Settlement & Development

Since settlers first came to the area in the early 1800s for rich farm dirt, the city has grown into a commercial and industrial hub of 26,000 residents. We have the commercial growth on our interstate and highway corridors, the quaint mom-and-pop stores on The Square, and the job growth at our industrial parks. We consistently receive high rankings in categories such as safe city, best suburb, best place to retire, and best public high school. As our city has grown, it has still maintained its charm.

Quality of Life & "The Square"

We’re still Southern. That is most evident in downtown Athens and around The Square. In Athens, going to "The Square" is an experience we often take for granted. Our lives have been spent grabbing an ice cream cone, strolling the sidewalks, or resting on a bench under the dogwood trees. It's the place to find the perfect outfit or become mesmerized by the toy train winding through a window display at the hardware store. The historic Limestone County Courthouse is the backdrop for parades, high school pep rallies, storytelling, and art events and is surrounded by a retail area to shop for the unique and dine on divine cuisine.