Athens, GA, United States

Capital City

The population of 127,315 may seem enticing, but Athens is no quaint college town - housing costs have skyrocketed 75% in the past 15 years, with the average rent now $1,679 per month. Despite the city's vibrant music scene and cultural attractions, the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the consolidated Athens-Clarke County government overseeing 24 departments. And while the humid subtropical climate allows for a long growing season, sporadic thunderstorms and the occasional winter freeze are a fact of life. Athens is best suited for those drawn to its intellectual energy and creative spirit, who can stomach the financial realities of living in a regional hub for higher education and research.