Athens

Athens offers a moderate cost of living, at 10% below the national average. Though the price of rent will vary by property, Greystar offers a range of options in the area. From The Standard at Athens — a popular option for student housing — to upscale apartments like Flats at General Time, which are ideal for families and young professionals, Greystar has something for nearly everyone!

Athens public transportation operates bus routes throughout the city, with frequent service to the University of Georgia campus. Bus times do vary by day and route, so residents will need to check the schedule(s) daily. Though most locals travel by car, the walkable downtown area and public transit system make it possible for those without personal vehicles to navigate the city.

Athens is home to some top restaurant attractions. Local favorites include South Kitchen + Bar for contemporary cuisine, The Place for Southern comfort food, and Catch-22, a travel-inspired gastropub. Residents also enjoy Mama's Boy for Southern breakfast staples and Osteria Olio for upscale Italian dining. Choco Coffee is also beloved by University of Georgia students.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Athens. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, a 313-acre preserve, offers nature trails, bird watching, and themed gardens. Sandy Creek Park gives residents plenty of things to do, from hanging out by the beach to kayaking, boating, or fishing on Lake Chapman. The park also has several athletic fields and courts, hiking and horseback riding trails, and picnic areas. The Oconee Rivers Greenway Trail System is also popular for biking and jogging.

Several Greystar apartments in Athens welcome pets, including The Standard at Athens and Flats at General Time. In addition to the city's numerous trail systems and green spaces, Sandy Creek Park has a designated dog park. Some restaurants with outdoor seating, like Ted's Most Best, will also allow leashed pets.

The University of Georgia dominates Athens' academic landscape, creating a vibrant atmosphere of artistic pursuits. The Georgia Museum of Art and UGA Performing Arts Center host world-class exhibitions and performances. The historic downtown area seamlessly blends student life with local culture, featuring independent bookstores, coffee shops, and nightlife entertainment. The community also holds regular events and festivals, from art walks to farmers' markets.

Downtown Athens and The Boulevard area attract young professionals. With nightlife entertainment and a lively music scene, the area is ideal for young people. The area also features several creative workspaces, like Runway Cowork and Rabbit Hole Studios. Normaltown is also popular among young professionals, with historic architecture and local haunts.

The charming shops along Clayton Street showcase local artisans and boutiques like Community and Dynamite, while the Alps Road area offers a mix of local and national retailers. For more extensive shopping, residents often visit the Georgia Square Mall.

The Clarke County School District is home to several highly rated public schools, like Classic City High School and Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary. There are also several private institutions in the area, including St. Joseph Catholic Parish, Downtown Academy, and Athens Academy. The University of Georgia is highly regarded, with an 86% graduation rate and a competitive 43% acceptance rate.

Athens' legendary music scene thrives at venues like the 40 Watt Club and Georgia Theatre. The downtown area has several cocktail bars and old-school pubs like Hi-Lo Lounge and Trappeze Pub. Athens also offers more laid-back evening options with intimate music spaces featuring acoustic and indie artists. For comedy shows and other live performances, locals often visit Flicker Theatre and Bar.