Athens

Athens is the seat of Limestone County, just west of Huntsville and Madison, with a
population that’s grown nearly 22% in recent years thanks to strong automotive, education,
and energy-sector jobs — including the nearby Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant. Spanning
several zip codes (35611, 35613, 35614, and more), Athens blends a historic downtown
Square with fast-growing new subdivisions, all at a median home price around $307,000
and a cost of living roughly 4% below the national average.