Athens 86 Exceptional
Athens Livability #35 ranked city in Ohio#378 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Athens

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Employment Employment

    A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.

What's it like Living in Athens?

Athens is a mid-sized city located in the state of Ohio. The city has a population of 25,971 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Athens is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. With an average age of 22 years old, Athens could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. In Athens, only 16% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Athens is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Athens is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Ohio, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like cost of living, education, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Athens and in the areas around Athens is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Athens has received a livability score of 84/100. This score is ranked in the 98th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a terrific score, as Athens ranks well in multiple categories! Athens is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Athens has higher than average scores for the following: crime (B), cost of living (A+) and education (A). There are some categories that Athens does not rank well for, including: employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

If you're living in Athens, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Athens an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Athens, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 96 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Athens, the average school test scores are an impressive 69%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

Assuming that Athens meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Athens. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Athens are simply unattainable. The median home price for Athens homes is $345,377, which is 47.1% higher than the Ohio average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Athens, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.4, which is 138.7% higher than the Ohio average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Athens

See all the best places to live around Athens

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      Athens transportation information

      Statistic Athens Ohio National
      Average one way commute15min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work51.5%83.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.3%7.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.2%1.7%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk30.3%2.3%2.8%
      Working from home9.5%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Athens, OH data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.