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.
Written By
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Bradley Parrish
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On average, homes in Athens, GA sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Athens, GA over the last 12 months is $400,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Location, Location, Location... This East Athens-Wakefield--Renovated Ranch boasts exceptional convenience and pristine, like-new condition, restored to its prime. DETAILS:*3 Bedrooms/2 Full Bath *1,296 Sq.Ft. *Year Built - 1990 *Renovated 2023 *.17 Acre Corner Lot. SPECIAL FEATURES: - NEW Roof - NEW HVAC (2026) - NEW LVP Flooring - NEW Water Heater (2025) - Fresh interior & Exterior Paint -
1686 S Milledge Avenue is a classic Athens property, built in 1945, with the kind of location and flexibility that make people love living in this part of town. Set back from the street with a deep front yard, plenty of off-street parking, and a large backyard, this is a home that feels full of possibility from the start. Inside, the main level flows easily, with comfortable living spaces, a
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
Welcome home to this well maintained, single-level retreat tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac on the highly sought-after Eastside of Athens. Offering an unparalleled lifestyle of convenience and comfort, this light and bright move-in ready home is just five miles from the UGA main campus and vibrant downtown Athens. Everyday errands are an absolute breeze with the UGA Vet Hospital, Kroger, Publix,
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.
Welcome to this charming two bedroom one and a half bath bungalow (with a double lot) just minutes from downtown Athens, UGAs Health Sciences campus, shopping, restaurants, and more! Relax on the spacious front deck that offers wonderful views of the small creek that abuts the property. The main level of the home features an open floor plan with the living and dining rooms flowing into 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
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
Hidden beneath a canopy of mature hardwoods on four private acres along the Middle Oconee River, this is one of Athens' rarest opportunities. Tucked away in the heart of Five Points, the property feels like a private estate miles from town while remaining just minutes from everything that makes Athens special. From the moment you step through the column-lined foyer, soaring ceilings, walls of
This charming four-side brick ranch presents an inviting split bedroom floor plan, perfect for comfortable living. The property boasts a convenient side-entry garage and a generously sized mudroom, ideal for easy access and organization. Step inside to discover a home that has been thoughtfully upgraded with beautiful flooring throughout, eliminating carpet for a modern and easy-to-maintain
Location, Location, Location... This East Athens-Wakefield--Renovated Ranch boasts exceptional convenience and pristine, like-new condition, restored to its prime. DETAILS:*3 Bedrooms/2 Full Bath *1,296 Sq.Ft. *Year Built - 1990 *Renovated 2023 *.17 Acre Corner Lot. SPECIAL FEATURES: - NEW Roof - NEW HVAC (2026) - NEW LVP Flooring - NEW Water Heater (2025) - Fresh interior & Exterior Paint -
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
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
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
$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
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
If you've been looking for a rental that actually feels like home, this one is worth a look. Fully renovated and just a short 5-minute walk to the UGA Vet School, with campus only 1.5 miles away, the location is hard to beat. Inside, you'll find warm natural wood floors throughout, a bright, easy-flow layout, and thoughtful updates that make everyday living comfortable and simple. The backyard is
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
Located next to Downtown in the Chicopee-Dudley neighborhood, this exceptional rental offers a rare "walker's paradise" with unmatched urban connectivity. From your front door, walk effortlessly to Downtown Athens, the University of Georgia campus, and Sanford Stadium. In this premier location, a car is truly optional, you are steps from the Athens Bus Transit Hub, the Firefly Trail, and the
Welcome to Enclave 425, the premier off-campus student living experience just minutes from the University of Georgia. Discover our newly renovated four-bedroom apartments, fully furnished and equipped with top-of-the-line features and finishes. Our reimagined, pet-friendly community offers first-class amenities, including a refreshed clubhouse with new outdoor deck space. Enjoy an upgraded
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
Looking for a quieter, more refined Athens lifestyle?At Grand Preserve Apartments, you'll find the perfect balance of convenience, comfort, and community—just 4.4 miles from the UGA Arch, North Campus, and Historic Downtown Athens.Whether you're a graduate student, upperclassman, researcher, medical student, young professional, or simply ready to leave the party scene behind,
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
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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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,
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