Augusta vs. Athens (Atlanta, Athens-Clarke County: crime rates, home, unemployment rate)

[moving212]

My husband and I are in the process of moving to GA and we have narrowed it down to either Athens or Augusta. What are some Pros and Cons of each city? Which city has the most crime? Which would in your opinion be a better place to move? Thanks.

[afonega1]

I do not live in either one but have family in Augusta.Athens I go to at least once a year as it is only an hour away.Which is an advantage to the Atlanta area if you are looking to be within a major metro area.Personally both are nice mid-sized cities.Augusta I think maybe growing more with jobs and such.Augusta really is experiencing very strong growth even in these times.Crime wise Augusta being larger has the edge their with more.Neither are dangerous places.If you give more parameters of what are your likes in dislikes ,that could be more helpful.

[keeshonder]

I can really only speak for Athens since I have not lived in Augusta and would only provide hearsay. Although, Augusta does have the Masters every year. The Athens area (which includes Athens-Clarke County and parts of the surrounding 5 counties) has one of the lower unemployment rates in the state. It's culture is influenced by the presence of the University of Georgia. A terrific music scene downtown, some good restaurants. Athens is closer to Atlanta than Augusta. For crime rates, the best thing would be to check with the local police departments, otherwise, your information will be purely anecdotal. You can live in a somewhat urban environment, the suburbs or rural and still be within 15 or 20 minutes of shopping, dining and entertainment.
Athens is somewhat central to n.e. georgia with easy access to all the areas. Because of he presence of the university, Athens has not been hit as hard as many areas with home value problems and with unemployment.

As the previous comment stated, what are you really looking for in a place to live? Are you retiring? Do you have kids? Do you need to be close to medical facilities? etc. etc. etc.

[nortonguy]

Augusta is my choice, I like Athens though.