Historic downtown street with vintage buildings, parked cars, and clear blue sky on a sunny day

Life in Athens, GA

Athens, Georgia is a dynamic college town located about 70 miles northeast of Atlanta. Home to the University of Georgia (UGA), Athens combines southern hospitality with youthful energy, a rich music and arts scene, and historic charm. Athens offers an affordable and engaging lifestyle. Whether you're a student, a homeowner, or a business owner, Ackerman Security delivers the reliable protection your lifestyle demands. From smart home automation to 24/7 monitoring, we’ve got your Athens property covered.

Athens Neighborhoods

  • Five Points: Historic district with charming homes, boutiques, and cafes near UGA.
  • Boulevard: Artsy and walkable with Victorian homes and galleries.
  • Eastside: Suburban feel with newer developments and shopping centers.
  • Normaltown: Hip and eclectic with local eateries and music venues.
Row of colorful suburban houses with porches and manicured lawns in Athens GA

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Athens Population

Athens-Clarke County has a population of around 130,000, with a large portion made up of students, faculty, and university staff.

Demographics

  • White: 60%
  • African American: 26%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 8%
  • Asian: 4%
  • Median Age: 27 years (due to student population)
  • Median Household Income: $42,000

Athens Schools

  • Operated by Clarke County School District

Notable Schools

  • Clarke Central High School
  • Cedar Shoals High School
  • Barrow Elementary
  • Hilsman Middle School

Daycare & After-School Care

  • Apple Tree Prep
  • Discovery Point Athens
  • YMCA of Athens
  • Milledge Avenue Baptist Preschool

Extracurricular Activities

  • Dance: East Athens Educational Dance Center
  • Swim: UGA Ramsey Center
  • Martial Arts: Athens Karate School
  • Music & Art: Lyndon House Arts Center, Athens School of Music

Athens is known for

  • The University of Georgia and SEC football
  • Legendary music scene (birthplace of R.E.M., The B-52s)
  • Athens Twilight Criterium and cultural festivals
  • Historic homes and vibrant downtown

Parks and Recreation

  • Sandy Creek Park (lake, beach, hiking)
  • Dudley Park (Greenway Trail access)
  • Bishop Park (sports, pool, playgrounds)
  • North Oconee River Greenway

Homes in Athens

Owners vs Renters

  • Homeownership rate: 39%
  • Renting: 61%, due to high student and young professional population

Why Live in Athens?

  • Rich cultural and music scene
  • Walkable downtown with great dining
  • Affordable cost of living
  • Proximity to Atlanta and North Georgia nature

Working in Athens

Major Employers

  • University of Georgia
  • Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center
  • St. Mary's Health Care System
  • Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Hiring Sectors

  • Higher Education
  • Healthcare
  • Government
  • Creative Arts and Hospitality

Transportation

  • Athens Transit (bus system)
  • UGA Campus Transit (free to public during certain hours)
  • 90 minutes to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

Grocery Stores

  • Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Trader Joe's
  • Daily Co-op and local farmers markets

Dining Scene

  • The National (Mediterranean)
  • Mama's Boy (Southern brunch)
  • Seabear Oyster Bar
  • Last Resort Grill
  • Five & Ten (fine dining by Chef Hugh Acheson)

Entertainment

  • Georgia Theatre
  • 40 Watt Club
  • State Botanical Garden of Georgia
  • Classic Center concerts and shows

Community Services & Resources in Athens

Emergency & Healthcare Services

  • Police: Athens-Clarke County Police Department
  • Fire: Athens-Clarke County Fire & Emergency Services
  • Hospitals: Piedmont Athens Regional, St. Mary's Hospital
  • Urgent Care: Georgia Clinic, Peachtree Immediate Care

Medical Providers

  • Athens Internal Medicine
  • Athens OB/GYN
  • Pediatric Associates of Athens
  • Dental and wellness providers citywide

Religious Institutions

  • First Baptist Church of Athens
  • St. Joseph Catholic Church
  • Athens Islamic Center
  • Congregation Children of Israel
First Baptist Church of Athens