Athens, Ohio is home to Ohio University, the oldest university in the Northwest Territory, established in 1804. Located among rolling hills along the Hocking River, Athens combines academic culture with small-town appeal. A one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $929, making Athens more affordable than many other Ohio cities.

The rental market includes apartment communities near campus, historic homes close to downtown, and townhomes throughout the area. The East Side neighborhood provides easy access to the Community Recreation Center, while properties near Court Street put residents within walking distance of local shops and the historic Athena Cinema. The Hocking Hills area offers rental options in a more natural setting.

Residents enjoy outdoor recreation at the 16-mile Hockhocking Adena Bikeway and Strouds Run State Park. The city hosts several annual events, including the Athens International Film Festival. With a 30-minute average commute time and employers like Ohio University and OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital, Athens provides professional opportunities while maintaining a slower pace. Regular transportation connections to Columbus make it convenient for occasional trips to the city.