Athens 65 Good
Athens Livability #1,112 ranked city in Pennsylvania#12,642 ranked city in the USARanks better than 56% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Athens

PROS
  • 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.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Athens?

Athens, Pennsylvania is a small city with a population of 3,288 people. At 95%, the majority of the Athens population is White; this is followed by 2% Asian and 0% Black. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Athens. With an average one way commute time of only 19 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to 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 great experience before moving to any new city in Pennsylvania, 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. The best areas in Athens and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, commute, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Pennsylvania and national averages.

Athens, PA receives 66/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #963 in Pennsylvania and #11,393 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Athens has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (B). There is at least one category that did not score well in Athens. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F).

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 93 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

The Athens unemployment rate of 0.4% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Athens apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Athens real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Athens. Median real estate prices in Athens come in at $220,767, which is 25.5% lower than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Athens, the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 2.7% lower than the Pennsylvania average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Athens

See all the best places to live around Athens

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Compare Athens, PA Livability

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      Athens transportation information

      Statistic Athens Pennsylvania National
      Average one way commute19min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work87.8%76.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.7%8.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%5.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.2%3.8%2.8%
      Working from home2.4%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Athens, PA 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.