Athens, Georgia

Athens is a city built on choices. Multiple universities, including the University of Georgia, Athens Technical College, and Augusta University, all have campuses in Athens. There are plenty of history and art museums, along with countless independent businesses, boutique restaurants, bars, and retail outlets that serve the students, professionals, families, and retirees that populate the city. The city is accommodating to those with cars, those who prefer public transportation, and those who love to bike everywhere. In short, Athens is a city that prides itself on being many different things to its many different citizens, be they students, lifelong residents, or newcomers to the fair metropolis.

Finding a house in Athens is a tricky prospect. Renting is fairly easy, provided one plans around the August through August lease cycle and high turnover rates on apartments due to the transient student population. However, the process of finding and either purchasing or renting a home in much of the city is generally agreed to be tough for single residents, childless couples, and families alike. Much of this has to do with how housing is now a business and college towns are beloved by investors who like to buy up homes and rent them to students. If you're considering a move to Athens, and consider a house to be a necessity, it's recommended you secure that home before making the move.

There is never a shortage of things to do for fun in Athens. The public parks have some of the most beautiful walking trails in the entire country. The Twilight Races are a must for cycling enthusiasts. Board game bars offer countless tabletop opportunities for those interested. The local museums dedicated to the Southern and African American experience are considered superb for those interested in the subject matter. And of course, the music scene of Athens is legendary: the 40 Watt Club, the Georgia Theater, Morton Theater, and the Athens Symphony Orchestra are among the best music venues in the country, with a rich history dating back decades sure to catch the attention of music enthusiasts.

Check out the Athens Event calendar to get a taste of everything going on here.

We highly recommend visiting Athens and staying in the community in a VRBO rather than a hotel to get a feel for living among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our partnership with Expedia as well.

The University of Georgia is a major employer for much of the city. As such, many jobs are in either education, administration, or facilities management for the university. Outside of that, if you work in technology, companies both young and old such as Docebo, Roundsphere, and Partner Software are prime candidates for work. Several notable pharmaceutical companies are also based in the area, as well as independent publisher Hill Street Press, and a growing music industry. Outside of that, service industry jobs are always hiring in Athens. For a college town, the job prospects are pretty diverse.