Athens Apartments and Rentals

Below the Blue Ridge Mountains and about 70 miles from Atlanta lies Georgia's fifth largest city, Athens. Those interested in Athens apartments for rent will likely be attracted by the city's eclectic mix of old and new. Athens' Victorian-era downtown area is offset by the progressive art, music and culinary scenes that stay fresh partly because of the vibrant collegiate presence - the University of Georgia (UG) is located there, and it is site of the first chartered university in the nation.

Indeed, Athens owes its existence and much of its growth to the aforementioned university. The site was chosen by a committee dispatched by the Georgia legislature after the decision was made that the state should endow an educational institution in 1785. Its name is no coincidence either - university trustees named the area Athens in homage to the Greek city of the same name, a center of classical culture and education.

After UG opened its doors in 1801, many students moved to Athens with their prominent, wealthy families, which kick started the local economy. Athens quickly became a center for textile manufacturing, powered by its nearby cotton plantations. The first half of the 19th century was prosperous for the area, and many of the buildings that give Athens the distinct architectural feel it's still known for today were constructed during this time. The Civil War from 1861 to 1865 interrupted things somewhat, but unlike many other Georgia cities, Athens remained virtually intact. The area recovered quickly post-wartime, thanks largely to some of its wealthier residents, who had conserved their capital by putting money in northern and European banks. This prosperity continued through the 20th century - in fact, the city's population more than doubled from 10,245 to 20,650 between 1900 and 1940. Today, approximately 115,500 people call the area home.

One of the most noteworthy events in Athens' history happened comparatively recently. In 1990, it combined with Clarke County to form a unified government. It is now officially considered a consolidated city-county, making it the second consolidated government in Georgia and the 28th in the United States.

The University of Georgia in Athens is its most well-known educational institution. The main campus is comprised of 389 buildings on 759 acres, and its student body numbers nearly 35,000. It is also the area's largest employer.

The major occupations in Athens include management, business and financial, computer and mathematical, architecture and engineering, law, healthcare, education and more. Large industries include poultry and timber.

The Clarke County School District serves young Athenians with 14 elementary schools, four middle schools and three high schools. For college-age residents looking to stay close to home, UG isn't the only local educational institution - Piedmont College and Athens Technical College are also viable options.

According to City-Data.com's March 2012 cost of living index, which is based on a national average of 100, the cost of living in Athens is quite low - 94.9. Studio and one-bedroom apartments in Athens are available from around $450 to $800 generally, but luxury rentals in the downtown area can go for a lot more.

Downtown Athens is an attraction in itself, boasting more than 65 specialty retailers, 55 eateries and 40 nightspots that nurture the area's strong musical identity, including the historic 40 Watt Club. For fans of fresh produce and local wares, the Athens Farmers Market is held every Saturday during the summer.

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