retirement
10 great places to retire in the US
Athens, Ga.
Overview
For $139,900 in east Athens, you could buy this three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,360-square-foot ranch house on a nearly two-thirds acre lot, built in 1998 with custom cabinetry, a fireplace and attached garage.
In Athens, one of the "top 10 Main Street towns," people enjoy the downtown area with its walkable communities and outdoor restaurants, 100-year-old homes, music, boutiques and art galleries, says Bruce Azevedo, owner and broker of Re/Max Top Performers in nearby Watkinsville.
Downtown Athens, within walking distance of the University of Georgia, also earned a spot on the "top 10 best college town" list. People enjoy the continuing education classes and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, says Realtor Pauline Juul of Prudential Blanton Properties. "In addition, there are two great hospitals, several parks and great shopping," she says. Athens is an easy drive to Atlanta and the mountains.
But living in walking distance of downtown and the University of Georgia will cost you more, with prices up to $600,000, Azevedo says. "If you want to feel like you're on the Riviera, I can put you downtown among the cafes with awnings and you're eating outside all day," Azevedo says. "They block the streets for bike races and music festivals. There's something for everyone."