Considering a move to Athens, Ohio? You’ve got great taste. While many are familiar with Athens as a beloved college town, few outsiders truly understand the unique, vibrant and (dare we say) cool aspects of living in Athens, Ohio. That’s where we come in. Take a look at our top reasons why moving to Athens, Ohio, is always a good idea.
College Green, Ohio University
A University Town That’s Actually Affordable
Moving to a college town can often come at a premium; after all, there are perks to living close to campus and being in a town with an abundance of university programs and employment opportunities. Living in Athens, Ohio, however, is less expensive than the national average cost of living – thanks in part to its Midwest location and rural surrounding areas. For potential home buyers, this means you get the added benefit of a lower median listing price compared to some nearby metropolitan areas. We’ll call that a big win.
photo courtesy of Ohio Brew Week
A Cultural Scene That Rivals Big Cities
The perks of being a part of the campus community in Athens are endless, especially when it comes to enjoying the arts. From campus museums and art exhibitions, to concerts, lectures, plays and film series – there’s something for community members of all ages to experience and enjoy. In fact, some of the biggest names in entertainment have been known to grace the stage at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium (also known as MemAud), which hosts the Ohio Performing Arts & Concert Series. You can check out the upcoming lineup of events and grab tickets at www.ohio.edu/performingarts.
Strouds Run State Park, just outside of Athens
A Place Where You Simply Get Outside More
Athens, Ohio, is known for its scenic beauty. Even the most indoors-y among us in Athens are drawn outside to experience nature at its finest – thanks, in part, to our Midwest climate that allows us to enjoy each season. You’ll fawn over the cherry blossom trees in the spring (a family favorite!), cool off in the lakes in the summer, hike through the foliage in the fall and enjoy a charming holiday scene during an uptown winter stroll. Did we mention the 22-mile picturesque Hockhocking Adena Bikeway? Or the famous Hocking Hills State Park – only 30 minutes outside of Athens? We could go on and on about the beauty of our town, but you get the picture: it’s pretty spectacular here.
Casa Nueva restaurant uptown Athens
A Town Brimming with Restaurants, Breweries and More
In a town as unique as Athens, it’s only fitting to have an eccentric variety of dining choices. Our breweries serve up some of the best food, brews and live music around (check out our guide to the best breweries in Athens), and our wineries impress with their sophisticated menus and breathtaking views. In Uptown Athens, you’ll find some of the usual campus favorites and late-night eateries, plus several beloved community staples – like Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina and Jackie O’s Public House Restaurant. For even more dining inspiration, check out our popular posts on Athens’ top coffee shops and breakfast spots!
Peden Stadium, Ohio University
A Community That Benefits from Ohio University
Not only does the Athens community get to engage with Ohio University’s art and cultural events, but we also feel the love from the campus in so many other ways. Ohio University is a major employer of Athens residents, contributing to our town’s economic growth and fueling our collective pride for the school. The University’s sporting events are popular ways to spend time with family and friends (we particularly love Bobcat basketball and volleyball!), and they offer kids’ programs and camps throughout the year. The University also provides an extensive list of community outreach and public service programs, including health and wellness initiatives, library services, career development opportunities, and more. You can check out a full list at ohio.edu/student-success/community-engagement.
A Great Place to Raise a Family
Ask any parent in Athens, Ohio, about raising a family, and you’ll sense an overall theme: there really is something special about family life in small towns. In Athens, you’ll find a coveted feeling of safety within our neighborhoods. You’ll witness a tight-knit, supportive community within each of our surrounding public-school systems. You’ll see kids playing outside, participating in youth sports, or headed to local arts and music programs. Places like the Athens Community Center, The Athens Public Library and The Dairy Barn Arts Center offer a trove of opportunities for children and families throughout the year. And, with one of Ohio’s premier universities in our backyard, proximity to higher education is an added bonus for families with college-bound students.
Athens is located just over an hour from Columbus
A Location That Makes Travel Easy
We love Athens (if you haven’t yet noticed from this extensive list), but we do find ourselves needing to get out of town from time to time. Whether it’s a road trip to a nearby city or a flight to a cross-country destination, our location makes it easy to get where you need to go. Popular Ohio metropolitan areas like Columbus and Cincinnati are easily accessible for day trips, and a visit to neighboring West Virginia is less than one hour’s drive. If it’s an airport you’re after, it’ll take you just over an hour to drive to John Glen International in Columbus (two hours if you take advantage of public transit). Returning home to Athens, however, might end up being the best part of your trip.
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We find that Athens becomes home to many people for different reasons. Some only pass through during their four years in college (though we’ve met plenty of alumni who couldn’t bear to leave!). Others come here looking to settle into a new career or build a new life for their family. Whatever brings you to our corner of Ohio, we’re pretty sure you’re going to love it here.
