7 Best Neighborhoods in Athens, GA

Are you considering moving to Athens, GA, and want to learn more about the best neighborhoods? Check out these top 7 neighborhoods in Athens.

Nicknamed "The Classic City", Athens, GA, is one of the best places to live in all of Georgia. Best known as the home to the University of Georgia, a diverse range of residents live in the fantastic city. Whether you're a college student, young professional, family, or retiree, there is something for everyone here in Athens.

You will experience genuine Southern hospitality in this city with a friendly community, old-style charm, and new-style appeal. In addition to the university, the city offers many excellent schools, delicious restaurants, lively nightlife, and prime real estate. With a population of approximately 127,358 residents, it is the sixth most populous city in Georgia and growing rapidly. Luckily, Georgia has an extremely affordable cost of living.

First and foremost, there are many things you should know before moving to Athens. From the cost of living to the economy to the housing market. Once you have learned about the city, you'll be ready to find the perfect home. Luckily, UpHomes has you covered, as we have compiled a list of Athens's best neighborhoods. 

Keep reading to learn more about the best neighborhoods in Athens, GA.

Five Points

As one of the most popular areas in Athens, Five Points is also the most expensive neighborhood. Located next to UGA's South Campus, the community mainly houses college students and families. Residents are so close to campus that they can walk to sporting events like football and baseball games and the many restaurants and bars in the area. 

As a smaller neighborhood, the area offers its residents a strong sense of community. What's unique about the neighborhood is its small-town charm and beautiful historic architecture. With a combination of new and old-style homes, home types are abundant in this neighborhood.

Home prices have been trending up in recent years, setting the median listing home price at $798.5K. The good news is that homes tend to stay on the market for an average of 69 days, allowing you plenty of time to research the area and find your perfect home.

Local Favorites:

• The Pine Bar: Delicious Southern-inspired American cuisine in a bright and welcoming environment.
• Local 706: Here, you can enjoy refreshing drinks, a friendly atmosphere, mouthwatering food, and live music.
• Earth Fare: Check out this local favorite grocery store for affordable prices and fresh produce.

Cobbham

Cobbham is a renowned neighborhood in Athens, known for being the first planned community. It has a rich history and diverse architectural styles, including Antebellum, Federal, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, and American Craftsman.

Each home in the neighborhood is distinctive and showcases its unique architectural style. There are plenty of things to do in Cobbham, making it a must-visit destination. This neighborhood is ideal for small families and young adults looking to engage with the local culture and community fully.

Many students also call the neighborhood home, as most residents rent their homes. Residents are so close to restaurants, bars, the university, and many other fun activities that they don't need a car. 

Given it is such a sought-after neighborhood, house prices are higher than average. The median listing price is $375,000, and homes stay on the market for around 20 days. Prices have decreased 43.0% in the last year, meaning you should jump on the chance to buy your home as soon as possible. 

Local Favorites:

• Hendershots: Stop by for any drink you're craving, from coffee, tea, beer, or wine.
• Daily Groceries Co-Op: Grab all your necessities at this local favorite grocery store.
• Seabear Oyster Bar: Enjoy high-quality seafood with a casual and charming atmosphere. 

Blackmon Shoals

Blackmon Shoals neighborhood is filled with single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Each home offers a unique amenity, including heated swimming pools, floor-to-ceiling windows, stunning views, multiple-car garages, and much more. Essentially, this neighborhood offers everything you could want. 

Located behind the softball fields on the UGA campus, this community offers a mixture of styles, sizes, and prices, and you can ensure that you'll find the perfect home here. Most homes are craftsman-style homes and are newly built. 

Due to its proximity to the university, many residents are students. However, the homes are spaced out to ensure peace. The median listing prices vary greatly, most falling between $200K and $300K. 

Local Favorites:

• The State Botanical Garden of Georgia: This fantastic garden is 313 acres. The University of Georgia operates a beautiful conservatory where you can explore the miles and miles of gorgeous nature.
• Georgia Museum of Art: This museum is both an academic and official art museum in the heart of Athens. It is a must-visit place if you visit or move to the city.
• Terrapin Beer Co.: This trendy brewery is a town favorite; stop by to taste all the best beers made in-house. 

Glenview

Glenview is a part of the Five Points neighborhood, offering exceptional amenities, impeccable homes, and a convenient location. Spend the day at the community pool, dog park, clubhouse, or gym. The sought-after neighborhood is in one of the most desirable areas and school zones, making it one of the best areas for small families. 

One of the first things you'll notice about the beautiful homes is their spacious porches and large yards. Home sizes range from 1900 to 6000 square feet, with exteriors inspired by 20th-century and colonial-era architecture. 

The median listing price is about $745,967, making it a bit pricier than most homes in Athens. However, this median price means many houses are lower, and you will undoubtedly find the home you are looking for at the right price. You can be sure your children will love the neighborhood with amenities, space, and local schools. 

Local Favorites:

• Athens Pizza: This local pizza place is one of residents' favorite places to hang out and enjoy delicious food.
• Bear Hollow Zoo: This zoo is home to various non-releasable wildlife animals. Visit here to learn more about the fantastic wildlife that live here. 
• Mama's Boy at The Falls of Oconee: This charming retro diner has become one of Athens's most popular breakfast spots, making it a must-stop once you get here. 

Clarksboro

Clarksboro neighborhood is filled with primarily newly constructed homes that are the perfect size for small families. Most notably known for its picturesque tree-lined streets, fantastic houses, and tight-knit community. Clarksboro is easily one of the best neighborhoods in Athens.

As most homes are pretty spread apart, the neighborhood is known to be relaxed. Home to primarily families and professionals, there will be plenty of opportunities to get to know your neighbors. 

The neighborhood is a bit further from the heart of Athens than other neighborhoods. However, it is only a short drive to the vibrant downtown, where you can shop, eat, or explore. On the other hand, it is in an excellent school district, making it a great place to start a family, and it is a reasonable distance from the university, so you won't have to worry about living right next to college students. 

The median listing price is around $389,900 for each home, and homes tend to stay on the market for about 29 days. Make sure you act fast to get the home of your dreams, as houses here are in high demand. 

Local Favorites:

• Rush Athens Trampoline Park: This fun-filled park is the perfect place to take the whole family, just a short drive from your new home. 
• Sandy Creek Park: This waterfront park is one of the most popular attractions for residents and visitors. 
• Brett's Casual American: This fun, casual spot is the best place to stop for a quick and easy bite. 

East Side of Athens

The East Side of Athens is quiet and close to grocery stores, churches, restaurants, and fun parks. This is one of the larger areas of Athens-Clarke County and begins after crossing the North Oconee River. 

Many residents are drawn to the area for the low cost of living and proximity to Downtown Athens and The University of Georgia. Here, the homes are pretty spaced out from one another, leaving each house plenty of room for privacy. Residents are primarily families and retirees, as the homes range from small to medium.

The medium listing price ranges widely from $90K to $2.2M. Home prices have been rising in recent years, up 27% since last year. The median days on the market vary greatly depending on the time of year. During July 2023, most homes stayed on the market for an average of 39 days. 

Local Favorites:

• Creature Comforts Brewing Co.: This fun brewery is now the official craft beer of UGA athletics, making it a must-taste.
• Silver Dollar: Head to one of UGA's favorite campus bars to cheer on the city's best sports teams. 
• Firefly Trail: This walking, running, and biking trail is the best way to spend your day. 

Boulevard

Founded in the late 19th century, the Boulevard neighborhood will transport you back to simpler times. The historic district's neighborhood association hosts fun events throughout the year. The association's top priority is the happiness and safety of its residents.

You will be within walking distance of Normaltown and downtown Athens or hop on a bus to the university. The wide, tree-lined streets make Athens the most picturesque neighborhood, boasting various home sizes and styles. You'll never run out of things to do in the vibrant community, as it is very close to many fun bars, parks, restaurants, and more. 

The median listing price in Boulevard is $393K, and prices have been trending down since last year. Most residents here are homeowners and tend to be families and retirees who love peace, security, and space for themselves.

Local Favorites:

• Square One Fish Co.: This restaurant is Athens' only independently owned authentic Florida-style Seafood restaurant. 
• The Old Pal: This newly built cocktail bar has quickly become one of the most popular in the area. 
• Boulevard Woods Park: Bring your whole family down to explore the beautiful nature in this spacious park. 

FAQ: Best Neighborhoods in Athens, GA

Here are some commonly asked questions about the best neighborhoods in Athens, GA.

What is the best area to live in Athens, GA?

Depending on what you are looking for, Athens has many beautiful neighborhoods to pick from. The favorites include Five Points, Normaltown, East Side, and Cobbham.

What is the wealthiest neighborhood in Athens, GA?

Five Points has the highest median listing home price, making it the most expensive neighborhood. 

Is Athens, GA, a nice place to live?

Athens is widely known as one of Georgia's best places to live. With a dense suburban feel and plenty of things to do, residents in Athens love their home. 

What is the safest way to get around Athens?

The best way to travel around the city is by foot or metro. As the traffic can get pretty backed up, most people stick to walking or taking a short ride on the metro. Discover the safest cities in Georgia.

What is Athens, GA, best known for?

Athens is best known as a college town, home to the University of Georgia. Their college football team has a massive fanbase in the city and has recently won the 2021 and 2022 College Football National Championship.

Best Neighborhoods in Athens - Final Thoughts

Arguably one of the best places to live in Georgia, Athens has something unique to offer everyone. Whether you're moving to the city for school, a job opportunity, or a fresh start, you'll quickly discover why so many people love the city. Make sure you know everything you can before moving to Georgia. 

The first thing to do is find the perfect home for your lifestyle, budget, and family size. This can be difficult and overwhelming, but don't worry; we have covered everything you need to know about the best neighborhoods in Athens.

If you decide that Athens isn't for you, many other notable cities in Georgia are worth checking out, like Marietta, Savannah, Atlanta, and Augusta. Make sure to check out the cost of living in Savannah and the best neighborhoods in Savannah, Marietta, and Atlanta.

No matter why you decide to move to Athens, you can guarantee you will love it. The most important thing to do when searching for a new home is to contact a Realty Specialist. Lucky for you, our team at UpHomes is dedicated to helping you find the home of your dreams. Contact one of our Realty Specialists or check out the fantastic homes for sale in Georgia.