A growing city that retains a sense of small-town community
Athens takes care of its own. It is an attitude forged in city residents since the Civil War, when Union Col. John Basel Turchin led a raid on the city in May 1862, an event known as the Sack of Athens. Turchin let his soldiers unleash total war on the city, harming civilians and property in the process. Turchin was court-martialed for his actions, and the city erected a historical marker in , a busy section of Athens’ downtown, which vows to not let the event be forgotten. Today, the city of more than 30,000 people puts an emphasis on community and helping those in need. “A tornado hit downtown in 2024 and caused damage,” says DeLisa Locke, a Realtor with Re/Max Alliance. “They got that Square cleaned up in just a few days.”
That sense of community attracts residents, and the city’s population has grown nearly 22% in recent years. The Huntsville suburb holds several annual events and has added downtown shopping and dining options. Many Athens residents work in the automotive industry, particularly at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, which has a plant in Huntsville. Others work in education or at Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant, which is controlled by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
A great view of the Downtown Square and Courthouse in the Athens neighborhood.
Athens residents can enjoy the historic values and buildings of the neighborhood.
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Craftsman- and ranch-style homes with a low cost of living
The median price of an Athens home is around $307,000, less than the national median, and the cost of living is 4% lower than the national average. Homes stay on the market for an average of 90 days. Midcentury Craftsman-style homes and modern ranch-style homes fill the city. Homes in the older Fairview Park neighborhood, near downtown, has less expensive Cape Cod and Tudor-inspired homes. The Robert Beaty Historic District has more expensive Greek Revival and Queen Anne homes. “People can get good value for the money,” says Locke. “There’s an upward trend. We recommend that our investors purchase in Athens.”
Well-manicured lawns are a frequent sight in the Athens neighborhood.
The Athens neighborhood offers many different styles of homes to match your personality.
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A short drive to Huntsville
Huntsville is around a 35-mile drive via I-65 and I-565. The city’s Athens 2040 Comprehensive Plan states a desire to improve its transportation network for walking, biking and driving. Huntsville International Airport, less than 25 miles away, has direct flights to several domestic destinations. Athens-Limestone Hospital has 101 beds and serves patients from across the county.
West Huntsville is located in the heart of Alabama's largest city, Huntsville.
There are only a few bus stops in West Huntsville to commute around the city.
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Athens City Schools gets high marks
Students are served by Athens City Schools, which holds an A Niche grade, and Limestone County Schools, which earns a B grade. Brookhill Elementary School, part of Athens City Schools, has an individual A grade.
Welcome to Brookhill Elementary School in Athens.
Athens Middle School is a large public school in Athens, AL.
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The Square is the city's activity hub
Art displays, live performances and parades are often held in The Square, an area of town next to the Limestone County Courthouse. Free walking and driving tours in several districts let residents get acquainted with the city’s historic buildings. The Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives showcase the history of the state’s armed forces.
The city hosts eccentric annual events like the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention and the Athens Storytelling Festival. Grammy Award-winning musician Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes is from the city, and former NFL quarterback Phillp Rivers played high school football at Athens High School.
The Limestone County Courthouse serves the Athens neighborhood and district.
Art, music, food, and shopping about in the Square of Downtown Athens Alabama.
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Green spaces have a focus on athletics
All of the city’s parks have playgrounds for children, and three have tennis courts. The city has several walking trails including Swan Creek Greenway, also known as Athens Greenway, a 2.3-mile trail that passes through wildflowers and is home to many bird species. The city’s Sportsplex has team sports facilities and a swimming pool. About 20% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, less than the urban U.S. median of 55%.
The Athens Rec Center offers multiple tennis courts for multiple games.
Athens-Limestone Fitness Park is a great place for locals to exercise and play.
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Boutique shops and local restaurants are downtown
The city’s downtown has boutique shops and local restaurants like Ro’s Grille, which serves upscale American cuisine. Chain restaurants and name-brand stores populate the eastern part of the city near Interstate 65 and U.S. Highway 31.
Ro's Grille in Athens Alabama has inside and outside seating for when the weather is nice.
Get coffee or a high quality knife at Hi-Plane Coffee in Athens Alabama.
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Long summers and short but cold winters
According to FBI data, the city’s violent and property crime rates have slightly risen in recent years. The violent crime rate is below the national average while the property rate is above the national average. The city experiences long, hot summers and short but cold winters. Limestone County has a moderate risk of tornadoes and lightning compared to the rest of the country.
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