Neighborhoods of Athens, Georgia

Athens, nicknamed the “Classic City”, is known for its music scene and the University of Georgia. As of 2022, the city has an estimated population of 127,810 residents. Athens has several distinct neighborhoods, many of which border the downtown area and university campus.

The city has a mix of historic districts, commercial areas, and residential neighborhoods spanning a variety of architectural styles from antebellum to modern.

Neighborhoods like Boulevard and Cobbham feature large historic homes, while areas like Normaltown and Five Points have been revitalized with local shops, restaurants, and music venues.

Notable Neighborhoods

Some of the most well-known and iconic neighborhoods in Athens include:

• Downtown: The classic heart of Athens home to local shops, restaurants, and music venues. Anchored by College Avenue and Clayton Street.
• Five Points: Bustling commercial district with many local businesses, bars, concert venues, and student housing.
• Boulevard: Historic district with large homes in Greek Revival and Victorian architectural styles.
• Cobbham: Another historic residential neighborhood known for antebellum mansions and Victorian homes.
• Normaltown: Funky arts district with bungalows, local eateries, and boutiques.
• Milledge Avenue Corridor: Tree-lined avenue bordering the University of Georgia north campus anchor.

Residential Districts

In addition to its commercial and historic districts, Athens has a variety of residential areas that cater to university students, families, young professionals, and more.

East Side

The East side neighborhoods of Athens include well-established family subdivisions and new master-planned communities.

Five Points Area

Encompassing Five Points, this district features smaller starter homes along with student apartments and rentals interspersed with commercial establishments.

Key features:

• Convenient to UGA campus and downtown
• Mix ofhousing options
• Bustling nightlife and music scene

Notable subdivisions:

Grady Avenue Area

Just east of Five Points, this area has smaller, affordably priced homes dating from 1950s-1970s. Lots are moderately sized.

Key features:

• Established neighborhood
• Community garden plots
• Close to amenities

Barrow Elementary School District

Centered around Barrow Elementary School, this family-friendly area includes the subdivisions of Eastwood Village, Julian Place, MC Gillard Woods, and others.

Home sizes range from 1,500-3,000 square feet on larger lots. Some neighborhoods feature amenities like tennis courts, pools, and playgrounds.

Key features:

• Neighborhood parks and greenspace
• Mature trees
• Community events and activities

West Side

Athens west side neighborhoods span from older established subdivisions to new construction.

Boulevard Area

This district encompasses the Boulevard Historic area down to newer developments like Creekstone and Fenwick Commons. Lot sizes range from small to estate sized.

Key features:

• Combination of old and new construction
• Family-friendly amenities
• Convenient to amenities

Notable subdivisions:

Oakcrest Subdivision

Established in the 1970s, Oakcrest features traditional one and two-story brick homes on wooded quarter to half-acre lots.

Key features:

• Original mid-century homes
• Large yards
• Mature trees

Gentrified Neighborhoods

Some of Athens older intown neighborhoods have undergone extensive revitalization and gentrification as the city has grown.

Normaltown

Once known as “Normaltown”, this central neighborhood has evolved into a trendy district with cottage bungalows, art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

Key features:

• Eclectic mix of older homes and adaptive reuse retail
• High walkability score
• Year-round events and festivals

Newtown Florist Club Historical District

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this African-American neighborhood neighboring Pulaski Heights is undergoing preservation efforts. Home styles include Queen Anne, Craftsman bungalows, and post-WWII cottages.

Key features:

• Front porch social culture
• Historical architecture and landmarks
• Community heritage

University-Influenced Areas

The heart of Athens encircles The University of Georgia, engraining academics and collegiate culture into neighborhoods.

North Campus Perimeter

The districts bordering UGA’s North Campus create a transitional buffer zone between academics and residential. Tree-lined streets with a mix of housing options, restaurants, and shops define the area.

Milledge Avenue Corridor

Paralleling UGA’s historic North Campus, Milledge Avenue is considered one of Athens’ most prestigious addresses. Historic mansions, modern luxury homes, apartments, condos, shops, eateries, and hotels line the avenue.

Key features:

• Combination of old historic homes and newer high-end construction
• Convenient hub of shops and dining
• Community events and university-related functions

East Campus Village

Areas gentrifying near UGA’s East Campus offer student housing options combined with Athens’ artistic culture. Once considered unsafe, revitalization is transforming the area into an eclectic extension of downtown.

Pulaski Heights Neighborhood

Pulaski Heights lies within the East Campus perimeter, noted for its historic Queen Anne Victorian homes and sidewalk culture. Gentrification has introduced artistic cottages and adaptive reuse retail into the neighborhood.

Key features:

• Wrap-around porches on historic homes
• Close-knit community events and culture
• Trendy Eastside Village development

Outlying Areas

While Athens intown neighborhoods cater to university and historic influences, master-planned communities provide amenities for families and professionals.

Northern Arc

Encompassing a 20+ year masterplan, Athens’ Northern Arc has brought shopping, dining, recreation, healthcare, and over 6,000 residential units to the city’s north side.

Jubilee Partners

Founded in 1979, this Christian service community owns over 600 acres intended for ecologically sustainable housing, farming, and education. Over 60 residential units currently exist.

Key features:

• Alternative ownership models (community land trust, lifetime lease)
• Sustainable living practices
• Service opportunities

Southeast Clarke County

Areas like Timothy Road, Whit Davis Road, and State Highway Loop 10 have brought needed commercial infrastructure and housing to Athens southeast side. Manufactured home parks offer affordably priced housing options.

renter insights

As a college town, Athens caters to both rental property investors and tenants. High demand from university students fuels opportunity for landlords while renters enjoy plentiful housing options convenient to campus and downtown.

Intown neighborhoods like Five Points offer walkable proximity to classes, events, shopping, and nightlife while outlying areas provide affordability.

Notable Rental Neighborhoods

Some top rental neighborhoods in Athens include:

Five Points

• Walkable to campus and downtown
• Mix of homes, apartments and condos for rent
• Bustling social scene

East Side

• Neighborhoods like Grady Avenue cater to student budgets
• Home rental options other than complexes
• Quick bus line or bike ride to campus

Timothy Road Area

• Affordable ranch homes and mobile home rentals
• Convenient Loop 10 access
• Budget friendly for renters

Normaltown

• Cottages, duplexes, accessory units for rent
• Funky arts and music vibe
• In the heart of intown culture

Athens Rental Market Insights

As of 2023, rent trends in Athens, GA include:

• Average apartment rent: $1,300/month
• Typical 2 bedroom house rent range: $1,300 – $1,700
• Popular amenities: updated kitchens/baths, outdoor space, off-street parking
• Strongest rental periods: June-August; January

The University of Georgia keeps Athens’ rental market full across seasons. Investors and landlords experience high demand for housing convenient to downtown and campus. Maintaining affordable options remains important as rents continue rising across the city.