Athens, Tennessee Relocation Guide

Athens gets its name from the ancient Athens in Greece. The Citizens here still reflect the words of Pericles, 100 B.C., that "Athens" expects every citizen to take an interest in public affairs". This is as true for this Athens as it was over 2,000 years ago!

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Athens offers famous southern hospitality that developed during the years in which it was a small agricultural center. Over the years, Athens has grown industrially but has been able to maintain the attitude that gained it the nickname of "The Friendly City."

Industry has grown in the last few decades and now includes plants that manufacture automotive components, batteries, furniture, farm machinery, plastics, textiles, electrical components and food products. One of the nations leading paper manufacturers located here, utilizing the vast amount of available timberland.

But all work and no play makes Jack and Jill dull boys and girls! And so the Athens area is chock-a-block filled with recreational spots. Whether you are a fishing enthusiast or an avid golfer, there's something to keep you busy. Not only are there many recreational activities in which to take a part, they are located in some of the most scenic areas of the Southeast.

At Watts Bar Lake, a 39,000-acre recreation area, there are a wide variety of activities in which to participate. Choose from sailing, water skiing, or fishing. Rafting and Kayaking on the beautiful Ocoee River is within easy reach; and trout fishermen can enjoy a tranquil day on the Tellico River, one of the most scenic trout streams in America. Also located nearby is the Lost Sea, which is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest underground lake.

There are also several swimming and tennis facilities located in McMinn County as well as four golf courses: Ridgewood Golf Club, Springbrook Golf & Country Club, White Oaks Golf Course and Willow Springs Golf Course.

if your idea of the perfect day is more along the lines of window shopping, then you'll love the selection of merchandise in Athens! There are many boutiques to browse in and the unique antique and specialty shops make for an exciting shopping experience in the downtown area. You will be consistently surprised at the wide variety and different merchandise found in these shops.

Open air markets, which are numerous in the Athens community, add to the shoppers' delight.
There are four shopping centers located in the Athens area. Many major department stores are located within theses shopping complexes thereby aiding in consumer selection.

Athens and McMinn County have an educational system second to none. Students' needs are well met here. Local businesses participate in a program called "Adopt-a-School" through Junior Achievement. This prepares and enriches students for active participation in the business world and teaches them the basics of the free enterprise system.

As if all this were not enough, there are several four-year colleges to choose from: Tennessee Wesleyan College (Located in Athens) and the University of Tennessee at both Knoxville and Chattanooga are within easy commuting distance.

Real estate ranges from single-family detached homes to lovely Victorians. And the prices are the best part! A single-family home can start at $60,000! Those large, lovely Victorian homes with fireplaces can be purchased in the mid-$100,000's. Grand, newly built estate properties with spacious lots of considerable acreage and private spas are priced from the mid-$200,000's to more than $1 million for spectacular, expansive, luxury estates with private swimming pools and spacious lots.

With a delightful mix of steady growth, economic stability and Southern hospitality, Athens is a perfect hometown for families and businesses alike. Built on the principles of 2,000 years ago, this city has the traditions of old, while moving into the future.

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