- Is Athens NY a good place to live?
- It’s a lovely small town in the country. Lakes, the Catskill Mountains, and the Hudson River are all nearby. It’s beautiful and very down-to-earth.
Athens New York is a charming small town located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. This quaint community is home to a unique mix of people, from artists and musicians to farmers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The town has a rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War, and its picturesque setting makes it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or simply relax and enjoy the scenic views, Athens is the perfect place to do it.
Is Athens, New York safe?
The A- grade indicates that the crime rate is lesser than the national average. Athens is now in the 82nd percentile for security; it shows that 18% of cities are safer, and 82% are riskier.
This analysis is limited to the city limits of Athens.
The crime rate in Athens is 15.83/1,000 residents throughout a typical year. Crime victimization rates in Athens range from 1 in 26 in southeast communities to 1 in 146 in western communities. Residents of Athens usually consider the city’s west side to be the safest.
What is Athens, NY, known for?
The rise of Athens, like that of many Hudson Valley towns, is inextricably linked to its river access, with the town’s current architectural richness a reflection of the town’s once prosperous river-tied industries such as brickmaking, ice-harvesting, and shipbuilding.
A river ferry service serving industry and individuals began in the late 18th century; however, when the neighboring Rip Van Winkle Bridge was built in 1935, the river port town’s boom was stifled. Effective ferry service was discontinued in 1947.
However, the period’s great architectural remnants, as well as a desirable location, remain.
Athens is well-positioned as a bedroom community for Albany (about 30 minutes north), with quick access to the Rip Van Winkle Bridge for a short commute to Hudson’s Amtrak station and cultural/culinary establishments the river for water play, and the adjacent Catskills for alpine diversions.
Living in Athens NY
The historic village of Athens, NY, located a hundred miles upriver from New York City, was founded in 1815.
One of the largest and oldest hotels in the Hudson Valley, Stewart House has just officially opened as a beautiful boutique hotel, restaurant, and pub, tucked into its legendary riverfront.
Whether visitors are looking for a quiet place to relax or a home base for Upstate adventures, Athens has it all. Both suites at the Stewart House have large soaking tubs with views of the Hudson River, and the pub downstairs is open until 11 p.m. on weekends.
The Stewart House’s riverfront patio provides live music and al fresco dining in the warmer months, while luxurious bedding, slippers, robes, and towel warmers entice guests to crawl into bed all day.
Hikers will appreciate the accessibility to the Catskill Mountains or even other nearby trails, while paddleboarders will enjoy watching the Hudson River cruise by. Whatever your sense of adventure, it’s simple to go at your own pace here — whatever that pace may be. You see what I mean.
Aside from its stunning riverfront, Athens is situated in the heart of the upper Hudson Valley, near the up-and-coming villages of Coxsackie and Catskill and being direct across the river from Hudson (accessible through the Hudson-Athens ferry in summer.)
Even better, there’s no need to drive from NYC! Visitors can take the Trailways bus into town or take an Amtrak/cab combo from Hudson to get here.
What county is Athens, NY?
Athens is a small village in Greene County, New York. It’s located in the eastern part of Athens, just over the Hudson River from Hudson.
At the time of the 2010 census, the population was 1,668. Athens, the classical city, inspired the village’s name.
Also Read: Catskill Wineries
Places to visit in Athens, NY:
If you find yourself in Athens, New York, there are plenty of places to keep you busy. Check out some local shopping, or head to one of the many nearby parks for a picnic or a hike.
After a long day of exploring, relax with a meal and a drink at one of the town’s many restaurants and bars.
Here are 5 of our Favorite Places to Visit in Athens NY:
1. The National Gardens:
The National Gardens, hidden away in the heart of Athens, provide a lovely respite from the city’s bustle.
The first queen of Greece, Queen Amalia, commissioned this opulent park in 1838. It took two years to finish.
The Gardens include a small zoo with peacocks, wild goats, and chickens, and a 16-hectare network of ponds and narrow gravel paths.
2. Museum of Cycladic Art:
Over 3,000 artifacts of Cycladic and Cypriot origin are housed in this opulent museum. See the Bronze Age figurines and statues with distinctively shaped slender marble finishes.
Alternatively, choose from one of the 150 ancient Greek art objects on display, which include figurines, vases, and weapons categorized by themes such as “Eros,” “The World of Women,” “Gods and Heroes,” and “the Underworld.”
3. Cine Paris:
The iconic Cine Paris has been showing films since the 1920s. It is widely known for its breathtaking views of the Acropolis. When the exterior cinemas started to open, Athenians knew it was summer in the city.
For a decent night out in the Greek style.
This venue is one of Athens’ approximately 90 outdoor movie theaters, where visitors can see old Greek or foreign classics and the latest Hollywood releases.
4. Plaka Neighborhood:
Plaka is among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited neighborhoods, stretching out from the shade of the Acropolis.
Plaka is home to a plethora of historic sites, historic churches, small museums, and charming small squares bustling with restaurants and cafés. Start exploring the charmingly slender old lanes by ducking into the side streets.
They’re padded with a mishmash of crumbling structures from various eras and lovely and restored buildings converted into stately homes.
5. The Acropolis:
These ancient structures come to mind when you think of Athens. They’ve been hovering on a rocky outcropping for 2,500 years and have been soaked up into a big modern metropolis, but you’ll still be mesmerized.
The monuments here are regarded as Greek antiquity’s most magnificent architectural achievements.
Bottom Line…
Athens NY is a charming small village with plenty to offer visitors. From its stunning riverfront location to its easy accessibility from NYC, Athens is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.
With its rich history and abundance of things to see and do, Athens is sure to please everyone in the family.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing trip or an adventure-filled one, be sure to add Athens, NY to your list of places to visit!
