Athens : Georgia

What Athens is like for active adults

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. A number of musical groups such as REM and the B-52’s have gone on to international fame from here.

The University of Georgia with its 26,000 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. 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. Fourteen of Athens’ neighborhoods are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are at least 2 retirement communities built around golf courses nearby.

The median price of homes in Athens is much less than in most other retirement communities. The median price of a home in Athens has remained quite stable. Average price was in the $150's in late 2009, unchanged from 2007.

Athens is located in Athens-Clarke County. For profiles on over 400 cities and towns go to best retirement communities.
Thanks to Wikipedia and Richard Chambers for photo of downtown Athens. Athens Tourist Bureau

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What is special about this retirement community

• 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

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What is not special about this retirement community

It is almost 72 miles to the nearest city, Atlanta.

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What kinds of people like retiring here

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

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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. For Athens Craigslist

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Physical environment

Athens is located in the hills of northeastern Georgia, 71 miles from Atlanta. View Google Map for Athens GA

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Cultural environment

There are many festivals throughout the year, 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, have been the springboard for nationally known musical talents. 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

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Medical facilities

St Mary’s Hospital. Athens Regional Medical Center

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Transportation

Athens Airport offers commuter flights to Charlotte, NC. Athens Transit System offers local mass transit

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Facts about ATHENS

State: GA
Environment: College Town,
City Population: 100,001+
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Cost of Living Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: jb

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