' greenery is a major source of pollen. Athens saw consecutive record-breaking pollen seasons in 2022 and 2023, with some days having pollen counts exceeding 8,000 particles per cubic meter, according to the Atlanta Asthma and Emergency Clinic.
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On average, homes in Athens, GA sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Athens, GA over the last 12 months is $390,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming and inviting 3BR/2.5BA home in Athens offering 1,620 sq ft of comfortable living space! Step inside and feel right at home with a warm, welcoming layout designed for everyday living and making memories. Features include a spacious primary bedroom suite, stainless steel appliances, no HOA, and a flat, cleared, fenced backyard perfect for entertaining, gardening, pets, or simply enjoying
Excellent maintained and tastefully updated fee simple townhome in the highly sought after community of Lantern Walk. Tastefully updated living room and bathroom with custom barn wood veneer, versa wood and reclaimed plank homestead timber accents that adds warmth and texture to the home. The open concept layout flows seamlessly into the kitchen creating an inviting space perfect for entertaining
Imagine 120 Brookstone Ct, recently updated with fresh interior paint that brightens every area. The living space features a fireplace, while the primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet for ample storage. Its primary bathroom provides double sinks, along with a separate tub and shower for enhanced utility. Enjoy outdoor living on the patio, ideal for entertaining or simply relaxing. This home
Welcome to 201 Township Ln, a craftsman-style home in a friendly swim community with one of the most convenient locations on the west side of town. Tucked on a corner lot and feeding into Timothy Elementary, this home blends space, comfort, and everyday practicality in a way that just works. The main level features brand new LVP flooring and a spacious primary suite with a large ensuite bath,
There are properties that check boxes, and then there are properties that are simply impossible to recreate. 390 Duncan Springs is the latter. Spanning 6.5 acres with nearly a quarter mile of frontage on the Middle Oconee River, this is a rare opportunity to own what feels like your own private park in Glenwood, one of Athens’ most beloved neighborhoods. The idyllic setting is paired with a
Welcome home to this beautifully updated condo offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and low-maintenance living. Featuring 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, and an additional half bath, this home is thoughtfully designed for both everyday ease and entertaining. The open-concept kitchen and family room create a warm, connected space-ideal for quiet evenings or hosting friends.
There’s something about this home you feel right away. It’s warm, inviting, and just easy to be in, with a really nice balance of open spaces and cozy corners, hardwood floors, natural light, and a layout that simply works. Set in Glenwood, one of Athens’ most sought-after neighborhoods, this beautifully updated mid-century split-level brings all of that together in a way that feels both
Welcome to 280 Valleybrook Drive, a beautifully updated ranch home in one of Athens' most established and convenient neighborhoods. This move-in ready home offers three bedrooms and an abundance of living space designed for both everyday comfort and entertaining. The thoughtfully updated interior features a spacious great room filled with natural light, a versatile sunroom overlooking the
Better than new construction, and the upgrades prove it. Built in 2023 and meticulously improved by its owners, 232 Westpark Dr offers everything buyers hope to find in a brand-new home, plus all the things builders never include. While other homes in Summerville are still outfitted with standard builder-grade finishes, this one has already been elevated: premium brushed gold fixtures, upgraded
With so many options out there right now, this one is worth a closer look. Recently refreshed with new LVP flooring and fresh interior paint, this home feels clean, simple, and ready for its next chapter. It's the kind of space that gives you a great starting point without feeling like a project. Set back from the street with a nice sense of privacy and greenery around, the home has a calm, easy
Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Athens' beloved Glenwood neighborhood, 340 Dogwood Drive offers a rare opportunity to complete a thoughtfully reimagined home with architectural plans already in place. Directly across the street, a private greenspace creates a peaceful backdrop and enhances the sense of privacy and connection to nature. The current owners have worked closely with an
Located in the timeless Hodgson’s Place subdivision is this spacious home featuring five large bedrooms and four and a half household bathrooms. Just inside is a vibrant two-story foyer that extends to the two story great room with fireplace. The living areas feature abundant natural light, gleaming hardwood floors, and comfortable gathering spaces- perfect for everyday living or hosting guests.
Peaceful country living just minutes from Athens & Winterville nestled on 5 beautiful, wooded acres in a quiet, established neighborhood. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and convenience. Surrounded by mature trees and natural beauty, you'll enjoy a serene setting and privacy while remaining just minutes from shopping, dining, and amenities of
Nestled in one of Athens' most desirable in-town locations, this gracious, move-in ready traditional home eagerly awaits its next chapter. Situated in the sought-after Telfair neighborhood with direct access to Epps Bridge Parkway, this thoughtfully designed residence effortlessly combines a formal layout with spacious living areas to create a warm and inviting place to enjoy for years to come.
550 Fortson Road | Athens, GeorgiaTucked beneath a canopy of mature trees just minutes from Five Points and the University of Georgia, 550 Fortson Road offers a rare sense of privacy and tranquility in one of Athens' most convenient locations.Set on nearly .70 acres, this 5-bedroom, 3-bath home features 2,892 square feet with multiple living areas designed for both entertaining and
These is a great lease option with 3bd/2ba - 1bd/1ba on the main leve and 2bd/1ba upstairs. Galley Kitchen, spacious den/eating area. Furnishings included: dining table with chairs, mattresses in all bedrooms, TV and washer/dryer. Internet included. Also the home has a large driveway for ample parking. Amenities include volleyball, basketball area, fenced dog park and pool. Close to downtown
Welcome to Horizon at Tallassee Community! Open for Move ins and Community Tours--Schedule your Tour today!Welcome to Athens’ premier luxury apartment community, Horizon at Tallassee. Our community will be located just off the Athens Perimeter at Exit 15. In just five short minutes you can be exploring the small community of Normal Town. Bishop Park and Farmers Market, The UGA Health
The Highlights: Space: 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom (All on one level-no stairs!) Outdoor Living: Large, private backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Peace & Quiet: Located next to a fantastic, quiet neighbor. Location: Super close to the UGA campus. Rent: $1,050/month Availability: Ready for immediate move-in!
Discover your new home at Cascades on the River! Located in the heart of Athens, GA, we are just minutes away from fantastic entertainment, superb shopping, delicious dining, and beautiful parks. Alps Village is nearby, so anything you need is close at hand. We can't wait to welcome you home.Our one, two, and three-bedroom apartments for rent were designed with your needs in mind. With
One Bedroom, One Bathroom Available Roommate needed for In-Town, Historic 3/3 Bungalow on lovely .42 acre lot, just blocks from UGA, Downtown, Dudley Park, Oconee River, Mama's Boy restaurant, the Greenway Trail ( now connecting to SE UGA campus ) & Firefly Trail ( An old railroad line, recently converted to bike/walk trails which connect into Downtown ). This house has an abundance of artful
Welcome to 755 Broad, where boutique luxury meets contemporary convenience. Enjoy every advantage of downtown living in an elegant, pedestrian-friendly community that’s just a ten minute stroll to local shops, restaurants, and UGA’s historic North Campus. 755 Broad features a distinctive collection of one, two, and three bedroom flats with opulent finishes to reflect your uncompromising
Ask about move in Specials!! Executive Rental units. Some ADA Accessible units available. Spacious Luxury Flats - Prime Location Looking for a quiet spacious place to live? Come take a look. Discover upscale living in these beautifully designed all-flat units with elevator access to all three floors. Each residence offers 1,250 sq. ft. of thoughtfully planned space with a modern, open-concept
Grand Preserve Apartments brings a fresh take on modern living with newly built 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes designed for comfort and flexibility. Located just 4 miles from the University of Georgia and a short drive to Downtown Athens, you’ll enjoy quick access to Atlanta Highway and the GA-10 Loop—making commutes to campus, work, or weekend outings effortless.Inside your home, you’ll
Ask about move in Specials!! Executive Rental units. Some ADA Accessible units available. Spacious Luxury Flats – Prime Location NOW OFFERING A FEW FURNISHED UNITS WITH UTILITIES AND WI-FI INCLUDED!Looking for a quiet spacious place to live? Come take a look.Discover upscale living in these beautifully designed all-flat units with elevator access to all three floors. Each residence offers
Pointe Grand North Athens proudly presents brand-new two-bedroom apartments offering 1,170 square feet of open living space. These apartments feature upscale interior amenities, including wood-inspired flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, oversized kitchen islands, LED lighting, and keyless entry. Residents also enjoy community amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, a
$1,125 per bedroom, $2,250 total! Furnished w/ Utilities! Ask about move in Specials!! Executive Rental units. Some ADA Accessible units available. Spacious Luxury Flats - Prime Location Looking for a quiet spacious place to live? Come take a look. Discover upscale living in these beautifully designed all-flat units with elevator access to all three floors. Each residence offers 1,250 sq. ft. of
Classic City Flats is a brand-new community of luxury apartments in Athens, GA, that redefines luxury living, offering a sleek and contemporary living experience. Our impeccably designed apartment homes boast sophisticated interiors, premium amenities, and exquisite finishes, providing residents with an unparalleled living experience. Bask in the sunshine at our resort-style pool, unwind in a
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