Athen-Clarke County Guide
Resources to support older adults and their families
This guide brings together local, regional, and national resources to support older adults and their families as they plan ahead or navigate transitions. It is designed to be used as a practical reference, whether you’re gathering information now or preparing for future needs.
Listings are provided for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsements. Listings are not intended to represent all providers.
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Athens-Clarke County Communities Guide
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Table of Contents
(Click on any section name to jump to that topic)
Welcome to Athens-Clarke County
Lifelong Living On Your Terms: Key Home Features and Helpful Technologies
Community Classification Definitions
Community details, amenities, pricing, HOA policies, and availability are subject to change and may vary by phase or builder. This overview is provided for general informational purposes only.
Welcome to Athens–Clarke County
Athens–Clarke County offers a unique blend of accessibility, culture, and healthcare access that makes it especially appealing for older adults seeking lifelong living in a vibrant, established community. Unlike more suburban or resort-style areas, Athens provides seniors with close proximity to nationally recognized hospitals, specialty medical care, and a wide range of everyday services, all within a compact geographic area. This reduces driving time and supports independence well into retirement.
Many senior-friendly neighborhoods in Athens–Clarke feature established single-family homes, often with ranch or primary-on-main layouts that are well suited for aging in place. Mature trees, walkable streets, and long-standing community character define much of the housing stock, offering a sense of stability and familiarity that appeals to retirees who value comfort over constant new development. While some neighborhoods have HOAs with limited services, many areas offer low or no HOA oversight, allowing homeowners flexibility in how they maintain and adapt their homes over time.
Athens–Clarke also stands out for its walkability and access to cultural amenities. Dining, arts, continuing education opportunities, and community events are readily available, supporting an active and socially connected lifestyle. Neighborhoods closer to in-town Athens and Normaltown are particularly attractive to seniors who prioritize walkability and short distances to medical providers, shopping, and recreation.
Overall, Athens–Clarke County is best suited for seniors who want convenience, healthcare access, and an engaged community environment rather than a gated or resort-style setting. It supports lifelong living through proximity, services, and variety—making it an excellent option for retirees who want to remain active, independent, and connected.
Lifelong Living On Your Terms: Key Home Features and Helpful Technologies
Structural & Safety Features
• Step‑in or curbless showers with built‑in grab bars
• Lever‑style door handles instead of round knobs
• Wide (36") doorways and hallways
• Comfort‑height toilets
• Non‑slip flooring surfaces throughout the home
• Zero‑step entryways and garage access
• Rocker light switches for easier use
• Raised electrical outlets and lowered light switches
Smart Home & Safety Technology
• Video doorbells (Ring, Nest) for viewing visitors
• Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Voice‑activated lighting and thermostats
• Fall detection systems for bathrooms and bedrooms
• Induction cooktops for burn prevention
• Smart locks with auto‑unlock features
• WiFi thermostats for temperature management
Mobility & Accessibility Enhancements
• Handrails on all steps and interior walkways
• Ramps or flush thresholds at main entry points
• Screened porches or sunrooms for year‑round comfort
• Oversized garages for mobility equipment storage
• Low‑maintenance landscaping or HOA‑maintained lawns
How to Use This Guide
This guide is designed to help seniors, their families, caregivers, and homebuyers compare 55+, active adult, and senior-friendly communities using the principles of lifelong living on your terms—focusing on convenience and safety, with senior-friendly home selection and technology that support lifelong independence, easy communication with family, and living on your terms.
Each community profile includes a narrative overview, key features, pricing expectations, amenities, HOA details, and insights on how the community supports long-term independence and lifelong living.
Use this guide to:
• Understand the differences between 55+, active adult, and senior-friendly community classifications.
• Compare pricing, HOA fees, included services, and amenities at a glance.
• Identify which home and community features best support lifelong living and long-term independence.
• Review community-specific notes that highlight senior appeal, accessibility considerations, and lifestyle fit.
• Use optional comparison tools (such as grids or charts) for quick side-by-side evaluation.
• Focus on communities that align with your lifestyle, mobility needs, and budget—whether local or nationwide.
Community Classification Definitions
True 55+ Active Adult Community
A legally age‑restricted community designed exclusively for adults 55+. These neighborhoods offer ranch‑style homes, low‑maintenance living, and social amenities tailored to seniors.
Age‑Targeted / Active Adult–Friendly Community
Not legally age‑restricted, but intentionally built to attract adults 55+ with ranch homes, walkability, social amenities, and lifestyle programming.
Affordable Senior‑Friendly Community
A non‑restricted community with home designs and price points that appeal to seniors, often including ranch layouts, smaller lots, and manageable HOAs.
Senior‑Friendly Ranch Homes
Single‑family homes designed with lifelong living features such as single‑level living, wide hallways, step‑free entries, and low‑maintenance exteriors.
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
Brookfield
Classification: Senior-Friendly Community
Brookfield is a charming, affordable, older neighborhood offering a strong mix of ranch and split-level homes on level
lots. Its mature trees, walkability, and easy access to Loop 10 and shopping centers make it ideal for retirees looking
for convenience without sacrificing peaceful surroundings.
🏷 Price Range: High $200Ks–Low $400Ks
💲 HOA: None
🏡 Home Types: Ranch & split-level
📍 City: North/West Athens
✨ Features: Mature trees; level lots
👵 Senior Appeal: Affordable & accessible
Cedar Creek
Classification: Senior-Friendly Community
Cedar Creek is one of Athens’ most established senior-appropriate neighborhoods, offering large lots, wide streets,
and an abundance of ranch homes. Built between the 1970s and 1990s, the homes provide spacious layouts and strong bones
ideal for aging-in-place upgrades. Its peaceful environment and proximity to Eastside shopping increase its appeal.
🏷 Price Range: Mid $300Ks–$500Ks
💲HOA: Voluntary/Minimal
🏡 Home Types: Ranch & traditional
📍 City: East Athens
✨ Features: Large lots; mature trees
👵 Senior Appeal: Ideal ranch-home availability
Forest Heights
Classification: Affordable Senior-Friendly Community
Forest Heights is a well-located, older neighborhood near Normaltown and medical providers. With many ranch and
cottage-style homes, it offers an appealing combination of affordability and accessibility for seniors. Its walkable
streets and close proximity to two major hospitals make it a practical choice for retirees wanting convenience and
value.
🏷 Price Range: High $200Ks–High $300K
💲 HOA: None
🏡 Home Types: Ranch & cottage-style
📍 City: Normaltown
✨ Features: Walkable; near hospitals
👵 Senior Appeal: Affordable & highly convenient
Highland Park
Classification: Senior-Friendly Community
Highland Park is located in East Athens and offers a wide selection of ranch and traditional single-family homes.
With modest lot sizes, strong walkability, and proximity to shopping on Gaines School Road, it is appealing to seniors
wanting minimal exterior maintenance and easy access to services.
🏷 Price Range: Low–Mid $300Ks
💲 HOA: Minimal or none
🏡 Home Types: Ranch & traditional
📍 City: East Athens
✨ Features: Walkable, convenient access
👵 Senior Appeal: Low-maintenance living
Jennings Mill Country Club
Classification: Senior-Friendly Community
Jennings Mill is one of Athens’ premier established golf communities and a top choice for seniors seeking comfort,
convenience, and strong resale value. With ranch and primary-on-main floorplans, quiet streets, and mature landscaping,
it is ideal for those wanting to maintain an active lifestyle while minimizing home maintenance demands. Its proximity
to Epps Bridge shopping, dining, and medical offices increases everyday convenience.
🏷 Price Range: Mid $400Ks–$700Ks+
💲 HOA: Modest; varies by section
🏡 Home Types: Ranch & primary-on-main
📍 City: West Athens near Epps Bridge
🛠 Amenities: Optional golf & club membership
👵 Senior Appeal: Mature, quiet, highly accessible
Kingswood
Classification: Senior-Friendly Community
Kingswood is one of Athens’ most established ranch-home neighborhoods, known for its spacious layouts and large wooded
lots. The majority of homes are single-level, making the neighborhood particularly attractive for aging-in-place.
Kingswood offers peaceful living with convenient access to Atlanta Highway amenities and healthcare providers.
🏷 Price Range: Mid $300Ks–Mid $500Ks
💲 HOA: None
🏡 Home Types: Primarily ranch
📍 City: West Athens
✨ Features: Large wooded lots, quiet streets
👵 Senior Appeal: Strong single-level living focus
Tanglewood
Classification: Senior-Friendly Community
Tanglewood is known for its large, well-built ranch homes situated on wooded, private lots. Many homes feature open
floorplans, wide hallways, and classic designs ideal for mobility and comfort. This neighborhood offers tranquility
while remaining a short drive from shopping and medical facilities.
🏷 Price Range: Mid $300Ks–$600Ks
💲 HOA: None
🏡 Home Types: Large ranch homes
📍 City: East Athens
✨ Features: Wooded lots; privacy
👵 Senior Appeal: Spacious layouts ideal for aging-in-place
Towns Walk (Single-Family Only)
Classification: Senior-Friendly Community
Towns Walk includes a mix of home types, and its single-family homes offer modern construction with smaller lots and
open layouts that appeal to older buyers. Its location provides convenience to UGA, shopping, and commuter routes,
making it ideal for seniors wanting accessibility and minimal yardwork.
🏷 Price Range: Mid $400Ks–Low $500Ks
💲 HOA: Varies (covers common areas)
🏡 Home Types: Modern single-family
📍 City: West Athens
✨ Features: Walkable; convenient to UGA & Loop 10
👵 Senior Appeal: Low maintenance; modern floorplans
Westgate Park
Classification: Senior-Friendly Community
Westgate Park offers newer-construction homes with modern layouts, including ranch and primary-on-main designs.
Energy-efficient systems and low-maintenance lots make it appealing to seniors seeking comfort without major upkeep.
Its location near Jefferson Road provides quick access to daily services and healthcare.
🏷 Price Range: Low–Mid $400Ks
💲 HOA: Modest
🏡 Home Types: Ranch & 2-story
📍 City: Northwest Athens
✨ Features: Newer builds; easy upkeep
👵 Senior Appeal: Modern convenience & low maintenance
How to Choose a Realtor for Your Senior Transition
A Guide for Seniors, Caregivers, and Families Navigating Downsizing, Lifelong Living and 55+ Community Moves
Disclaimer
This guide was prepared in 2025-2026 using a combination of artificial intelligence tools and publicly available information about amenities, pricing, availability, HOA policies, services, and community characteristics may change over time . While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, details may change and not all communities or services may be included. This guide is for general informational purposes only and no guarantees are made regarding completeness or accuracy.
Prepared by
Tom Sharp,
REALTOR®
© 2025–2026 Tom Sharp. All rights reserved.