Tell me about Athens... (safe neighborhoods, school, university)

[Amy K]

I'm looking at UGA for grad school and I'd like to know a little more about the Athens area.

Are there several fine dining restaurants (my husband is a chef)?

What are some safe neighborhoods to explore for housing? What kind of price range would we have consider to afford those areas?

Is Athens an expensive place for a college student?

Is there a wide range of shopping areas (a girl has to shop every now and then!

What type of atmosphere should we expect (high energy, small town, outgoing locals, etc)?

I've heard Athens has a great music scene...is that true?

If you don't think Athens would be a good place for a couple in their early 30s, what would be another area you would suggest that is within communting distance of Univ GA?

Thanks so much for any info!

[ellie]

Athens is one of the most interesting college towns anywhere. You will have no trouble finding people your age, nor will your husband have trouble finding restaurants. It's not a big city and because there are so many talented people there, salaries are not that high. Fortunately the cost of living is reasonable - not cheap, but within reason.

Downtown is hopping on weekends and everyone is in a band, or something along those lines. If you are conservative, dull, inarticulate, extremely conventional, or have social hang ups you might conside trying another social scene and a different university town. In this town almost everyone pushes the limits.