Athens, GA as a young professional? (Atlanta, Greenville: renting, job market, buying)

[Bannoona]

Greetings,

I'm a 30 year old single guy who will be relocating to the Southeast for my job (I already have the job so job market etc is not important to me). What is Athens like for a professional in his thirties? What is the dating scene scene like for someone that age (I'm worried it will mainly be college students who wouldbe too young)?

Any advice about how athens would compare to columbia, sc or greenville, sc?

Thanks
Bannoona

[lissarose78]

DON'T DO IT! I'm 34 and have been living in Athens for the last five years. I feel OLD here -- everyone is so much younger. I've had guys in bars here buy me drinks who are ten years younger than me and I am too young to feel like a cougar. Overall, I've been really unhappy in Athens while living here, although there IS a lot to do for a city of its size, and the proximity to Atlanta is nice. I've just accepted a job in Greenville, SC, where I believe I will be much happier.

[lissarose78]

Greenville is much larger (my current boyfriend lives there) and much less of a young/hippie/college town. ALSO, what people don't tell you about Athens is that there is a LOT of poverty here. Gas here is about .30/gal more expensive than it is in Greenville, and housing prices are absurd considering that most jobs in Athens don't pay anything. You work for UGA for the privilege of working for UGA, not for the money. (I don't and never have worked for UGA, but they are, by far, the largest employer here).

[rreulbach]

Originally Posted by lissarose78

I've just accepted a job in Greenville, SC, where I believe I will be much happier.

You will be much happier. I'm 25 and have done practically everything that Athens has to offer. I moved to Greenville over the summer, and have absolutely love it here. The downtown has a similar feel to Athens, but much nicer and without the drunk college students spilling into the street. Greenville still has a college crowd (Clemson, Furman nearby), but they don't overtake the area. If you are an outdoorsy type, and enjoy some good dining, you'll love it here. Great festivals and live music too!

[rreulbach]

Whoops, didn't see your second post. Look like you already know you're making a good decision.

[Ollie1946]

I would choose Greenville over Athens myself. I live in Athens now. Still consider relocating. Poverty remains a huge issue and a growing one. For the record, I do not blame those who are in poverty, live in public housing or don't have a reasonable start in life. It is just a fact though that too many are in that group. I do not know what the age spread here is but of course the 18 to 24 year olds dominate I would think. Plenty of people enjoy downtown and many fight to stay here even after graduating. The music scene, the club/bar life and the laid back atmosphere attracts many. Just depends on your lifestyle.

[Jackalope]

Interesting.

I've got the other perspective...wonder what it's like to retire to Athens. Obviously the jobs market isn't a big consideration, although I might take some of those "low-paying jobs" for some extra pocket money. Wouldn't be renting but rather, buying home/land.

It strikes me that all the facilities offered for college students, malls, theatres, restaurants, etc. would equally benefit old codgers like me. Plus there are all those college coeds for eye-candy.

Worried about the cost of living though. Those comments on gas prices really bother me.