3 Awesome Athens Suburbs to Consider Living In

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Updated on March 27th, 2024

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Athens, GA, a Southern haven, has risen in popularity for those looking to live in the state. From famous foods to the fabulous nightlife, it’s not a surprise that close to 127,400 people live in Athens. 

As you begin your homebuying journey, there’s three things you should know – the housing market is somewhat competitive, the median home sale price is $310,000, and the average sale price per square foot is $165. Or if you’re beginning your renting journey, the average rent price for a two-bedroom apartment in Athens is $1,412.

But maybe the Athens area isn’t the right place for you. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. To help you find the right place to live, we’ve collected a list of the 3 best affordable Athens suburbs to check out. And they’re all less than 35 minutes away from the city. Let’s check them out.

athens georgia gardens on college campus_Getty

#1: Commerce

Median home price: $242,500 
Average sale price per square foot: $154 
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,300 
Driving distance from Athens: 30 minutes
Commerce, GA homes for sale
Commerce, GA apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $242,500, Commerce is first on our list of Athens suburbs. Just about a 30-minute drive away from Athens, you won’t miss out on what the city has to offer. Living in Commerce, you can spend the day at Funopolis Family Fun Center or explore the nearby Hurricane Shoals Park.

Deciding between renting or buying your next home? Explore your options.

Compare the costs of renting vs buying and find a lender to secure your mortgage.

Deciding between renting or buying your next home?

Compare the costs of renting vs buying and find a lender to secure your mortgage.
#2: Winder

Median home price: $315,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $186 
Driving distance from Athens: 30 minutes
Winder, GA homes for sale
Winder, GA apartments for rent

Next up is Winder, the second Athens suburb you should check out. Just about 30 minutes from Athens, you can visit the University of Georgia campus or attend the Saturday Athens Farmers Market in no time. Some popular things to do in Winder include exploring the 260-acre Fort Yargo State Park where you’ll find Fort Yargo Lake, camping areas, and Old Fort Yargo. When living in this suburb of 18,300 people, you can also spend the day checking out the charming downtown.

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#3: Jefferson

Median home price: $442,500 
Average sale price per square foot: $173 
Driving distance from Athens: 30 minutes
Jefferson, GA homes for sale
Jefferson, GA apartments for rent

30 minutes away from downtown, you’ll find yourself in the suburb of Jefferson. Even with a population of about 13,200, there are plenty of cool things to check out in Jefferson. If you find yourself moving to this Athens suburb, make sure to fish at Jefferson City Lake or have a picnic at Jefferson City Park.

Methodology: Whether a suburb was under a 35-minute drive from downtown Athens. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during March 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com March 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
Alison Bentley

Alison Bentley

Alison is part of the Content Marketing team as a Content Marketing Manager. In her 5 years at Redfin, Alison has written a variety of articles ranging from home design tips to housing affordability. A California-native, Alison currently resides in Seattle where you can find her catching a concert or exploring farmers’ markets. Her dream home is a cottage-style house with a chef’s kitchen and a cozy room to store and play vinyl records.

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