[7] Lake Athens is a 1,799 acre reservoir located in the eastern half of the city.

[12] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

[14][15] As of the 2020 United States census, there were 12,857 people, 4,095 households, and 2,733 families residing in the city.

[23] The United States Postal Service operates the Athens Post Office.

A very small portion in the eastern outskirts of Athens is within the Brownsboro Independent School District.

The main campus of Trinity Valley Community College is located in Athens.

The East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society is located in the northwest part of the city.