Downtown Athens

The heartbeat of a thriving city, Downtown Athens is super popular and hip among young professionals, students, and empty nesters. The urban-chic atmosphere is infectious and inviting, and the majority of streets are a quick walk, ride, or roll to downtown Athens or UGA’s North Campus. A great place for investment property as well, this area is a solid representation of Athens’ booming rental market and Airbnb. There is so much to do and see in Downtown Athens, and this list of convenient amenities is as varied and interesting as the residents who choose to make DTA their home.

 

The center of downtown is bordered on one side by UGA’s stunning North Campus which boasts some of the most amazing trees and wide open grassy spaces around. Its “park-like” feel is enhanced by interesting and classic architecture and lush landscaping. The iconic UGA Arch guards the entrance like a sentinel and a sense of nostalgia is in the air all around. The oasis in the middle of all the action is the perfect accent to the busy streets surrounding campus. It’s like our own little Central Park right in the heart of the action.

 

Just down the hill from North Campus on the far side of downtown is the North Oconee River and Dudley Park which is a 32-acre park on the river that also serves as the trailhead for the Oconee River Greenway: “a linear park system that provides wildlife corridors, open spaces, and a family-friendly multi use path.” Also in the works is the completion of the Firefly Trail Project– a 39-mile “rail trail” that is an old railroad corridor that is being converted into a multitude paths along the historic corridor of the GA Pacific Railroad from Union Point to Athens. With so much to do in terms of recreation in the downtown area, it’s easy to see the appeal.

 

As if that was not enough, DTA also features wonderful restaurants, boutiques, bars, and outdoor plazas. Some of our favorites include The National (great food and cocktails), The Last Resort(have the white chocolate cheesecake), Ted’s Most Best(nice outdoor space for kids), and The Grill (burgers, fries, and hand-scooped shakes). Chic boutiques to be sure to frequent: Clothes Closet (upscale women’s clothes), Empire South(awesome men’s apparel), Cheeky Peach (trendy, young, and hip with great shoes), and Onward Reserve for amazing t-shirts. miss bars and music venues include Creature Comforts Brewery, Trappeze Pub (craft beer and then next door to Hirewire for cocktails), South Kitchen and Bar (get the duck fat tater tots as an appetizer), The Georgia Theater (storied, historic, a can’t miss even if it’s just for a drink on the rooftop bar), 40 Watt and so so many more.

 

With regular festivals (AthFest), events (Twilight Criterium), shopping, restaurants, bars, and a wonderfully eclectic feel, Downtown Athens is a great place to live, work and play. Fantastic for investors as well, DTA is a perfect spot to own rental property. 3tree Realty represents several investors in this area and can not only help you find your next investment, but we can help you manage it as well. We are a full-service property management company and we can help you procure a tenant, draw up leases, collect rent, and maintain your property. Check our out For Lease section for details on some of the properties we represent. So whether you are looking for an investment, a permanent home, or a spot for your college-aged kids, Downtown Athens has something for everyone.