Home to over 15,000 people, Americus, Georgia, is the seat of Sumter County — the birthplace of Jimmy Carter. "It's rich in history, Victorian-style homes and [has a] well-preserved historic downtown district with iconic landmarks," says local broker Lisa Davis, who owns The Brokerage Real Estate Company. Habitat for Humanity was established here decades ago but the branch is no longer operational. The cities two universities are its economic lifeblood, but so is agriculture as Americus is also surrounded by farmland. Americus' rural reaches draw many people in. “South Florida's trying to move here, the East Coast, West Coast," Davis says. "People want to buy compounds of 5 to 15 acres. They want to get back to the basics: have a house, a couple animals, chickens, a garden."
Habitat for Humanity, located in downtown Americus, GA, is committed to building homes and fostering strong communities.
This historical marker commemorates the old Confederate hospital that once stood in Americus, GA.
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Americus has some new development, and acreage homes
The city's median home value is around 240,000; significantly less than the state's median. Grand Victorians in Americus go back to its turn of the century beginnings, but the city continued building homes in the 1990s. Some resale homes within Americus' rural outskirts are on massive lots from 15 to 20-plus acres. "The demand for housing — move-in ready homes, new construction — there's a need for it," Davis says. "Most houses on the market come with a lot of work, and most people don't have time for that." While new housing is a rarity here, Southland Village Subdivision is filling some of that void by adding a selection of modern single-family homes and condos into the mix.
his is a lovely example of a single-family new build in the Southland neighborhood in Americus, GA.
This Victorian home, situated in Americus, GA, presents a remarkable example of architectural beauty.
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Ice cream parlors and pool tables in downtown Americus
Historic storefronts host locally owned businesses downtown — from distilleries to bakeries to Americana grills and places to take dance lessons and play pool. "The focus for 2024 was revitalizing downtown and people were giving their facades a facelift," Davis says. "They got a new ice cream parlor, and they built a restaurant with a balcony that opens to the road." There's a Walmart and Lowes in town for everyday needs.
Scoops ice cream offers a wide range of flavors and toppings, making it a great place for everyone in Americus, GA.
Horne Pecon Company, situated in downtown Americus, GA, is a local gem known for its quality products and exceptional service.
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Meet Frank the ghost at the Rylander Theatre in downtown Americus
In October, Americus leads a haunted history tour downtown. The 1920s-era Rylander Theatre is a pit stop. This site for community plays and live music hosted vaudeville acts in its earliest days. Today, a ghost named Jack is sometimes spotted in the over 600-seat auditorium. The last stop on the tour is the Windsor Hotel. Considered the most haunted spot in Americus, there are pages of ghost encounters in a binder at the hotel.
Locals can also hop on The SAM Shortline Excursion Train from the Americus station for interactive murder-mystery-themed train rides.
Step inside the historic Rylander Theatre in downtown Americus, GA, where you might just meet Frank the Ghost.
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train from the Americus station for an unforgettable interactive murder-mystery-themed ride.
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Americus is building a new park
“Americus is on the smaller side, and you can walk everywhere. You can walk downtown very easily, especially from the historic district. And then we have small little parks throughout,” says Channon Thurmond, broker and owner of Johnston Realty Group. The local nonprofit One Sumter Economic Development Foundation is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to transform its former global village site into a community park. The park, announced in 2023 and still being built, will be the largest in Americus and bring an amphitheater and a dog park to the city. Smaller parks in Americus provide playgrounds, gazebos and picnic tables. Crowds gather at the ballfields at Georgia Southwestern State University on game days.
Locals enjoy four seasons in Americus. “Normally [weather is] pretty mild but this year we got six inches of snow, two weeks ago, and now we’re at 70 degrees and everyone is wearing shorts and t-shirts,” Thurmond says.
The Global Village is going to be redeveloped into a large community park in Americus, GA.
The Georgia Southwestern State University baseball field is located in Americus, GA, and the mascot is the Hurricanes.
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Famous alumni of Georgia Southwestern State University
Grade school students study through Sumter County Schools, which earns a C-minus on Niche. Sumter County Primary School is one of the highest-ranking schools in the district, earning a B minus. Stand-out alternatives include the private school Southland Academy, rated A-minus, and the B-rated Furlow Charter School. South Georgia Technical College and Georgia Southwestern State University — where both Carter and his wife studied — are in Americus.
Georgia Southwestern State University, located in Americus, Georgia, offers a vibrant learning environment.
Southland Academy, located in Americus, GA, is a respected private educational institution.
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Travel through Americus
US Route 19 and several state routes flow through Americus. Flexible public transportation is available through RMS, Inc. Phoebe Sumter Medical Center is local, providing emergency care, specialty care and general treatment. The closest international airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is over 130 miles away, following Interstate 75.
Americus Police Department is active in the community
Americus’ annual police report for 2023 showed crime increased after six years of steady decline. While property crimes decreased by 1% that year, violent crimes increased by 7%. The Americus Police Department prevents crime by being active community members, with many joining local civic and service organizations. At least a dozen houses of worship foster connections across the city.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Thaddeus Rombauer
Video By
Houston Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joy Langford,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Americus, GA sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Americus, GA over the last 12 months is $190,000, up 28% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This charming 2 bedroom, 1 bath home has been updated, just needs some finishing touches. It is located just minutes from Georgia Southwestern State University. Featuring a durable metal roof, LVT flooring throughout the main living areas, and ceramic tile in the bath, this home offers both style and functionality. Fresh paint, modern finishes, and updated systems make this a perfect option for
New Garden Hills 1.59 acre wooded residential lot in a very desirable and peaceful area with a lovely view of Lake Collins to build your forever home. Conveniently located to beautiful downtown Americus, near 4 lane US Hwy 19 for easy commutes and travel to Albany, Columbus, Cordele, Ellaville, Atlanta, and Florida, and just over 2 miles to US Hwy 280 intersection for convenient east/west
Charming and move-in ready! This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in the highly sought-after Southland Village offers comfort, style, and a fantastic community setting. Step inside to discover gleaming hardwood floors, a cozy gas-log fireplace, and a spacious layout ideal for easy living. The kitchen features granite countertops, a pantry, and flows seamlessly into the open living
Our apartments are designed in a Modern and Practical element which provides maximum comfort and the best experience during your stay. Enjoy the convenience of a nice and spacious apartment that's located in downtown Americus. These units include brand new appliances (microwave, stove/oven fridge/freezer), plenty of natural light, laminate wood flooring, and on-site laundry. ALL UTILITIES ARE
Small Office for Lease – Historic Downtown Location Charming office space available in a beautiful, historic two-story home just steps from downtown. Enjoy stunning wood floors, a shared bathroom, and a breakroom in a converted home filled with character. Perfect for professionals seeking a quiet, inspiring workspace. Utilities and high-speed internet are included for hassle-free convenience.
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.
