Entertainment and attractions in “The Good Life City”
Home to nearly 70,000 people, Albany is sometimes called "The Good Life City" after the many concerts held there in the 1970s. Decades later, the city has become a destination for outdoor recreation along the Flint River and a hub for arts and culture thanks to its museums and aquarium. Over 150 miles from metros like Atlanta, Albany is mainly surrounded by farmland and is the only incorporated city in Dougherty County. The local Marine Corps Logistics Base and Proctor and Gamble manufacturing center are major job producers, and many Albany residents are also employed in healthcare, education and retail. As the city has grown, the Albany City Commission has created plans to expand utility infrastructure, invest in housing and reduce homelessness. "Albany is changing from what it once was. The city is doing so much for the community," says Amy Trejo, an Albany native and Realtor with Vylla Home. "Many roads are being updated, and houses are being updated. There's a big change coming — I can smell it."
The Albany Historic District centers around government and historic buildings in Albany, GA.
Fisherman of Dixie Heights fish from the docks along the Flint River.
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Albany Historic District and Saint Andrews span a century of homes
Albany has over 34,000 homes built across the 20th and 21st centuries. The Albany Historic District is filled with houses from the 1930s and 1950s, while modern neighborhoods like Saint Andrews have new, custom builds on private lots. “We have historic homes, older homes, new construction, we have a mixed bag of nuts here,” says Lisa Davis, owner of The Brokerage Real Estate Company, who has been working in the area for over 30 years. The median home price in Albany is $115,950, compared to a median of $316,000 for the rest of Georgia.
Historic buildings and churches are found throughout the Albany Historic District.
Homes in Saint Andrews sit on large manicured lots.
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The Flint River and Chehaw Park
The city’s most prominent recreation spot is Chehaw Park, an 800-acre nature preserve and zoo featuring a campground, boardwalk and BMX trail. The park is next to the Flint River, which flows directly through the city and was once named the most scenic stream in Georgia by the Department of Natural Resources. Locals can swim, fish and boat on the river or play golf at one of the courses around the water. On the west side, the Albany Nursery covers 300 acres of preserved land and is a popular hunting destination. Scenic points dot the rest of the city, like the courtyard built around the natural spring at Radium Springs Garden.
Kids of River Pointe Plantation love looking at the animals at the Chehaw Park & Zoo.
Families of Radium Springs can rest along the Flint River at Riverfront Park.
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Hundreds of native species at the Flint RiverQuarium
Albany's downtown area has attractions like the Flint RiverQuarium, Albany Civil Rights Institute, Albany Museum of Art and Thronateeska Heritage Center. The RiverQuarium is one of the city's most iconic attractions, with a hatchery, aviary and the Blue Hole Spring, a 175,000-gallon aquarium containing over 120 species of fish, turtles and alligators.
The Civil Rights hosts a monument to the brave souls that fought for equal rights.
Dixie Heights residents can learn the history of Albany at the Thronateeska Heritage Center.
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Coffee and cocktails on Front Street and Pine Avenue
A collection of restaurants fills the corner of Front Street and Pine Avenue across from the RiverQuarium. This corner has lattes at Cornerstone Coffee, soul food at The Grille House and steak and cocktails at The Flint. While pockets of small businesses make up the city’s dining scene, the Albany Mall on the west side is the area’s main retail center. The mall also borders a healthcare district with internal medicine and cardiology clinics.
The Cornerstone Coffee Shop is a local favorite for coffee and relaxing in Albany.
The Grille House is a local favorite option for casual dining in Albany Historic District.
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Dougherty County Schools and Albany State University
The Dougherty County School System received an overall C grade from Niche. Robert A. Cross Middle Magnet School, which has a B-plus grade, and International Studies Elementary Charter School, which has a B-minus, are the two highest-rated local schools. Both have received the National Blue Ribbon School distinction. Albany is also home to Albany State University, one of 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Georgia, and Albany Technical College, a community college offering associate degrees.
Albany State University is just a short drive from Radium Springs.
The Dougherty County School transportation serves all areas of Albany.
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Connections to Atlanta, Montgomery or Tallahassee
U.S. Highway 82 cuts through Albany and leads west toward Montgomery, while Route 19 goes north to Columbus and south to Tallahassee. Interstate 75, just outside the city, is the most direct route to Atlanta. Albany is 86 miles from Columbus, 182 miles from Atlanta, 88 miles from Tallahassee and 156 miles from Montgomery. “You’re three hours from the East Coast, three hours to the Gulf Coast and the beach, three hours to Atlanta. It’s very conveniently located,” Davis says. Albany also has a public bus system — the Albany Transit System — and a commercial airport, Southwest Georgia Regional Airport.
Albany’s Safe City Coalition Plan
According to the Albany Police Department, there was a 24% decrease in property crime between November 2024 and November 2023 and a 3% decrease in violent crime during the same period. Most of these reports were for robbery and theft. In response to a 2017 spike in crime, city leaders created the Safe City Coalition Plan, which implemented citywide camera systems and created social services programs for addiction and homelessness.
In Albany, the summers are long and hot, while the winters are short and cold. It can be humid and cloudy every season. Like the rest of southern Georgia, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes may pop up in the spring and summer.
Written By
Delaney Murray
Photography Contributed By
Kevin Willis
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rhonda Arnett,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Albany, GA sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Albany, GA over the last 12 months is $182,750, up 55% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home on half an acre in Northwest Albany. Offering 1822 SF and a Wrap-around front porch spanning three sides, complete with two porch swings--Inviting foyer that leads to both a formal living room and formal dining room--Spacious kitchen with stainless steel appliances & breakfast area- ideal for casual dining--Comfortable family room with fireplace--All bedrooms
Welcome to 6102 Newton Rd Albany, Dougherty County! Discover the potential of this 1.16-acre vacant lot located outside of the city limits of Albany. This level, high & dry wooded parcel offers the perfect canvas for your dream home- traditional or manufactured! Nestled in a quiet setting with convenient access to Albany's shopping, dining, schools, and recreation, the property combines privacy
Coming Soon, Inquire within!!!! Pointe River is within several miles of many restaurants, parks, trails, hotels, and shopping. Thank you for your interest in Pointe River Apartment homes. We are excited to announce we will starting pre-leasing the week of November the 11th. We appreciate your patience's and look forward to speaking to you in the near future.
For lease in the Lake Park area! This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers hardwood and brick flooring downstairs with new carpet upstairs. Appliances include refrigerator, stove, microwave, and dishwasher. Split HVAC with gas/electric downstairs and all electric upstairs. Pest control is included, lawn maintenance available, and the property features a 2-car garage, fenced backyard, shutters on the
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at Hampton East, situated in the southeastern corner of Albany, Georgia. Our serene and close-knit community presents roomy townhomes within a welcoming neighborhood setting. We are conveniently located just 1.2 miles from Albany State University and offer swift access to Highway 19, ensuring that schools, dining establishments, shopping
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