Georgia Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Valdosta, Georgia

Population: 45,000

Located in Lowndes County

Welcome to Valdosta, Georgia's tenth largest city, continually rated among the best American places to retire. In South Georgia, reminders of a historic past can be found around most every corner, and visions of progress are made into realities each day. A survivor of historic wars, South Georgia continues to show its strength, from preserving the area's history to consistently improving its economy.

Our residents feel very fortunate to being living in an area where the economy is diversified and al of our eggs are not in one basket, so to speak. We have industries such as manufacturing, call centers, freight, and distribution; a Valdosta State University and a technical college; Moody Air Force base; a regional medical center; and a theme park. As the regional hub of South Georgia and North Florida, Valdosta is located on I-75, making it an ideal stopover for travelers, or an accessible place to make your home.

A blooming area where housing is affordable, the South Georgia housing market has an ample supply of new and existing homes. Valdosta's cost of living is 20 percent lower than the U.S. average with housing costs 49% lower than the national average. There is a home waiting here for you that is just right, whatever your preference, needs and style. We have affordable quality homes as distinctive as our Southern hospitality and genuine neighborhoods. Potential buyers can access a good inventory of housing, including luxury homes, acreage, condominiums and apartments in both suburban and rural settings.

Valdosta recently won the first Magnolia Award given by the state for outstanding achievements in the area of housing. A Habitat for Humanity Partner, Valdosta is one of only 10 cities in the world to be certified by Habitat International as a 21st Century Challenge Community and Jimmy Carter Worksite host. South Georgia temperatures range from a high of 96 degrees in August to a low of 46 in January. The area enjoys an excellent standard of living based on amenities, attractions and natural beauty.

Our community offers a variety of convenient retail venues that are a treat to the eye, a value for the shopper, and an overall delight. Whether it's a modern mall or a restored downtown district, department stores or specialty shops, movie theaters or antique dealers, culinary treats or fine dining, Valdosta has it all. Valdosta Mall features over 70 national retailers, and its lifestyle expansion, new in Fall 2006, added new retailers and restaurants. Downtown Valdosta offers a wealth of unique shopping experiences; convenient access to city and county government; live theatre productions; a multitude of cafes, coffee shops and fine-dining restaurants; houses of worship; and wonderful loft living spaces. Downtown continues to flourish and expand, while maintaining its character and charm. We have renovated historic buildings to house innovative entrepreneurs, such as the new City Market and Valdosta Shared Office Space.

Valdosta Heritage Foundation is dedicated to saving and restoring the remaining historic buildings, homes and districts of the city. Four National Register Historic Districts--Downtown, Victorian Fairview, Brookwood North and midtown Patterson Street--are included on the Valdosta Driving and Walking Tour, exhibiting over 60 sites.

Golfing, a popular activity here, is enjoyed year-round on a variety of courses. The area offers hundreds of lakes, several rivers, and acres and acres of wildlife plantations for enjoying outdoor sports or peaceful relaxation. Whether it's hunting and fishing, bird watching, relaxing on the water, or just taking in the scenic views, you'll find South Georgia to be your ideal retirement location. And the arts thrive in Valdosta, enriching the lives of South Georgians through several local organizations, including the Southern Artists' League, Valdosta Choral Guild, Theatre Guild Valdosta, Snake Nation Press, Withlacoochee Quilters' Guild and Little Actors' Theatre. Valdosta Symphony Orchestra delivers an array of outstanding classical and pop concert performances.