Athens, Georgia , is a sophisticated southern city, located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Athens is home to the University of Georgia, a major university, and the first chartered state university in the United States. Athens maintains its rich southern heritage, but has developed a thriving contemporary music scene over the past several decades. The city is a feast for the eyes, with a beautifully restored downtown center and its many historic districts with period homes and other buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. In fact, fourteen separate neighborhoods are collectively listed on the National Register.

Athens supports a population of just over 100,000 residents. The presence of a major university skews the median age of its residents to 25 years old. The average household income in Athens is approximately $30,000 per year. There is a diversity of housing options in Athens. Some folks choose to own one of the gorgeous antebellum homes, with their magnificent architectural details. Others prefer a quiet cottage in a friendly suburb. Still others may choose newer construction. Whatever your preference, you're sure to find it in Athens!

Whether you choose to live downtown or in the suburbs, you will see a lot of folks walking in Athens. And with good reason. Athens was named the safest city in Georgia for pedestrians. Many residents here prefer traversing by foot or bicycle to get to their destinations, admiring the immaculate landscaping and diverse building facades while they commute

The majority of Athens residents, nearly 30%, are employed in some form of government service. Following closely behind, approximately 23% of folks here work in the sector of retail trade or tourism services. Manufacturing and professional services each employ a significant portion of the population, at approximately 14% for each sector.

In recent years, Athens has become world-renowned for its music scene. This town has an incredible nightlife, and has produced such notable bands as R.E.M, the B-52's, and Widespread Panic. The international success of these hometown heroes has spawned literally hundreds of local bands, ten recording studios, several record labels and major concert venues. This music scene has caused the city to be called "the Liverpool of the South". Rolling Stone Magazine calls it the Best College Music Scene in the country, and the New York Times named it "Live Music Central".

Today, the 40 Watt Club and Georgia Theatre welcome both local and national touring bands to their stages. The annual music festival AthFest held in June draws over 120 bands that play indoor and outdoor stages throughout one weekend. Music fans can enjoy pop, jazz, classical, blues, country and rock performances throughout the city. But you just never know what might happen in Athens. The band Widespread Panic decided to pay tribute to their favorite town by hosting their CD release party here. This became the largest release party in history, and drew over 100,000 fans for a free concert.

Athens also benefits from some incredible natural beauty. Outdoorsmen have a number of venues to spend their free time. There are a half-dozen public and semi-private golf courses dotted throughout the city. The rolling hills of the Piedmont region are an ideal setting for biking, while Memorial Park is a nice flat spot for walking, jogging or roller blading. For hiking trails or just a relaxing picnic, residents can choose from the North Oconee River Greenway or Forest Park and the State Botanical Garden.

Athens is a vibrant city that combines a healthy dose of the arts with southern hospitality and scenic beauty. Athens has the feel of a major metropolitan city, without the congestion and hassle. Replete with dining, shopping and entertainment, there is simply no shortage of options in Athens.


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