Athens
Located about 1.5 hours northeast of Atlanta, Athens Georgia is just far enough away from the fast-paced lifestyle of Atlanta yet laid back and culturally infused with exciting events year round. Surrounding the Athens gated communities, you will find culture, arts, lifelong learning, quality medical care, and plenty of dining and shopping. The University of Georgia’s location here makes this small town one of the best college towns in Georgia. Gated Georgia golf communities are popular with the school faculty.
Athens is a true mix of old and new. The historic neighborhoods display a variety of historic architecture including the Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian styles. The energy of the University of Georgia’s students and faculty brings a spark of contemporary style to the city. Downtown has a very active and lively nightlife with music taking an important role. The music scene in Athens also blends the old with the new. Home to the rock bands R.E.M and the B-52’s, it is also home to the Athens Symphony which has been providing free concerts for 35 years. At least five Pulitzer Prize winning authors have resided in Athens. Museums and and art galleries display antiques as well as modern art, some of which is produced locally. The University of Georgia provides many options for residents and visitors to cheer for their hometown teams. Sports venues here consist of the Stanford Stadium, the Stegman Colloseum, Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, and the Tennis Hall of Fame. The old and the new coexist here in a very laid back atmosphere which gives residents and visitors the opportunities to mix it up with artists and athletes alike.
If you’re searching for best places to retire Georgia, here are reasons why to consider Athens:
ARTS AND CULTURE
Musically infused, local musicians showcase their talent and launch their careers in Athens. Rolling Stone named Athens Georgia the #1 College Music Scene in America.
Athens has undergone a historic preservation movement since 1980's, antebellum homes restored to the Victorian era, many open to the public to see. Athens boasts 15 neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic Places and is the northern gateway to Georgia's Antebellum Trail. The Antebellum Trail is the landmark 100 mile journey through seven cities, the path of Sherman's March to the Sea in 1864.
Athens Georgia is nicknamed 'The Classic City' bubbling with southern charm and is home to America's first garden club: State Botanical Garden of Georgia. One of 'America's Top 25 Art Destinations', Athens Georgia is a small city delivering big city amenities.
CLIMATE
At an elevation of 758 feet, Athens Georgia’s average winter temperature is in the 40’s December through February. The annual snowfall is xx inches. May through September, the average temperature ranges in the high 70’s. Athens Georgia experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters with an occasional snow fall. Athens Georgia’s biggest weather hazards are tornados.
LIFELONG LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Near several gated communities, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), found on the campus of the University of Georgia, has 19 special interest groups on campus for seniors to enjoy including; Happy Hikers, SoloSeniors, Memoir Writing and Digital Photography, to name just a few. Athens is home of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, college football is the dominant sport. Kiplinger's Personal Finance named Athens as a 'Best College Towns for Retirees'. In addition, Athens is ranked the Number 1 Place to Retire by Fortune Magazine.
MEDICAL AND HEALTHCARE
Quality medical care is found right in Athens, Georgia. The Athens Regional Medical Center boasts five quality Centers of Excellence along with Urgent Care and other services. Along with advanced medical technologies and Rehabilitation services, they are known for excellence in Diabetes Care, Diagnostic Care, Oncology, and Wellness. St. Mary’s offers excellence in heart care, an advanced Stroke center, advanced inpatient Diabetes care, and spine surgery. In addition, two of Atlanta's Best Hospitals are also nearby; Emory University Hospital and Shepherd Cente
SHOPPING AND DINING
Athens has enjoyed positive mention in magazines such as Lucky and Southern Living for its unique and distinctive local shops and boutiques. Downtown Athens is lined with Victorian-era buildings with an eclectic mix of art studios and shops. The Five Points features antiques, jewelry stores, original artwork, and fine fashion. Downtown is also home to restaurants ranging from casual bistros to five-star dining.
In addition, over 100 taverns line the streets of downtown. Athens is a pet friendly city allowing you to bring your best friend with you almost anywhere in town. Georgia Square Mall is located in Athens.. It is anchored by JC Penney, Sears and Macy's. With more than 100 specialty stores, including American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body Works, Express, Gap, Hollister, Journeys, Learning Express, Kay Jewelers, Radio Shack and Victoria’s Secret, there is something for everyone in one of the best places to retire Georgia. Not far, Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport is 1.5 hours away.
RECREATIONAL SPORTS
About an hour north of Athens GA real estate developments, the Blue Ridge Mountains are an outdoor playground, to explore nature and escape the warmer summers. Cycling, hiking, and rock climbing are popular activities in the area. During the warmer summer months, 38,000 acre emerald green Lake Lanier, Georgia’s most visited lake, is located about an hour to the northwest for boaters. There are a number of Georgia golf communities who's courses are open to the public.
HOME AFFORDABILITY AND TAXES
Athens Georgia homes for sale average $130,000. The estimated property tax millage rate in Clarke County is $ 13.95 per of $1000. Visit our library to find help and to learn how to calculate property taxes in Georgia. If you're searching for the best college towns to live, there are a number of gated communities we find of interest in Athens. Don't be afraid to request recommendations.
