The city of Fitzgerald was formed in 1895 by Union soldiers fleeing harsh weather to settle alongside former Confederates, a minority in the southcentral Georgia city. Today, home buyers seeking a quiet, rural setting with a quaint downtown are drawn to the area, says broker Lisa Davis, owner of The Brokerage Real Estate Company, who has eight years of experience in the local housing market. "If you want to live in a small town and you like a small-town feel, it's a place to consider. You can retreat to the country and have a peaceful life," she says, adding, "if you're not afraid of chickens." Wild Burmese chickens, which were released along the nearby Ocmulgee River in the 1960s, have propagated and are frequent visitors to downtown. In their honor, a 62-foot steel chicken statue towers over the historic downtown where the Wild Chicken Festival is held every spring.
Cohabiting alongside the chickens are 9,000 residents, a population that has remained consistent for three decades. Many locals work for the railroads — the city's location along CSX railroads provides a strategic location for industry — as well as the manufacturing, agricultural and forestry sectors.
Fitzgerald is rural city with an average home price of $149,000.
Fitzgerald's unofficial mascot is honored by a 62-foot tall statue of the Burmese chicken.
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Home prices lower than state and national median
The median home price in Fitzgerald is $149,000, well below the national and state median. "It attracts families, retirees and investors due to its lower cost of living and accessibility to larger markets like Tifton and Albany," Davis says. The city is mostly made up of single-family homes, though some larger houses have been split up into apartments. The historic district is laid out in a grid-like pattern, and its streets are filled with early 20th-century Victorians, Spanish Colonials and Queen Annes. Around 50 historic structures are built of granitoid — a gray concrete block once produced in the city. Most homes date from the 1950s to the early aughts and include ranchers, split-levels and Craftsman styles.
Large Queen Anne style homes sit back on lots with well maintained landscaping in Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald's wide streets feature lush green lots with a variety of housing types and styles dating back to the 1950s including Victorian style homes.
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Local restaurants in Fitzgerald’s historic downtown
Fitzgerald is one of Georgia's only planned cities, with a walkable downtown that forms a perfect square divided into four equal parts. Local restaurants and boutiques are near the intersection of Central Avenue and South Main Street, where roads are paved with red bricks. The Grand Theatre, a 1930s art deco structure, shows new movies and hosts community gatherings. The Carnegie Center, which dates from 1915, displays artwork and holds a variety of classes. Big-box stores like Walmart and chain restaurants are to the south of the city along the Ocilla Highway.
The Fitzgerald Grand Theatre is a restored Art Deco theater that now runs feature films.
The Carnegie Center hosts art events throughout the year in Fitzgerald.
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Paulk Park surrounds County Lake
Paulk Park surrounds the 5-acre County Lake, which has a boat ramp and is stocked with catfish and bass. There are also walking trails and sports fields. Blue and Gray Park — named after the colors of both armies' uniforms in the Civil War — sits on 8 acres with a basketball court and walking trail. Other parks downtown include Boggus Park, which has skating ramps, and Legion Park, home to the municipal swimming pool. About 30 miles away is Ben Hill Landing on the Ocmulgee River for boating and camping.
The Blue and Grey Park in Fitzgerald features a walking trail.
You can park your RV around County Lake at Paulk Park in Fitzgerald.
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Students attend Ben Hill County schools
Fitzgerald is part of the Ben Hill County School District, which gets a C on Niche. The district operates five schools and serves over 3,000 students. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has a local campus.
Fitzgerald's Ben Hill County Middle School receives a C grade on Niche.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has a campus in Fitzgerald that residents go to.
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The Wild Chicken Festival honors Fitzgerald’s unofficial mascot
The town gathers over three days in March at The Wild Chicken Festival to celebrate its unofficial mascot. It starts with a street dance party on Friday, followed by vendors and food booths lining downtown streets on Saturday, and culminates with a concert at the Grand Theatre on Sunday. Autumn is welcomed at The Fitzgerald Fall Festival in September, which features an antique tractor show and parade. The event originated in 1896 when Union and Confederate soldiers marched together in a harvest festival parade.
I-75 connects to Atlanta
Interstate 75, 25 miles away, travels 183 miles north into Atlanta and 77 miles south to Valdosta and on to Gainesville in Florida. Smaller cities nearby include Albany, 60 miles east, and Tifton, 27 miles south. The nearest airport is Tallahassee International Airport, 127 miles south. The Ben Hill Transit System charges $3 for rides that must be scheduled in advance. Dorminy Medical Center has a 75-bed hospital in downtown.
Weather and crime in Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Although hurricanes in the area are not typical, Hurricane Helene caused widespread power outages and downed trees in 2024. According to Georgia Bureau of Investigation statistics, incidents of violent crime in Fitzgerald rose slightly while incidents of property crime decreased. The statistics show Ben Hill County's crime rate was well above the rate in neighboring Telfair and Wilcox counties.
Written By
Josh Gully
Photography Contributed By
Kristinah Archer
Video By
Houston Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tony Duncan,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Fitzgerald, GA sell after 97 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Fitzgerald, GA over the last 12 months is $120,000.
Located less than 30 minutes from I-75 and within an hour of two regional airports, this 28-acre tract offers a rare combination of recreation, investment potential, and accessibility. With mature planted pines, established wildlife habitat, and open power line easements ideal for food plots and deer stand placement, this property is well-suited for hunting and outdoor enjoyment from day one.
Welcome home to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offering 2,362 square feet of comfortable living space. Step inside to a spacious living room that flows effortlessly into the kitchen, complete with an additional sitting area and a bright sunroom, creating multiple spaces for relaxing or entertaining. The oversized primary suite provides a peaceful retreat with a private en-suite
Situated on a corner lot just minutes from downtown Fitzgerald, this well-maintained two-story home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,716 square feet of comfortable living space. Inside, you'll find beautiful wood details, abundant natural light, a gas log fireplace, and a functional kitchen with ample cabinetry and workspace. Just off the oversized two-car garage, unfinished flex space and
28 Acre Prime Undeveloped Corner Lot - Ideal for Subdivison or Commercial Development. This cleared and level 28-acre corner lot with 2000 ft of road frontage is perfectly situated for subdivison or commercial development. With public utilities (water and sewer) already available, this property offers exceptional access and visibility on a major thoroughfare, making it ideal for high-traffic
# Prime Commercial Development Opportunity | Fitzgerald, GeorgiaPositioned in the heart of Fitzgerald's premier retail corridor, this exceptional development tract offers one of the area's most strategic opportunities for commercial, mixed-use, or residential development. Located adjacent to Walmart and Zaxby's along SW Benjamin H. Hill Drive (US Highway 107), the property enjoys
Prime 10-acre tract positioned in a high-visibility location with strong traffic exposure. Undeveloped and full of potential, this property offers an excellent opportunity for subdivision, commercial development, or future investment. With public utilities available, the site is well-positioned for a variety of uses. This 10-acre tract is part of a larger 28-acre parcel also available for
A Timeless South Georgia Masterpiece Just 2 miles south of Fitzgerald, this remarkable 45.827-acre estate combines timeless architecture, modern upgrades, and beautifully maintained land. Designed in 1999 by Jack Wilson, partner of renowned architect Frank McCall, the custom two-story residence offers 5,434 heated sq. ft. with three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, wide heart-pine flooring, detailed
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offering just over 2,000 square feet of comfortable living space in a quiet neighborhood. Situated on a spacious lot, this home features a functional open layout with vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and inviting indoor-outdoor living spaces. The kitchen is equipped with custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, tile
Prime Timber Investment and Hunting Tract with 700+/- acres managed and maintained by one family for many decades. Located north of the Florida line about 90 miles and in the southeast quadrant of Georgia. Prime Recreational tract with cleared road system and trails. Recently burned undergrowth. This property is just on the other side of the Ocumulgee River on county maintained dirt roads.
28 Acres - Hunting & Recreational Tract with Timber Income Potential - Great Location Location: Less than 30 minutes from I-75 1 hour from two regional airports Size: 28 Acres County Water Available County-Maintained Road Frontage This 28-acre property offers the ideal setup for hunting, recreation, and future investment. With mature planted pines offering potential timber income and open power
This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers easy living with a simple, functional layout. Inside, you'll find neutral tones and a natural flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas. The kitchen features white cabinetry, ample storage, and a straightforward design suited for everyday use. Both bedrooms are comfortably sized, while the bathrooms offer practical layouts. Natural light filters in
Built in 1900, this charming historic home in the heart of Fitzgerald blends timeless character with thoughtful updates. Situated on a 0.31 acre lot, the property welcomes you with a spacious wraparound porch perfect for relaxing afternoons and entertaining guests. Inside, the home offers 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and features beautiful hardwood floors, tall ceilings, and an inviting living area
Welcome home to Jack Allen Apartments, a beautifully maintained apartment community offering comfort, convenience, and access to some of Georgia’s most scenic destinations.Located in Fitzgerald, Jack Allen Apartments places you close to incredible outdoor recreation and local attractions. Spend your weekends exploring the breathtaking views at Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, enjoying
Property Id: 1699305 Jack Allen Apartments is a beautiful, apartment community located in Fitzgerald, GA. Nearby you can enjoy the breathtaking views at Jefferson Davis State Park, High Falls State Park, and Milton "Buddy" Hopkins Nature Preserve. Not to mention the Wild Adventures Amusement Park, Summer Waves Water Park, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Feeling hungry? There are a number
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