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Athens, AL


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Athens, Alabama

Introduction to Athens, Alabama

Athens, Alabama, in Limestone county, is 13 miles N of Decatur, Alabama (center to center) and 94 miles S of Nashville, Tennessee. The city is conveniently located inside the Huntsville metropolitan area. There are an estimated 18,967 people in Athens.

Athens History

The city of Athens was incorporated in 1818 and is one of the oldest chartered cities of Alabama. In the same year, it became the county seat of the newly formed Limestone County. The community was named after the ancient city of Athens in Greece. It is the birthplace of William Wyatt Bibb, Alabama's first Governor. Athens was initially a cotton and railroad community. However, following the aerospace boom during the 1950s and 1960s, industry became the major contributor to the city's economy. Athens was the first city to be provided electricity by the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1934.

Athens and nearby Attractions

  • Houston Library and Museum
  • Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives
  • Donnell House
  • Limestone Zoological Park and Exotic Wildlife Refuge
  • Point Mallard Waterpark
  • U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Things To Do In Athens

Some of the scenic spots in or near Athens include the George S. Houston Historic District, Athens State College Historic District, Christopher Park, Trinity Park, Fairview Park, Robert Beaty Historic District, and Fifth Avenue Park. Golfers can choose between the Athens Country Club and Golf Course, Woodland Golf Club and Chriswood Golf Course. The Athens Outlet Shopping Center, Roses Shopping Center, Athens Shopping Center, and Crutcher Shopping Center are the popular shopping malls in the Athens area. The city celebrates the Dogwood Festival, and the Athens Storytelling Festival every year.

Athens Transportation

Huntsville International Airport-Carl T Jones Field is nearby.

Athens Higher Education

Athens State University is located within the city of Athens. Nearby higher education institutes include the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Northwest Shoals Community College-Muscle Shoals, and John C Calhoun State Community College.

High Points

Athens strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Alabama):

CategoryTrophy
Affordability of Property Taxes
(vs. Peers)
Top 3%trophyAthens Affordability of Property Taxes
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 4%trophyAthens Racial Diversity
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)
Top 9%Athens College Educated Adults
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)
Top 10%Athens Affordability of Rents
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)
Top 15%Athens Well-Paid Single Women
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. State)
Top 16%Athens Well-Paid Single Men

Comparative Profile of Athens, AL

Comparing Athens to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Alabama (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Racial Diversity910
Female Share of the Population75
Senior Citizens76
Age of the Population66
Well-Paid Single Women59
Children Under 5 Years Old55
Well-Paid Single Men49
Male Share of the Population46

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married55
Average Household Size43

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults710
Median Family Income59
People in Middle Class or Better48
People Above Poverty36

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Short Commute Times68
Public Transportation Use37
Working at Home24
Walking and Biking to Work12

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Affordability of Property Taxes103
Affordability of Rents105
Housing Recently Built86
People Living Alone77
Seasonal and Vacation Housing65
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals69

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime88
Low Property Crime66

Detailed pages on related topics: Athens collegesAthens travelAthens mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

Athens CollegesAthens Colleges
Athens colleges and trade schools.
Athens Hotels & TravelAthens Hotels & Travel
Athens hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Athens MortgageAthens Mortgage
Athens property, mortgage, and real estate.

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