Just south of the Wayne National Forest, Athens represents an economic and educational oasis in the middle of a vast stretch of woods and farmlands. The county's seat that shares its name, Athens is the largest city for miles in any direction and home to Ohio University, the oldest public university in the state. The city's population more than quadruples when students arrive in the fall, and school spirit is a big part of the local culture. However, this hilly piece of the Allegheny Plateau also draws residents with its annual events, approachable real estate prices and art scene.
Just south of the Wayne National Forest, Athens represents an economic and educational oasis in the middle of a vast stretch of woods and farmlands.
The county's seat that shares its name, Athens is the largest city for miles in any direction and home to Ohio University, the oldest public university in the state.
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Lower-than-average real estate prices
Building Ohio University was the primary goal of Athens' founders in the early 19th century. Over 200 years later, the city's economy centers almost entirely around this institution. This includes everything from faculty and administrators to stores, restaurants and services geared toward the student body. The region also has a foot in the manufacturing and agricultural industries. OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital is another significant job creator, featuring a 24-hour emergency center.
The median price for a home in Athens runs in the low $200,000s, lower than the national median in the low $400,000s. Some of the largest homes in the area can max out in the low $700,000s. Clusters of condos are off West State and Union streets, while open tracts of land and manufactured homes are spread wide on the city's outskirts. Midcentury homes fill neighborhoods on the east side of town, while 21st-century developments are farther southwest.
The median price for a home in Athens runs in the low $200,000s, lower than the national median in the low $400,000s.
A traditional midcentury two-story home in Athens Ohio features a large front lawn.
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Music festivals and the Halloween Block Party
The city is well known for its annual events, particularly live music festivals like Boogie on the Bricks and the Athens Community Arts & Music Festival. The Athens International Film and Video Festival brings independent films and their creators from all over the world, and the Halloween Block Party attracts locals and students alike with the promise of costumes and All Hallows festivities. Artistic and cultural focal points include the Kennedy Museum of Art, the Dairy Barn Arts Center and the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery.
The Dairy Barn Arts Center offers free admission, as well as quilts, fabrics, and a gift shop.
The Kennedy Museum of Art in Athens, Ohio is a vibrant cultural hub that brings art, education, and inspiration for the entire community.
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One of the largest skate parks in Ohio
Athens has thousands of acres of public parks, state parks and recreational areas. Locals can see the old-growth forest of the Strouds Ridge Preserve System or glide their way through Ohio's second-largest skate park at the Athens Community Center. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a 22-mile paved biking trail that follows the Hocking River from Nelsonville to Canaanville.
Strouds Run State Park is located in the scenic forested hills of Athens County, in the midst of the unglaciated Appalachian Plateau.
The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a 22-mile paved biking trail that follows the Hocking River from Nelsonville to Canaanville.
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Shopping in Uptown Athens
Most shopping is done at franchise retailers along East State Street, also a popular spot for chain restaurants. Independent eateries are generally found in Uptown Athens, just north of the university. These include local favorites like Donkey Coffee and Bagel Street Deli, which holds a pickle-eating contest every year. The Athens Farmers Market is held at the Community Center year-round on Saturdays.
A variety of eateries are found in Uptown Athens, just north of the university.
Most shopping is done at franchise retailers along East State Street, also a popular spot for chain restaurants.
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Home of Ohio University
Athens City School District serves the area with five public schools and a Niche grade of B-minus. Ohio University has been an educational and cultural mainstay in Athens since its founding in 1804. The main campus serves more than 20,000 students, with departments ranging from engineering to the arts. Perhaps best known for its business and journalism schools, the university is also known for its vibrant social scene, which includes hundreds of student organizations and a Division 1 athletics department.
Ohio University has been an educational and cultural mainstay in Athens since its founding in 1804.
East Elementary School is a public school located in Athens, Ohio.
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Close to Parkersburg
U.S. Route 33 is the area's main highway. The closest metropolitan areas include Columbus, 70 miles northwest, and Parkersburg, West Virginia, 40 miles east. Athens Public Transit oversees a public bus service with stops all over the county. The John Glenn Columbus International Airport is 80 miles northwest.
Important to know
According to FBI statistics, in 2023, Athens had a lower violent crime rate compared to the state and national averages but higher per capita property crime than both.
Athens experiences standard Ohio weather, with hot, humid summers and cold, icy winters. Athens receives less annual snowfall than the Ohio average. There is a minor risk for tornadoes, with the last two reported in 2023 and 2018.
Rob is the Managing Partner of Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group. Rob manages their listings, negotiates contracts, and provides guidance and market knowledge for his team. Having closed hundreds of transactions over the past decade, Rob takes great pride in sharing his expertise with buyers and sellers. Rob is a lifetime resident of New Albany. He has a B.S. in Merchandising from the University of Kentucky, and moved back home after college to begin a career in fashion retail. In 2012, shortly after his return to New Albany, Rob became a licensed Realtor. Rob quickly realized his passion for real estate and he stepped away from his corporate job in the fashion industry to fully devote himself to serving his real estate clients. In 2021, Rob obtained his Brokers License. When not selling real estate, Rob and his wife, Johnna, enjoy restoring their 1800s farmhouse with the help of their two boys, Stanley and Charlie.
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