Funky Little Town, Frugal Retirement Spot: Athens, Georgia on MoneyWise List
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Photo courtesy Visit Athens
Editor’s Note: Recently, MoneyWise revealed its list of the 40 most frugal and friendly places to retire. In a bid to provide an idea of what housing inventory is available in these cities and towns, we’re taking a look at listings in each of the cities on the list.
Not everyone can spend $1 million or more on a second home, even if it’s with the idea that eventually you’ll retire there. So when MoneyWise’s list of 40 places to retire that are more budget-friendly came out, we were curious — what kind of homes could you find in these towns?
Last week, we looked at the 20th city on the list — Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This week, we look at Athens, Georgia, and found three great homes — all for less than $300,000.
“For a healthy dose of Southern charm and affordable living, you can retire in picturesque Athens, Georgia,” MoneyWise said. “With just 120,000 residents, this friendly college town offers a warm climate without being stuffed to the gills with retirees like Florida.”
“Although multiple neighborhoods have made it into the National Register of Historic Places, Athens maintains a youthful atmosphere and is known for its low cost of living, internationally famous music scene, and great golf, hiking, and other active pursuits in nearby state parks.”
Want to see what we found in Athens? Let’s jump!
Traditional Ranch With Screened-In Back Porch
Price: $175,000
If you want to take advantage of the low cost of living in Athens, but still want to host friends and family, this three-bedroom, two bath home is move-in ready and has been well maintained.
And at 1,205 square feet, it is still down-sizer friendly, with a great open floor plan, vaulted living room ceiling, and a wood-burning fireplace.
And did we mention the private backyard with a screened-in porch? It also backs up to an HOA green space.
The home is listed by Cord Sibilsky with Greater Athens Properties. To see more photos, click here.
Game Day Condo With Tons of Amenities
Price: $249,900
If you’re a college football fan, this one bedroom condo on Broad Street is going to be nirvana. And it’s turnkey — it comes fully furnished with all the furniture, linens, appliances, and household items, too. You can literally eat your retirement cake, hop on the airplane, and walk into your new retirement pad.
It’s a quick walk to the University of Georgia campus, but if you’re wanting to go to a game and don’t feel like the hike, there is also a shuttle. Condo dues cover water, sewer, trash pickup, common area maintenance, internet access, cable, the shuttle, catered parties on home football game days, and more.
The condo is listed by Stephanie Leathers with Chastain, Jenkins and Leathers. Want to see more pictures? Click here.
Midcentury Traditional With Plenty of Room for Visitors
Price: $257,000
If you don’t quite want to go as downsizer as our first two, this five-bedroom, three bath home is move-in ready, and on one level.
It’s been renovated throughout, and updates include both the practical and aesthetic — a new metal roof, gutters, double pane windows, exterior doors, new furnace and air conditioner, hand-finished concrete counters, open shelving, tile backsplashes, and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen.
Solid oak floors and porcelain tile punctuate the updates, which also include all three bathrooms.
“There is a magnificent old Oak in the front that has been on the property longer than the house, a Japanese magnolia tree that blooms in early spring and a fragrant tea olive near the driveway,” said listing agent Erin Groover with PalmerHouse Properties.
The yard is beautifully landscaped, and the home is located on a private cul de sac. And the rear bedroom suite has an exterior and interior entrance, which makes it ideal for a potential Airbnb, too.
Want to see more? Click here.
For the original MoneyWise report, click here. To see all the homes we have found so far, click here.
