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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/4
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
Written By
Brennen Martin
Photography Contributed By
Bradley Parrish
Video By
Matt Ferguson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Leah Leggett,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Athens, GA sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Athens, GA over the last 12 months is $416,250, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
INCREDIBLE BUYER INCENTIVES: $4,000 MORTGAGE CONCESSION. Opendoor Home Loans will contribute up to $4,000 towards a permanent interest rate buy-down if you finance with Opendoor Home Loans LLC.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
Welcome home to 546 Pulaski St, a beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath gem tucked into the tree-canopied streets of Pulaski Heights, one of Athens' most charming and walkable in-town neighborhoods. From the moment you step onto the deep, covered front porch, you'll feel it: this is a place to slow down, sip your coffee, and watch the world go by.Inside, an open, easy-flowing floor plan
University Towers places you in the heart of downtown Athens, just steps from North Campus, the iconic UGA Arch, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and music and entertainment venues. Enjoy the energy of game-day weekends with Sanford Stadium just 0.6 miles away. Target is located on the lower level of the University Towers building, making everyday errands especially convenient. This is a
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
Tucked into the established and sought-after Glenwood neighborhood, this home offers a rare combination of comfort, privacy, and flexibility that is hard to find anywhere near Five Points. Mature landscaping and a carport welcome you home and set the stage for the privacy this property delivers. The main level features a renovated kitchen, multiple living areas, two bedrooms, and two
Tucked into Glenwood, this classic brick home in Athens offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and generous living spaces that work well for everyday life and entertaining. The main floor opens with a two-story foyer that leads into a large living room with vaulted ceilings, walls of windows, custom built-ins, and a convenient wet bar. The kitchen has been thoughtfully opened to the living area, creating
Combining an exceptional East Athens location with thoughtful updates throughout, this move-in ready Wakefield home is ready to impress. DETAILS: *3 Bedrooms/2 Full Baths/1 Half Bath *1,326 SqFt. *Year Built - 1994 *Low Maintenance .164 Acre Lot. SPECIAL FEATURES: ~NEW Roof ~NEW HVAC ~NEW Stove/Oven ~New Durable Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring ~Fresh Interior Paint ~Double-paned windows with NEW
Peaceful country living just minutes from Athens & Winterville nestled on 5 beautiful, wooded acres in a quiet, established neighborhood. This spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and convenience. In addition, it is equipped with solar panels that contribute to extremely low electric bills and energy efficiency allowing for economical living and huge
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
Easy-living ranch on the outskirts of West Athens, away from the hustle and bustle, yet convenient to Hwy.78 and the Caterpillar plant. DETAILS: *3 Bedrooms/2 Baths *975+/- SqFt. + Sunroom *Year Built - 1968 *Expansive .44 acre lot. SPECIAL FEATURES: -Ceramic Tile throughout -Built-in display shelving. -Blinds Package. -Updated Interior and Exterior Paint. FLOOR PLAN: -Open concept. -Inviting
Welcome to 272 Westpark Dr., a truly breathtaking 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence nestled in the Summerville subdivision. Built in 2023 , this exquisite home offers all the benefits of brand-new construction with the incredible advantage of complete, high-end finishing touches. The meticulous details and upgrades have already been done for you, saving you time and extra costs. This immaculate home
Location, location, location! Life at Winfield Chase puts you near many of Athens' most convenient destinations. You'll be across the street from the UGA Medical School and close to UCBC (University Cancer & Blood Center), Bishop Park, Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital, and numerous nearby medical offices. Living on Prince Avenue also offers quick access to Normaltown, City and UGA bus routes,
Welcome to 145 Fairview Street, a charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom cottage offering the ultimate blend of intown convenience, comfort, and unmatched outdoor privacy. Nestled in the heart of Athens just off Downtown, this property presents an extraordinary opportunity as a primary sanctuary, a high-performing investment property, or the ultimate Game Day retreat.Arrive home to a dedicated
Furnished w/ Utilities! 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 layout and tall ceilings.
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
Conveniently located near Downtown Athens, this spacious 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home offers an ideal layout for college students, roommates, or anyone looking to enjoy all that Athens has to offer. The home features two bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs, with an additional two bedrooms and two bathrooms downstairs, providing flexibility and privacy for residents. Three of the four bedrooms
Discover elevated living at Ascent Athens, where Southern charm meets vibrant city life in Athens, GA. Nestled in the heart of this historic college town, our stylish apartments offer modern comfort and breathtaking views of the bustling streets below. Imagine waking up to the lively energy of downtown Athens, with local coffee shops and boutiques just steps away. After a day exploring, unwind in
RemarksWelcome to this 2BR/2.5BA all brick end unit with an open floor plan, spacious bedrooms, and convenient location just minutes from the bypass, shopping, grocery, restaurants, and more. The main level features a living room/dining room combo that is open to the kitchen via breakfast bar, laundry room, pantry, and a powder room for guests. The kitchen features upgraded cabinetry, track
Polo Club Athens is the perfect hassle-free off-campus living experience for UGA students. Located near grocery stores, fitness centers, shopping, and parks offering convenient access to everyday necessities. With options ranging from townhomes to apartments, Polo Club Athens offers the flexibility you need and the features you want, including fully furnished layouts, in-unit washer and dryers,
Take a look at this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. The comfortable layout offers plenty of space to relax and make yourself at home. Step out back and enjoy the covered porch that leads to a spacious deck-perfect for entertaining or simply unwinding after a long day. Conveniently located close to shopping, dining, schools, and everyday essentials, this home combines comfort with a great
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
OWNER IS OPEN TO RENTING BY THE ROOM! 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
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
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
More Space to Live. Less Noise to Live With.Discover spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments in Athens, GA, conveniently located just 4.4 miles from the UGA Arch, North Campus, and Historic Downtown Athens — without the student-housing atmosphere.1 Bedroom | 928 sq. ft. | From $1,5952 Bedrooms | 1,193 sq. ft. | From $1,6953 Bedrooms | 1,405 sq. ft. | From $1,970More
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
