Thoughts on Athens GA?

Applying to College
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Looking for some thoughts on Athens GA. I hear lots of people talking about what a great city it is. We have been a couple times and each time I have felt it lacks cleanliness in many of the restaurants and in general as a small city. I do see they have some cute shops- and of course UGA is outstanding. I really want to like the area! If you have had positive experiences please share- I feel like I may be missing something! Thanks

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Would also like to hear what fit is like for Asian OOS (with mostly non-Asian friends given demographic in our area) if anyone has experience for Athens and UGA. UGA is high on current list.

I have visited before and love the town/campus. Child has not.

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I felt the same. My daughter loved it - because it has an urban outfitters…that was why. I personally didn’t see what all the rage is about. Been a few times but you are right, people who go to UGA (my daughter chose a different school) speak highly of it. But I also find it not clean and sort of - lacking fluidity. But it wouldn’t be the reason I wouldn’t go to UGA - which I’d base on my love (or not) of UGA itself.

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Thanks for your input!! Appreciate your perspective as you ah e been there a couple times as well!!!

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I have been to Athens & UGA many times over the decades. While UGA is a great school, I don’t see much attraction in Athens. It doesn’t even have the walkability of small towns.

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I like Athens. I do find it walkable but the issue is that it is VERY hilly so it can be kind of sweaty and tiring to walk if you aren’t in pretty good shape. it’s a college town- lots of cheap comfort food and bars. it’s not for the kid who loves NYU or LA and wants that cosmopolitan urban feel where you can spend 10 bucks on a vanilla latte or 20 bucks on a margarita. it’s more for the pitcher of beer crowd. But frankly I don’t really love it when my 18 year old kids go into NYC and drop tons of money on fancy dinners and drinks. there’s plenty of time for that after college. When I was in college a long time ago I certainly didn’t have the money to do much off campus but that seems to be more of a thing now for kids.

I’m not saying I would want to settle there permanently. I could see getting tired of it in 4 years, like any small-ish town, but I haven’t heard that complaint from anyone who has gone to school there. If anything I usually hear or read how much they miss it and want to go back.

Atlanta is a very easy day trip for anyone who has a car. and most students spend a semester abroad, I think.

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Thanks for the thoughtful replies. Yes, I am not concerned it be fancy- if that’s how it came off- college should be for college vibe bars, but more so I feel concern is it safe? I recently went to a new hair salon and the stylist had relocated from Athens where both her parents and siblings went to UGA. She said she decided to relocate because she felt it was getting increasingly unsafe feeling. Thanks again

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I wouldn’t want my kid walking around alone at night (daytime I wouldn’t worry). But that’s prob going to be true almost anywhere she would have gone to school. I certainly didn’t feel like the areas around some of her other choices felt any safer (Austin, NOLA…). When she goes out at night in Athens it’s def in a pack. the school’s bus system is also pretty robust for getting around.

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Ditto!!! Crime happens EVERYWHERE…especially sexual assault…and often by people you wouldn’t be afraid of.

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Showing how perceptions can differ based on our experiences, I don’t consider Athens hilly. Possibly because where I live is hillier.

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Athens made #1 in this list over Chapel Hill in 2nd and Auburn in 3rd:

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Yes- I saw that! Which is mind blowing. Have you been to Athens?

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I’ve always wanted to make a pilgrimage to the 40 Watt Club, but I’ve never been.

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I really like Athens!

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Please share what you love! I’d like to hear! Vibe? Restaurants? Opportunities?UGA? Please offer specifics! Thank you!!!

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I like the vibe but it sounds like it’s not your speed.

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