I’m a current student at UGA, and I love it here. Great friends, classmates, and people general. I’m a liberal northerner too (well, in terms of culture; I’m from Miami!), but one of the things I came to appreciate here is the southern hospitality aspect. People are really nice and courteous!
I know how you feel. I share your exact sentiments on abortion, religion, and gun control. I had similar concerns before ultimately deciding to attend UGA. But I have zero regrets for doing so. It’s wonderful in Athens!
Here’s the deal: Athens is considered “liberal” by Georgia standards. People here are conservative (and likely Republican), but they aren’t (especially the students) obsessed about it. Mind you, you won’t exactly find too many people proudly proclaiming their support for Planned Parenthood and what not like in other northern colleges/cities, but they won’t oppose it either. Lots of indifference towards these types of subjects. There also are plenty of liberals here among the crowd.
Regardless, your religious or political affiliations won’t really matter much when it comes to making friends.
The Metro Atlanta area (from Atlanta extending to Athens) is pretty liberal anyhow. Conservative by northern standards? Yes. But liberal by southern standards.
Feel free to ask any other questions if you’re interested!