I lived in Athens for three years while I got my degree at UGA, and would be happy to answer any specific questions you may have. You can PM me if you like. What the other guys have said is very true.
What hasn't been mentioned is that high speed rail line from Athens to Atlanta that is a done deal and will be popping up any day now.
I don't see much point in commuting to Athens from somewhere else, unless you just wanted to live in the Atlanta 'burbs. Athens-Clarke County doesn't have the best school system in Georgia, but they are not bad.
Athens Academy is a great private school there, if your budget allows.
I feel pretty confident that you won't make California-like wages at any newspaper in Georgia, I've known some people who worked for the Banner-Herald and the old Athens Star.
IME, rents in UGA apartments (which are mostly geared towards college students) are cheaper than what you would find almost anywhere in Metro Atlanta.