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About Albany, GA

About Albany, GA

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."

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The Albany Historic District centers around government and historic buildings in Albany, GA.
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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.

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Historic buildings and churches are found throughout the Albany Historic District.
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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.

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Kids of River Pointe Plantation love looking at the animals at the Chehaw Park & Zoo.
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Families of Radium Springs can rest along the Flint River at Riverfront Park.
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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.

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Albany State University is just a short drive from Radium Springs.
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The Dougherty County School transportation serves all areas of Albany.
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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.

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The Civil Rights hosts a monument to the brave souls that fought for equal rights.
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Dixie Heights residents can learn the history of Albany at the Thronateeska Heritage Center.
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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.

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.

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The Cornerstone Coffee Shop is a local favorite for coffee and relaxing in Albany.
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The Grille House is a local favorite option for casual dining in Albany Historic District.
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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.

Delaney Murray
Written By
Delaney Murray
Kevin Willis
Photography Contributed By
Kevin Willis
Luke Basinger
Video By
Luke Basinger

Neighborhood Map

Albany Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$165,000
Median Sale Price
$107,200
Median Single Family Sale Price
$160,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$149,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Last 12 months Home Sales
122
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-$24
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$93

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
225
Months of Supply
22.10

Cost of Living Comparison

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Albany, GA

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Lee County Elementary School
#1 Lee County Elementary School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Lee County Primary School
#2 Lee County Primary School
B
Niche
Lake Park Elementary School
#3 Lake Park Elementary School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
International Studies Elementary Charter School
#4 International Studies Elementary Charter School
B-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Lincoln Elementary Magnet School
#5 Lincoln Elementary Magnet School
C+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Lamar Reese School of the Arts
#6 Lamar Reese School of the Arts
C
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Sherwood Acres Elementary School
#7 Sherwood Acres Elementary School
C
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Northside Elementary School
#8 Northside Elementary School
C-
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School
#9 Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School
C-
Niche
4
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle Schools

Robert A. Cross Middle Magnet School
#1 Robert A. Cross Middle Magnet School
B+
Niche
10
GreatSchools
Lee County Middle School - West Campus
#2 Lee County Middle School - West Campus
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Merry Acres Middle School
#3 Merry Acres Middle School
C-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Albany Middle School
#4 Albany Middle School
C-
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Radium Springs Middle School
#5 Radium Springs Middle School
C-
Niche
2
GreatSchools
Southside Middle School
#6 Southside Middle School

Best Public High Schools

Lee County High School
#1 Lee County High School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Lee County High School Ninth Grade Campus
#2 Lee County High School Ninth Grade Campus
B
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Westover High School
#3 Westover High School
C
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Dougherty Comprehensive High School
#4 Dougherty Comprehensive High School
C
Niche
2
GreatSchools
Monroe High School
#5 Monroe High School
C
Niche
2
GreatSchools
Albany High School
#6 Albany High School

Best Private Schools

Deerfield-Windsor School Upper/Middle Campus
#1 Deerfield-Windsor School Upper/Middle Campus
A
Niche
Sherwood Christian Academy
#2 Sherwood Christian Academy
A
Niche
St. Teresa's Catholic School
#3 St. Teresa's Catholic School
A
Niche
Byne Christian School
#4 Byne Christian School
B
Niche
A School For Children
#5 A School For Children
Bible Baptist Christian Academy
#6 Bible Baptist Christian Academy
Darsey Private School
#7 Darsey Private School
Emanuel Sda Jr Academy
#8 Emanuel Sda Jr Academy
Life Christian Academy Of Palmyra
#9 Life Christian Academy Of Palmyra

Agents Specializing in this Area

Agent Spotlight

Lisa Davis
(229) 800-7672
As a seasoned real estate broker, she proudly serve the vibrant communities within a 40-mile radius of Sylvester, Georgia. With expertise in land, residential properties, second homes, and commercial real estate, offering a diverse portfolio tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

What truly sets her apart is her background as an educator, where she earned both a master’s and a specialist degree in education and leadership. This experience has equipped Lisa with the ability to teach, guide, and support clients through every step of the buying or selling process. She specializes in breaking down complex information into clear, actionable steps, empowering clients to make informed decisions with confidence.

Lisa's approach is highly personalized. Taking the time to listen and understand your needs, preferences, and goals. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an experienced investor, or a homeowner looking to sell, her priority is ensuring a seamless and satisfying experience tailored to your unique journey.

In addition to traditional properties, she also represents extraordinary listings, such as an Old Navy hospital situated on 10.44 acres of breathtaking riverfront land across from the Flint River Golf Course in Albany, Georgia. Properties like this demonstrate my ability to market and position unique opportunities to attract the right buyers.

With a deep knowledge of the local market, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for helping others, I am here to make your real estate experience exceptional. Let me help you achieve your goals—whether it’s finding your dream property or securing the best possible sale for your home or investment.
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Top Neighborhoods in this City

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.