About Athens, GA
Located in Northeast Georgia in Clarke County, the city of Athens is surrounded by Georgia's scenic blue ridge mountains, which is just a short drive away. It is well-known for its neoclassical architecture, and the University of Georgia, which has its home here. Just an hour away from Atlanta, the city has a close-knit community, pleasant weather throughout the year, and an affordable living rate.
A trading settlement was located on the Oconee River banks and soon developed into the University of Georgia, which attracted tourists and led to the creation of a town surrounding the university.
Today, Athens is not only known for the very same university, but it is also home to the thriving music industry and offers various opportunities, recreation, excellent healthcare, and career advancements, just a short drive away in Atlanta.
Living in Athens
The city of Athens is spread out over 118.2 square miles and has a population of 115,542. However, despite the small-town vibe, there are plenty of options for delicious cuisine, creativity, culture, history, and friendly residents.
Athens supports international and local businesses, including young technology companies, such as Roundsphere and Cogent Education.
With more than 58% of its residents in the workforce, employment opportunities are available in technology and healthcare, with it expanding as you move into Atlanta.
Excellent healthcare is also a standard amenity since Athens is served by two primary hospitals, St. Mary's and the Piedmont Regional Hospital.
The median home value is $188,480 in Athens, and $663 for rent, with more than half of the population renting homes.
Things in Do in Athens
Athens offers no shortage of fun events throughout the year and things for you to do and see every day. There are various parks and green spaces scattered throughout the city, while spring and fall bring beautiful changes, evident in the picturesque mountain backdrop.
Many music venues are located around the city, restaurants offering delicious meals, and an abundance of local breweries. You're spoiled for choices when you have a free day.
Stop by the Georgia Theatre to catch amazing shows or munch on tacos on Taco Tuesday, which happens at many restaurants throughout the city.
The majority of the population can be found at the Stanford Stadium cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs; if you're free, head to the University of Georgia to catch a game and relax with a beer and snacks.
Public Transportation
Athens Transit is responsible for public transit within the city and operates on fixed routes every day throughout the week.
For students to get around on the University of Georgia campus, the UGA Campus Transit offers fare-free rides 24 hours a day, five days a week, and has routes to Milledge Avenue and Prince Avenue.
Greyhound Lines also provides intercity bus services, while Megabus provides transit to Charlotte and Atlanta.
Just east of downtown lies the Athens-Bens Epp Airport, which has been running since 1917 and provides flights within Clarke County and Georgia. Alternatively, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is the nearest international airport and is 79 miles away from the city.
Athens offers no direct passenger service for rail, but you can head to Atlanta, Gainesville, or Toccoa to travel to nearby cities and towns.
Education
The city of Athens is supported by the Clarke County School district and offers grades from preschool to 12th.
There are fourteen elementary schools, four middle schools, and one non-traditional, and three traditional high schools. There are also several private schools in the area.
Some of the district's best private schools include the Athens Christian School, the Downtown Academy, and Saint Joseph Catholic School.
You can also find various selections for universities, with the University of Georgia, Athens Technical College, and Piedmont College, which are a few of the best.
Climate
Athens experiences a humid subtropical climate like the rest of Georgia, with hot summers, and cool winters, with some form of precipitation being present throughout the year.
Two hundred sixteen sunny days cover the city on average, and there is also 48 inches of rainfall, which is higher than the US average of 38 inches.
May and September generally make up the pleasant months in Athens, while January and July are the least comfortable. Summer temperatures often spike to 90 degrees in the city but are ideal for exploring the nearby mountains.
December and January bring the lowest temperatures of 32 degrees with no signs of snow, which makes winter pleasant and perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
