Real Estate

Athens-Clarke, Ga.

Annual home price performance: Identical performance
Local home price change: –3%
State home price change: –3%
2007 local median home price: $139,000
2007 state median home price: $165,000

Athens, about 80 minutes east of Atlanta, still draws tourists from around the world who come to take in its lively rock scene, which launched the careers of R.E.M., the B-52s, and Widespread Panic. About 52% of homes here are rented.