I lived in Athens a few years ago and just loved it mainly because it was convenient- but now that I have children I enjoy the smaller communities- I have a friend that lives in Watkinsville, thats Oconee county, she loves the schools and the communities, and its only a 10-20 minute commute, depending on where you are and where you're headed in Athens. If you get to choose between Athens Regional and St Marys hospital, I have a cousin and Aunt who have worked for both, and they both like Athens Regional better. Good luck to ya-