ATHENS, Ga (Atlanta, Watkinsville, Collins: apartment, houses, neighborhoods)

[TheChooch]

I would love to hear what it's like for a family to live in Athens. We are looking to live in a college town, so any feedback about the nice neighborhoods and schools would be appreciated. Also, any comments on the quality of life would helpful. Thank you.

[30apples]

hello Chooch. i lived in Athens for a few years when my kids were little. It's a lovely, homey town. The downtown is wonderful and right across the street from the univ. the summers are very, very humid! The winter weather is quite mild, though some times there is a icestorm, which are really beautiful. usually melts in a day. The town closes down, so you don't have to worry about going anywhere. There is a cute little zoo in a beautiful wooded park right in town and a larger park w/ swimming outside of town.
Only problem is that there is a LOT of springtime allergies, esp from the many pine trees. Worse I've had anywhere, but then many people aren't bothered by allergies........... good luck. oh the people are very friendly!

[knkat]

We have lived here about a year and a half with our three year old son. There is a lot to like about Athens. Especially if you live in a nice neighborhood! There is a small town feel in that you quickly get to know many of the people in town, and it is a pretty friendly town. There are definitely some quality of life issues, though, if you have a family. The public school system is decrepit, health care is horrible (go to Atlanta for this if you can!), and if you live near downtown you should expect people to knock on your door asking for money sometimes. On the up side, there are some really nice private schools and they are relatively cheap! Also, things are really cheap here compared to Atlanta or many other, larger cities. You can probably afford to live in a nice, old house here. And there are tons of nice families here.

[TheChooch]

Thank you, Knkat. Can you tell me why people choose Watkinsville other than the the schools? Trying to figure out if those public schools are so great that it might be a better option than living in Athens and sending our child to Athens Academy (if she got in). Are the charming neighborhoods in Watkinsville as charming and as interesting as those on the West side of Athens? So many questions...

[jeffrito]

Greetings
I have been looking to relocate somewhere that has affordable housing, good quality of life and of course a university in town. I have looked mostly at Boise ( I live in San Diego with family ) and Colorado Springs and Fort Collins etc...but Athens seems to have great houses for the money.
I lived in New Orleans for 6 or 7 years...know about humidity...but questions:
Bugs and mosquitos? (I like to garden) Poinsenous Snakes? Interesting areas around Athens? Tornados? Taxes (property, state) and energy bills? (those long summers with the AC on 24/7)

What (other than the schools) are the down sides?

Curious...

Jeffrito

[TheChooch]

Hi Jeffrito,
Athens sounds like a real possiblity for us, but I'm curious what your thoughts are on Ft Collins, Colorado Sprgs and Boise.

[30apples]

Jeffrito-- There are huge fleas in Athens, and lots of them. There would be water moccasins near water, don't know of any others, but a google will fill you in on that topic. Extremely hot humid and pretty hot for the long summers. Not many tornados, but there have been some.

[Fagerburg]

The Chooch, I have the same questions you have. I am really a newbie, just starting to learn about Athens and the outlying areas. Sounds like we have similar interests/criteria. Anyone out there who can provide information? TIA.

[clawson26]

My parents are considering retiring near Athens. Any cautions or advice?

[KimoJimo]

Hi, Chooch... I'll swap you your apartment in Manhattan for our house in Athens! (Just kidding) (maybe not, though...)

Black snakes are good, by the way, drive the bad ones away. I haven't seen any snakes here in the year i've lived here, but my yard is pretty open.

I sent you my mail address....

Jim