Sustainable living and a vibrant downtown scene all blend in Cairo, the seat of Grady County. Located near the Georgia-Florida state line just north of Tallahassee, Cairo is home to about 10,000 people and is known for its modest housing prices and active community. "I was raised in Thomas County, but I moved to Cairo because I could do so much more with my land for half the price," says Paige Ballard, a Realtor with Avenues Real Estate. "So many people move here to farm for themselves, to open businesses and enjoy low taxes." Ballard notes that plenty of locals commute to jobs in bigger cities like Tallahassee, but many also find employment in Grady County.
The Tractor Supply in downtown Cairo has plenty to offer the residents of this rural city.
Downtown Cairo offers local residents excellent shopping and dining options.
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Victorian houses, tiny homes and living on generous acreage
While the housing market in Cairo is mainly filled with midcentury homes, Ballard notes the true appeal of buying in Cairo is the acreage and lack of property restrictions. "A lot of people in our community are into sustainable living. Growing their own food, raising their own animals," she says. "You can easily get two or three acres minimum with a relatively big house. Most people moving here want several acres, and Grady County is very flexible with what you can build on your land." Ballard says the city has a surprising amount of architectural variety, from Victorian styles to custom-built Craftsman tiny homes. The median sales price is $270,000, nearly half the national median.
Victorian homes near downtown Cairo add a southern feel to the city.
With room to spread out, Cairo offers both country and city living options.
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A buzz of bikes in Cairo's forests
The Cairo Parks and Recreation Department maintains four parks within the city limits. For many people living in Cairo, outdoor recreation means riding ATVs or fishing in the local ponds. "Dirt-biking is popular here. We have a ton of motocross tracks, but the sound is much less annoying than you'd think," Ballard says. "I live a few miles from a big track and barely hear it. The city also makes such the tracks shut down at 5."
Barber Park in Cairo is a tranquil 46.1-acre oasis nestled in the heart of the city.
Barber Park in Cairo, Georgia, was donated by Mr. W.T. Barber and Miss Ruth Barber to Grady County.
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Visiting the iconic Zebulon Theatre
Broad Street and the avenues branching off it are where much of Cairo's distinct vibes are concentrated. From a locally owned 1950s-styled ice cream parlor to specialty shops and the art deco Zebulon Theatre, downtown Cairo is where residents can best get a feel for the city's personality. Cairo Main Street, a chamber of commerce group, focuses on preserving downtown's historic buildings and bringing events to the area. Big-box stores and chain restaurants and retailers are found on the north side of town.
The First and Broad Pizza Company is a favorite lunch spot for Cairo locals.
The Zebulon Theatre in Cairo was opened on April 15, 1936 as a 650-seat theater by Ms. Ethel Blanton who named it after her husband Zebulon Blanton.
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The highly rated Brookwood School
The city is served by Grady County Schools, which scores a B-minus on Niche and maintains a small pipeline: a few elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Private options include the Brookwood School, which gets an A-minus from Niche, and the faith-based Thomasville Christian School. Southern Regional Technical College has a small campus on the city's north side.
Cairo High School was recognized as the SAT Region Winner for Class AAA and Region 1-AAA for 2005 and 2006.
Southside Elementary School is a public school in Cairo, GA, offering a Gifted & Talented program.
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Friday night football with Cairo High School's Syrupmakers
Cairo holds several annual events spread between the seasons. From the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in January to the vivid creativity of the Elevate Artisan Market in October, the city ensures plenty of opportunities for community gatherings. "The football games at Cairo High School are a big deal here, too. Everyone shows up to support the Syrupmakers," Ballard says.
Cairo is a welcoming city offering southern hospitality.
Cairo High School is a public high school in Cairo, who's motto is "With Pride, We Give Our Best."
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Catching a connection out of Valdosta Regional Airport
U.S. Route 84, running east-west, and Highway 93 are Cairo's main thoroughfares. Interstate 75, the major coastal route, is approximately 60 miles east. For air transportation, many will drive the 60 miles to Valdosta, flying an hour from Valdosta Regional Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Archbold Medical Center is the leading medical facility, located on the city's south side.
National food chains are an option for Cairo residents and travelers along US Highway 84.
Highways 93 and 84 are the main roads in and out of Cairo.
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Crime statistics and weather patterns in Cairo
According to local law enforcement data reported by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, both Cairo and Grady County have slightly lower violent and property crime rates than the state and national averages.
Like many areas in Georgia, Cairo has mild winters and hot, humid summers, though the temperatures don't often exceed 100 degrees.
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.
