Sylvester's downtown offers retail and restaurants, plus events
The South Georgia city of Sylvester features a historic downtown with plenty of dining and shopping, along with parks and outdoor attractions in the greater community. Incorporated in the 1890s, the Worth County seat has long been a center for agriculture, earning the moniker of “Peanut Capital of the World.” This former peanut-processing hub still has the crop growing on its outskirts, and the community honors its heritage by hosting the annual Georgia Peanut Festival in downtown at T.C. Jeffords Park. The town is also within commuting distance of job centers in Albany. “[Sylvester] has kind of been frozen for many decades, and it's on the cusp of waking up and growing,” says Lisa Davis, the owner of The Brokerage Real Estate Co., which is based in Sylvester. “It’s a decent time to be a part of that community because you do have a walkable downtown, a lot of undeveloped areas [and] some properties downtown that are yet to be developed.”
Various home styles to pick from at a lower median price point
Homes can vary from ranch-style houses and New Traditionals to Colonial Revivals and Victorians. Single-family homes closer to downtown are typically located on gridded streets with large lots and lawns accented by oak trees. Properties with more acreage are generally farther from downtown. The median housing price is $175,000, lower than the national and state figures. However, depending on the condition and size of the home, costs can range from just above $50,000 to $500,000. Land is also available. “Sylvester is still a small town," Davis says. "You can move there and hunker down and have a small Mayberry feel if that is what you're looking for." She also notes that people moving to Sylvester typically want more space or to be closer to family.
Students can attend schools in the Worth County School District
Students are served by the Worth County School District, rated a B-minus on Niche. They can start at Worth County Primary School for kindergarten through second grade and then attend Worth County Elementary, both earning B ratings. They can continue to the C-plus-rated Worth County Middle, followed by Worth County High School, which has a B-minus and offers career-focused courses in computer science, business and agriculture.
Multiple parks, farms and the Georgia Peanut Festival entertain locals
Sylvester has numerous green spaces, including T.C. Jeffords Park, featuring a playground, tennis courts and a stage for free concerts. The park is also the host site for the Georgia Peanut Festival every October, which includes a parade, a pageant and live music. Residents enjoy Gervaise Lawhorne Park for its picnic shelters and walking track, while Curtis T. Shipp Park attracts sports enthusiasts with its sports courts and baseball diamond. A splash pad is located on Kelly Street, but it's only open seasonally.
A&M Farms, northeast of downtown, hosts family-friendly events and has attractions that include a petting zoo. The Pineknoll Country Club's golf course is open to the public and offers a nine-hole, 3,200-yard layout.
Dining and shopping in downtown, with larger retailers nearby
Restaurants are concentrated downtown along Main Street, Franklin Street and Front Streets, featuring a mix of chains and local spots. The Palace Restaurant and Bar serves seafood, sandwiches and steaks. Uncle Bill’s Pizzeria offers wings and pasta alongside its signature pies. Downtown also has several boutique shops, including the Kelly Street Market, which sells everything from furniture to home goods made by local vendors. It is also the home of Sunshine Coffee, which is open for breakfast and lunch. Walmart and Piggly Wiggly are on Franklin Street east of downtown.
Weather concerns in Sylvester
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood maps, the area is at risk for flooding. Severe storms and hurricanes can also occur.
U.S. Highway 82, an airport and health care are accessible
U.S. Highway 82 runs through the center of Sylvester and connects to downtown Albany, 19 miles west. The entrance to Interstate 75 is 19 miles east in Tifton. Southwest Georgia Regional Airport is 24 miles west but only has flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Sylvester has an urgent-care clinic, but the Phoebe Worth Medical Center, a 25-bed hospital, is on Isabella Street 1 mile south of downtown.
