Who's in the Best Position to Grow Economically? Athens-Clarke, One Study Says

Athens has a that pulls in about $330 million a year in research funds, a growing medical community, and a piece of a new .

Now, a consulting firm has listed Athens-Clarke County as the community between 100,000 and 150,000 people that's in the best position to prosper in the 21st century economy.

Pittsburgh-based Fourth Economy Consulting evaluated the nation's small counties on investment, talent, sustainability, place, and diversity, and Athens-Clarke came out on top.

“It is not surprising ... to see the leading fourth economy counties blend both rural and urban character, offering their residents diverse living and working options,” Stephen McKnight, a Fourth Economy Consulting vice president, said in a news release announcing the group's study.

The study focuses on UGA, Athens' top-rated hospitals, and the town's musical and cultural scenes.