Where to live in North Alabama’s fastest-growing city

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We’ve all heard the classic, “Huntsville’s full,” and its neighboring city, Athens, is attracting new residents by the year. In fact, Athens is in the fastest growing county in Alabama, with no signs of slowing down.

If you want the charming, small-town life while still being just 30 minutes from downtown Huntsville, these new, vibrant apartments in Athens may be for you.

Keep reading to learn why people are choosing Athens, and where to rent with easy access to the interstate.

Athens, AL attracts new residents with small-town charm

Swipe for some views of downtown Athens. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

As a lifetime Athens resident, I can attest to the lively community and downtown district. Locals line the streets for Fridays After Five every month, and I’m a fan of their seasonal events like Sippin’ Cider.

Athens is best known for its thriving Athens Main Street organization and shops on “The Square,” plus the classic favorites Kreme Delite, Isom’s Orchard, Athens Farmers Market and more.

As the city grows, new developments are popping up, including Buc-ee’s, TJ Maxx, Ulta, 7Brew and more. (Here’s to manifesting a Target soon!)

Check out some of the accolades and attention Athens has received in recent years:

• Athens’ grant from Gov. Ivey will support new shopping center, May 2025
• Meet the Athens native leading downtown’s growth—Merchant’s Alley reno, Sippin’ Cider + more, May 2025
• New data shows Limestone County is Alabama’s fastest-growing county, March 2025
• WorldAtlas names Athens one of Alabama’s Most Picture Perfect Towns, January 2024
• WorldAtlas names Athens one of Alabama’s Most Welcoming Towns, December 2023
• Athens named one of Alabama’s safest cities in new study, September 2023

Convenient living close it all on HWY 72 + I-65

One thing I love about living in Athens? It’s conveniently located on the interstate (and closer to Huntsville than you may think).

Gateway Village at Swan Creek is the place to rent if you’re apartment-hunting in Athens. Why? They’re located on the intersection of Highway 72 and I-65, placing it in the center of everything. Plus, they have a beautiful community and great amenities (more on that later).

To put it into perspective, you can drive from downtown Huntsville to Gateway Village via the interstate in the same time it could take you to drive from downtown Huntsville to Clift Farm in Madison via 72 during rush hour.

That means you can be just a 30 minute commute away from Huntsville and just 10 minutes away from the historic downtown Athens.

Fun fact: According to Mayor Ronnie Marks, approximately 8,000-10,000 Athens residents commute to Huntsville daily.

Commute times to popular areas:

• Downtown Athens: 10 min
• Downtown Decatur: 20 min
• Clift Farm: 20 min
• The Shoppes of Madison: 17 min
• Bridge Street: 28 min
• MidCity: 30 min
• Downtown Huntsville: 30 min

Commute times to popular employers:

• Polaris: 5 min
• Mazda Toyota Manufacturing: 15 min
• Research Park: 30 min
• Redstone Arsenal: 32 min
• Check the distance from your employer

Modern apartments in Athens: Gateway Village at Swan Creek

Swipe to check out all to love at Gateway Village. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

Gateway Village’s brand new apartment homes are nestled in a vibrant gated community (that’s also within walking distance of Chick-fil-A and Chipotle).

The spacious deck patios overlooking the beautiful courtyard make this a standout even among Huntsville’s apartment scene.

Check out more amenities to enjoy:

• Spacious 1, 2 + 3 bedroom floor plans
• Large courtyard with sidewalks, fire pits + grilling areas
• Gated community entrance
• Beautiful pool with cabanas
• 24-hour emergency maintenance
• Covered roomy porches
• 9′ Ceilings

Explore floor plans at Gateway Village in Athens.

Tour it for yourself

Considering becoming an Athens resident? Schedule your tour at Gateway Village at Swan Creek!

• Where: 16305 Athens Limestone Blvd, Athens, AL 35611
• Schedule a tour: (256) 674-5332
• View floor plans
  • Rent prices start at $1014
  • Bonus: Enjoy two months FREE on select homes (for a limited time) 
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