Ocilla’s farming roots support a steady small town
Developed at the end of the 19th century, the small, peaceful town of Ocilla is the seat of Irwin County. It's home to nearly 3,000 residents who enjoy the area's rich agricultural history. "It's a very calm place to be," says Alex Hunter of Coldwell Banker Active Real Estate. Hunter was born and raised in Ocilla and has had a home here for nearly 30 years. "It's a big agricultural area and the crop varies here; recently we've had a lot of watermelons and other hand-picked produce." The agricultural economy helps support Ocilla's livelihood, which is enhanced by the thriving shops and restaurants downtown. Hunter also mentions how tight-knit the community is. "We celebrate everyone's victories," she says. "Even if you're not on good terms with your neighbor, we all come together to help people when we need to."
Oak and pine trees surround homes built over generations
The homes in Ocilla showcase the generations that have lived here. On main roads like Beech Street, there are more ornate Craftsman-style, Four Square and Neoclassical homes, but most of the community reflects the presence of the town's working-class families. These houses include Craftsman, shotgun, ranch-style and shingle cottages. Most homes sit on modest lots surrounded by oak, pine and palmetto trees. The median sale price is $165,000, but homes may be priced higher depending on their size and the level of updates.
Irwin County Schools earn solid B-plus ratings
Irwin County School District serves over 1,600 students and earns a B-plus rating from Niche. Kids may start at Irwin County Elementary before attending Irwin County Middle and Irwin County High. All three schools score a B-plus. High schoolers can consider career and technical education courses, including agriculture, engineering and business technology pathways.
Limited recreation with a nature preserve nearby
College Hill Park is the town's main recreation space, encompassing a large, paved walking trail surrounding a grassy athletic field. There are also basketball courts and picnic areas for gatherings. Ocilla Country Club and its private, nine-hole course are on the northern end of town. East of town, the Alapaha River Wildlife Management Area is nearly 7,000 acres of wetlands, hardwood forest and river access. Visitors can go fishing, hunting, geocaching and camping year-round.
Local eateries and nearby commercial amenities
Small businesses, churches, restaurants and municipal offices line the intersection of East Fourth Street and South Irwin Avenue. "We have a relatively active downtown area," Hunter says. Ocilla's Chamber of Commerce also helps keep downtown going. "They host local sales where people can put out their wares, and a popular flea market every Saturday," she says. There are primarily mom-and-pop eateries here, including Peck's Place, which serves American comforts and fried seafood, like the shrimp po'boy. Grocery options include Piggly Wiggly and Dollar General, but residents are less than 25 miles from Tifton's commercial area. The city offers stores like Walmart and T.J. Maxx.
Bi-annual festivals bring Ocilla residents together
Ocilla is known for two major events: the Georgia Sweet Potato Festival and the Prater Music Festival. The Georgia Sweet Potato Festival celebrates the community's agricultural background each October. Visitors enjoy a parade, classic car show, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks and a kids' entertainment area. In May, the Prater Music Festival celebrates the life of Ocilla resident, Dave Prater, from the R&B group Sam and Dave. The event offers a classic car show, talent show, food and craft vendors, and plenty of soul, jazz and R&B music.
Close to Interstate 75
Ocilla offers medical services right in town at Irwin County Hospital. Three major thoroughfares help connect car-dependent Ocilla: Georgia State Highway 32 and U.S. Highways 129 and 319. Highway 319 runs southwest to Tifton and Interstate 75, around 20 miles away. From there, residents can reach the nearest airport, Valdosta Regional, about 70 miles away. Savannah-Hilton Head International is about 150 miles away for more direct flights, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International is 180 miles from Ocilla.
