Cresswind at Spring Haven
Newnan, Georgia
Athens, Georgia
What It Is Like to Retire in Athens
Athens is an immensely successful (population just over 100,000) university town in the hills of northeastern Georgia. It is extremely popular as a retirement community. The University of Georgia has helped to create an unusually liberal community with a thriving artistic, literary, musical, and intellectual scene. The University of Georgia with its 38,000 students has a large and beneficial impact on the city. The downtown, centered on College Avenue, is one of the most interesting and vital centers in the nation. It offers many interesting restaurants, nightclubs, music stores, sidewalk cafes, bars, bookstores, and shops. The housing choices for active adults 55+ and those in retirement are quite varied. New high rise condos are being constructed in downtown Athens which plan on linking to a new Multi-Modal Transportation Center. Fourteen of Athens’ neighborhoods are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Athens is located in Athens-Clarke County. Picture of City Hall on College Avenue in Downtown Athens, seen across Washington Street, and picture of Downtown Athens at the intersection of Clayton Street and College Avenue courtesy of Wikipedia and Richard Chambers (public domain), photo of Georgia Theater courtesy of Wikipedia and Michael Rivera, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/
Where to Retire in Athens and Home Prices
There are many different neighborhoods to consider, such as west of Pulaski Street, where there are a number of historic homes. Five Points is another neighborhood near the downtown and the university. Five Points is mostly single family homes with nearby shopping and galleries. Fourteen of Athens’ neighborhoods are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are some golf communities in or near Athens. According to Zillow.com, the median home value was $307,312 in early 2023.
What Is Special about Athens
• Bustling college town • Internationally famous music scene – “The Liverpool of the South” • One of the best small downtowns in the nation • A variety of housing choices for retirees • University of Georgia • Multiple neighborhoods on National Register of Historic Places
What Is Not Special about Athens
Active adults who have moved to Athens report that it is not without its problems they report that public transportation is not all that it could be, and it can be hard to find an affordable apartment.
Who Will Like Retirement in Athens
The Athens community attracts those who want to live in a university town with a thriving downtown. Many are attracted to the outstanding retirement living and active adult 55+ choices that are available. For more information about how to retire in Georgia or Augusta
Local Economy Is Driven by
The economy is vital and diverse. It is primarily driven by the University, hospitality services, manufacturing, music, retail, and health care.
Climate and Physical Environment
Athens is located in the hills of northeastern Georgia, 71 miles from Atlanta. View Google Map for Athens GA. The average July high temp. is 90, the avg. Jan. high is 53, and the average Jan. low is 33. March is the wettest month with 5".
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There are many festivals, such as the AthFest - Music and Art Festival, Stitching Stars Storytelling Festival, and the Athens Music Hall of Fame. The University of Georgia’s Performing Arts Center offers many cultural resources. Many nightclubs in downtown Athens, such as the 40 Watt Club and the Georgia Theatre. The downtown Classic Center is a multi-purpose facility containing a performing arts center and convention space. Additional cultural enrichment and lectures are available at the Georgia Museum of Art and its new Lamar Dood School of Art. There is an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Crime
Athens has a high crime rate.
Medical facilities
St Mary's Hospital and Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center are located here.
Transportation
Athens Airport offers commuter flights to Charlotte, NC. Athens Transit System offers local mass transit. Athens is above average in walkability when compared to other communities.
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