Backtracking in the thread here for a moment... the shortage of dorm rooms and takeover of two apartment buildings near the campus. How does that play into the availability of apartments to "grown-ups" and the cost??
One of the highest cost of housing in the state of Ohio.
For students or in general? Housing in general (townies and other "grown-ups") shouldn't be that outrageous in poverty stricken SE Ohio. (?)
In general, Athens cost more than the OHIO average. Facts are a hard things! Maybe the fact that Athens is so expensive is why the area is poverty stricken, that and the low wages that OHIO University pays their classified staff and workers.
COST OF LIVING
Athens Ohio USA
Overall 79.4 82.7 100
Grocery 104 96.1 100
Health 89.9 88.7 100
Housing 66.8 61.6 100
Med. Home $195,000 $179,700 $291,700
Utilities 104.8 100 100
Transport. 59.5 83.9 100
Misc. 92.7 89.3 100
100=National Average