Can someone tell me about Athens? (Huntsville, Madison: apartment, for rent, buying a home)

[FLGAL76]

We found a place for rent that is in Athens but we have no idea about the area. Is it a nice area are there bad areas to avoid? Things to do? How are schools especially Elementry schools? Any info would help us out until we are able to get up there again next week. We came and visited HSV but didn't get to look around much and it was a short stay so we didn't explore much as we should have. But, we will be back to explore this time around but any info would be appreciated about the Athens area. Thanks!

[harry chickpea]

If you use the search function in this and the Alabama forums, you should find a few threads on the subject, along with some links. Be aware that the zoning in Athens borders on excessive, and there is no zoning or building codes outside the city.

[Seth Parker]

I live in Athens, and I've always enjoyed it. The only real problem is the fact that you really have to go to Madison or Huntsville to do any real shopping. Entertainment is also thin in Athens. One small movie theater and a few chain restaurants is about it.

There actually are building codes outside of the city, the problem is that there is no entity to enforce those codes.

Seeing as how you are not buying a home, I can relay a little more information about the area, but I still can't go into too much detail because it is a public forum. (If you were buying a home, and I said area A is better than area B, it would be labeled as steering and I could get in trouble )

1. I would not take girl scout cookies to "Box Alley" at night. This is an area North of HWY 72 and South of Washington off Hines Street (not the entire area, but a select area).

2. The elementary schools are actually pretty decent.

3. I've lived in Cottonwood Apts, Camelot Apts, Swan Creek Apts, have been in Windsor, Athens Square, Athens Village, and one other off of Elm Street. Out of those I would definitely recommend Cottonwood/Southwind Apartment. I would not go back to Swan Creek. Also, the places behind the Sleep Inn seem decent.

Hope that helps a little.

[milledj]

I have heard that the places off of Elm Street were pretty nice, especially the last one before you get to 31. Overall, Athens is a good place to live. We don't worry about security much at all (I live in the Beaty Historic District, walk to work, sometimes it is night or dark, never worry). Not much crime, good schools (Athens Middle School, Julian Newmann, Athens State University). We do go shopping in Huntsville about every week (it will decrease when the Publix opens!), but my husband and I are construction addicts, when we aren't looking for deals for our own home projects, we are looking for good deals for Habitat for Humanity. Therefore, we regularly look at the clearance items at Home Depot and Lowes.... We also go to Petsmart when in Huntsville/Madison.

[slickshawn]

Athens is a traditional town and is a better place for older people wanting to settle down.More or less look at Athens as a suburb of Huntsville. Not the kind of city for Big City minded people. If you are looking for more of a rural location there are plenty in Athens. I was born and raised there but it lacks the Entertainment i so rightfully desire so im packing my bags.Hope i have been helpful.

[milledj]

My neighborhood has a mix of young and old...that is one of the reason I like living downtown. However, I will agree that you can't find big city entertainment in little city Athens.