Is Athens, GA a Good Place to Live in 2024?

What Is Athens, GA Known For?

Athens is situated about 72 miles northeast of Atlanta. The city is a vibrant hub where art thrives and music resonates from corner to corner, often considered the cradle of indie rock. It's also a college town, hosting a large university, making it a melting pot of culture and ideas. The city prides itself on a strong sense of community that extends into its various neighborhoods.

Athens leans liberal, reflecting a more diverse demographic profile that includes a variety of races, minority groups, and individuals of varying sexual orientations. This atmosphere contributes to the city's rich cultural mosaic.

For retirees, Athens has a rich historical backdrop to explore and generally quieter neighborhoods away from student life. Families will find several parks and family-friendly activities, especially during the school year. The art scene and vibrant nightlife suit singles and couples alike. Students, naturally, have access to a wide range of academic and social resources. For those of varying backgrounds and beliefs, the liberal lean lends itself to a more inclusive atmosphere.

Highlights

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Pros and Cons

The Pros of living in Athens, GA, include cultural scene, educational opportunities, sense of community, and more. While some Cons are around transient population, traffic congestion, and limited job market.
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Safety and Crime

Athens, GA is ranked 297th out of the top 500 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 256th on safety from violent crime, and 318th on safety from property crime.
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Cost of Living

Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in Athens, GA is 24% lower than the national average.
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Discretionary Income

A gross annual salary of $80,000 in Athens, GA leaves $2,063 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
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Climate and Weather

The average daily temperature in Athens, GA in January is 46°F and 84°F in July. Compared to the rest of the 333 most populated cities in the US, this city is on average +3°F warmer in January and is on average +5°F warmer in July.
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Politics and Voting

Athens, GA voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential election, with 70.2% of the votes counted going to this party.
Read more in Politics and Voting.

The assessments presented on this website, including those related to crime, safety, cost of living, and other location characteristics (e.g., states, cities, towns, villages, neighborhoods, areas, landmarks), are based on various sources and our internal research methods. These assessments are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete and should not be used as the sole basis for making any decisions.