The seat of Jeff Davis County
Hazlehurst is a city in Southeastern Georgia that remains connected to its roots as a railroad hub. The area is named after George H. Hazlehurst, a civil engineer who helped build railroads in Brunswick and Macon during the 1870s. The Hazlehurst Depot was near the midpoint between the two cities; the area was incorporated in the 1890s. The community still has active railways used by Norfolk Southern and CSX. As the seat of Jeff Davis County, Hazlehurst has a small-town nature. Aside from the sound of box cars traveling on steel tracks, it is mostly quiet. “This is a small, close-knit community that will come together,” says Judy Miller, the Branch Manager for Jeff Davis County Public Library. “When Helene hit, we banded together to help each other.” Several miles beyond the city center are houses with private farms, barns and livestock.
Local industries and Main Street businesses
In addition to logistics companies, the area also has industrial facilities and manufacturers. Mom-and-pop stores and boutiques line Main Street, while a Walmart Supercenter stands off Highway 341. French Cart Antique Mall sells a collection of curated furniture and household items. Along Highway 221 await a Piggly Wiggly, Tractor Supply Co. and casual dining options. “We also have Manna Café. It’s not an upscale restaurant, but it’s really nice. There’s also a local pizza restaurant called Village Pizza,” Miller says.
Buyers find farmhouses, ranch styles and contemporary homes
The homes in Hazlehurst are framed by mature pecan, pine and oak trees. Many properties remain hidden behind fences and dense natural foliage. The area contains primarily single-story dwellings and ranch styles; some date back to the 1910s. Away from the center of Hazlehurst, farmhouses spread out between agricultural fields. Around one-third of properties sold are tracts of land. Some buyers have built more contemporary, New Traditional style homes on cleared lots. Dwellings needing renovation can cost between $40,000 and $100,000. Remodeled and move-in-ready homes range in price from $100,000 to $400,000.
Fishing on the Altamaha and camping at Bullard Creek Wildlife Management Area
Hazlehurst has neighborhood green spaces like Guy N. Weatherly Senior Community Park and Buddy Span Park. The Altamaha River, to the north, is a favorite spot for kayaking and fishing. Locals can find catfish and bass in the water. Bullard Creek Wildlife Management Area offers camping and fishing opportunities. The 17,000-acre space allows hunting for game birds, wild turkeys and deer. Visitors require a license to hunt and fish. Residents also head to the local library for indoor activities. “We have story time and bingo. There is a family movie on Saturdays once a month, and we have lots of crafts activities. We have after-school activities for crafting and STEAM,” Miller says.
Staying in the community for school
All Jeff Davis Public County School locations are near the heart of the community, within Hazlehurst's city limits. Jeff Davis Primary is open to kindergarten to second grade; the school has a B-plus rating on Niche. Students in third to fifth grade attend the B-rated Jeff Davis Elementary. Jeff Davis Middle and High receive B ratings. The high school provides Career Technical and Agricultural Education pathways for teens.
Events in Hazlehurst
For one weekend in March, Highway 341 becomes lined with vendors selling second-hand items, antiques and food. The event, called Peaches to Beaches Annual Yard Sale, occupies several miles along the highway. In the winter, Hazlehurst hosts a family-friendly Christmas Parade.
Driving along Highway 341 and Highway 221
Jeff Davis Hospital provides emergency room services. Highway 341, known as the Golden Isles Highway, intersects with Highway 221. Both roads lead to more communities in Southeastern Georgia. Vidalia is about 25 miles north. Savannah is around 100 miles to the east. Brunswick Isles Airport, about 85 miles away, offers commercial flights.
Weather trends in Southeastern Georgia
Southeast Georgia has a long history of wildfires. The county is also at risk of tropical storms and hurricanes. In 2024, the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene resulted in loss of life and property damage.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
