Athens, Georgia is a thriving college town located about 60 miles northeast of Atlanta. With a population of around 123,000 residents, Athens is best known as the home of the University of Georgia, the state’s flagship public research university with over 37,000 students. While the university and its students give Athens much of its youthful energy and cultural vibrancy, there is more to Athens than just being a college town.
History and Population
Athens was founded in 1801 and named after Athens, Greece, due to the area’s rolling hills. From its early days, Athens was an important educational center and was home to the University of Georgia since the school’s founding in 1785. As the university grew over the centuries, so did the town of Athens.
According to the latest census data, Athens-Clarke County has a population of about 123,000 residents, making it the sixth largest city in Georgia. The city has grown steadily over the past few decades. Between 2000 and 2010, the population grew by over 20%.
Economy and Major Employers
As a college town, the University of Georgia plays an enormous role in the local economy. With over 10,000 faculty and staff, the university is the largest employer in town. The university’s impact on the community is far reaching, from supporting businesses that cater to students to the UGA Athletic Association bringing in millions in revenue from popular SEC sports teams like the Georgia Bulldogs football team.
Beyond the university, major private sector employers in Athens include:
- Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center – healthcare
- St. Mary’s Health Care System – healthcare
- Caterpillar – heavy machinery manufacturing
- Zaxby’s – fast food restaurant chain
Athens also has a growing entrepreneurial and startup scene, thanks in part to resources like the UGA Small Business Development Center and the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce’s Accelerate Athens program supporting local startups.
Music and Entertainment
With a large student population and thriving nightlife, Athens has long been known as a center for music and entertainment. The city’s music scene grew in the 1970s and 80s with the rise of new wave and rock bands like R.E.M., the B-52s, Widespread Panic, and Drive-By Truckers getting their start in Athens.
Today, Athens has a vibrant local music culture with famous venues like the Georgia Theatre, 40 Watt Club and Caledonia Lounge hosting concerts throughout the year. The city is also home to a variety of music festivals showcasing rock, indie, electronic music, and more. Major annual festivals include AthFest and the Athens Human Rights Festival.
Historic Sites and Attractions
Founded in 1801, Athens is known for its historic architecture, particularly in its charming downtown area. Some of the top historic sites include:
- The Arch – Iconic granite gate built in 1858 marking the entrance to the University of Georgia
- Tree That Owns Itself – Famous white oak tree with its own deed separate from the property it resides on
- Taylor-Grady House – 19th century Italianate home and museum honoring two newspaper editors and Confederate blockade runners
- The State Botanical Garden of Georgia – 313-acre preserve including gardens, trails, and a conservatory
Sports fans will also want to visit Sanford Stadium, home of the Georgia Bulldogs football team, which can seat over 92,000 cheering fans on game days.
For art lovers, be sure to visit the Georgia Museum of Art which houses a collection of American art with an emphasis on 19th and 20th century American landscape paintings.
Outdoor Recreation
In addition to its many historic and cultural attractions, Athens has abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. The area’s mild climate makes outdoor activities possible year-round. Some top spots for recreation include:
- Sandy Creek Park – Largest park in Athens with hiking, biking, tennis, and picnic areas
- Lake Chapman – Popular lake for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking
- Athens Clarke County Greenway Network – 45+ miles of scenic trails throughout the county perfect for running, walking, or biking
Outdoor enthusiasts will also find great recreation nearby at Lake Oconee, just outside Athens. The 19,050 acre lake is popular for boating, fishing, kayaking, golfing and more.
Local Cuisine
When it comes to food, Athens has plenty of culinary destinations to explore. The classic Southern cuisine at The Place and downhome cooking at Mama’s Boy are local favorites. For handcrafted breads and pastries, stop by Heirloom Bakery. And for those who love spicy wings, Athens is home to the original Hendershots, which claims to have invented Buffalo wings.
The city also has a growing food truck and street food scene, with events like Athens Food Truck Rodeo showcasing mobile eats from Athens’ diverse food trucks and carts.
Moving to Athens
Known for its youthful spirit, historic charm, cultural vibrancy, and outdoor opportunities, Athens is an attractive place to live and work for many. The University of Georgia and the college town atmosphere draw many young professionals, in addition to the affordable cost of living compared to larger cities. Athens real estate includes historic homes near downtown, family-friendly neighborhoods, and new developments.
Those considering a move to the Classic City can learn more by visiting the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau website and the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government site.