Bordering Fort Benning, Cusseta is the residential heart of Chattahoochee County
Cusseta-Chattahoochee County is a rural destination south of Columbus. Cusseta, which traces it roots to 1855, remains the only incorporated city in Chattahoochee County, of which it is the county seat. It is home to the county’s courthouse, health department, fire department and library. The county’s housing is also concentrated in Cusseta. The county was named after the nearby river that runs along the Georgia-Alabama border. “The thing about Cusseta is that you’re right there next to Fort Benning, so you have a lot of soldiers and soldiers’ families, but it’s still a very small community,” says Chris Rogers of Better Homes and Gardens-Historic, who sells homes throughout the region. “You can buy a home there for a lot cheaper than many parts of Columbus, but you can still be within 10 minutes of the military base.”
Diverse housing options include single-family and mobile homes
Sporadic development from the 1950s into the 2000s has resulted in a variety of non-HOA options built in proximity to the center of Cusseta. “It’s very diverse housing in the sense that you have a mix of mobile homes, apartments and single-family homes,” Rogers says. Ranch-style homes are the most common along quiet neighborhood streets. Larger multi-level homes on spacious lots can be found among the community’s newer offerings. Prices typically range from the low $100,000s to more than $400,000 for the largest acreage homes. With the growth of Fort Benning in mind, Magnolia Grove Estates is currently listing a variety of contemporary model homes on 1-acre lots, none of which have been built yet. The Columbus area has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. It is also part of Dixie Alley, a stretch of the southern United States prone to tornadoes.
Residents with base access enjoy an array of recreational amenities; river is nearby
Children can play organized baseball and stay active at Chattahoochee County Ball Park in Cusseta. Next door is the Roscoe Robinson Sr. Activity Center. Residents who are active-duty military members, retired military members or civilian employees of Fort Benning have access to the base’s Morale, Wellness and Recreation amenities. The Fort Benning Family and MWR Headquarters is the center of activity. The facility offers athletic, fitness and educational opportunities for children and adults. The Fort Benning Golf Course is open to the public. Base property also offers swimming, fishing, camping and non-motorized boating. Riverbend Park along the Chattahoochee River is a popular destination about 10 miles away. “It’s just a picnic area and a boat ramp, but it gives you access to the river, where you can go kayaking, jet ski, fish and all kinds of things,” Rogers says. Within 30 minutes of the community is Providence Canyon State Park, often called “Little Grand Canyon” and known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.
Stores, restaurants on base, in Buena Vista and suburban Columbus
Similar to the county’s recreational options, shopping and dining options are limited outside of Fort Benning. A Dollar General and a combination Family Dollar/Dollar Tree are located nearby. Residents with access to the base have plenty of shopping and dining opportunities concentrated about 15 miles from Cusseta. Retail stores, grocers and banks can be found east of Cusseta in and around neighboring Buena Vista. Coffee Club Southern Kitchen and Annie D’s are popular restaurants in the community’s historic downtown district about 15 miles away. “You could go to Buena Vista, which is a quick trip,” Rogers says. “The other option is the Macon Road exit on 185. They have everything there – Publix, Chipotle, T.J. Maxx. You’re 15-20 minutes from all the suburban-type shopping.”
Chattahoochee County Schools is B-rated by Niche
Students attend Chattahoochee County Schools, which earns a B from Niche. Chattahoochee County Education Center, rated B-plus, Chattahoochee County Middle School, rated B, and Chattahoochee County High School, rated B-minus, are located in Cusseta. The high school offers JROTC and career technical education programs.
Local highway provides a direct route to Fort Benning, Greater Columbus
U.S. Highway 280 runs through this car-dependent community. It provides access to Fort Benning for work and play, and connects residents to Columbus and its airport about 20 miles away. There are several medical centers in Columbus. State Route 26 provides direct access to the amenities of Buena Vista.
Written By
Matt Pallister
