No. of bars and restaurants: 127
Population: 21,857
Median home price: $130,100

Below the Blue Ridge Mountains, 70 miles from Atlanta, Athens offers eclectic nightlife and "one of the South's most progressive culinary scenes," according to the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau. The bureau states: "Dozens of unique, independent eateries offer a distinctive culinary experience, from traditional Southern soul food to trendsetting nouveau Southern cuisine." Photographer: Andre Jenny/Newscom