The once-thriving county seat, Tifton, lost some of its vibrancy in the 1960s and ‘70s following the construction of Interstate 75. While the new highway improved area travel, it also made it easy for people to skip the city’s downtown. Officials were able to reverse the trend in the 1980s thanks to revitalization efforts, including turning the historic Myon Hotel into a combination City Hall and commercial space with room for apartments and retail space. Today, the city has more than 17,000 residents, many of whom work in the education and retail trade industries. “What I love is the friendly people,” says Melissa Brock, a Tifton resident and co-owner of Advantage Realty Partners. “Our community is willing to help each other when needed but will also respect your privacy.”
Tifton is a small town in southern Georgia with a population of about 17,000.
In the 1980s, Tifton's revitalization turned the historic Myon Hotel into City Hall.
1/2
Ranch-style homes with brick exteriors
Tifton homes sell for a median price of around $250,000, below the national median. "There has been an influx of out-of-state buyers," Brock says. "People sold their homes for a lot of money and looked at South Georgia for the climate, and then they saw they could improve their standing in terms of property for far less money." Colonial Revival-influenced homes are common, as are ranch-style with brick exteriors. Properties often sit on lots of a quarter-acre or more. Homes stay on the market for an average of 65 days. The city recently received a community development block grant to renovate houses in its South Tifton neighborhood.
Colonial Revival-inspired apartments can be found around Tifton.
Ranch homes are the primary housing style in Tifton.
1/2
Easy access to Interstate 75
Interstate 75 runs through the city's western section, connecting drivers to Atlanta around 180 miles north, while Athens is about 40 miles west. "There's some traffic around the interstate, but you'll never sit through a red light more than once," Brock says. "It's not congested, and there's not that breakneck, frenetic pace."
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has domestic and international flights to many destinations. Residents who want to save travel time can use Southwest Georgia Regional Airport, about 45 miles away, with daily flights to Hartsfield-Jackson. The Tift Lift Transit System provides public transportation to Tift County residents. Tift Regional Medical Center is an acute care facility.
Tift County Schools gets a B-plus grade
Students are served by Tift County Schools, which scores a B-plus grade from Niche. The district serves around 7,500 students across 11 schools. G.O. Bailey Elementary School has an individual B-plus grade. The city is home to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, known locally as ABAC, which helps maintain amenities across town.
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College helps maintain Tifton's agricultural history.
G.O. Bailey Elementary School in Tifton, GA serves over 500 students.
1/2
Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival has food and live music
The city holds many annual events, including the Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival, a March event that revolves around live music and a barbecue competition. On New Year’s Eve, the city drops not a ball, but a lit-up cartoon gnat named Matt, at the stroke of midnight.
The Georgia Museum of Agriculture was created around a 19th-century farm, while the 650-seat Tift Theatre has been open since 1937 and hosts Broadway shows, concerts and film screenings.
Tifton features a vast amount of well kept active farmland thanks to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and is home to the Georgia Museum of Agriculture.
The Tift Theatre has been hosting Broadway shows in Tifton since the 1930s.
1/2
Main Street has local shops and restaurants
After its rejuvenation, downtown Tifton’s Main Street was filled with boutique stores and food options, especially Southern restaurants and bakeries. Tifton Mall, an outdoor shopping center that houses brand-name retail stores and chain restaurants, is on the west end of the city off I-75.
Residents can go shopping at the Tifton Mall which features big-box retailers including TJ Maxx.
Local restaurants and boutiques fill the revitalized storefronts in Downtown Tifton.
1/2
City parks focus on athletics
Many of Tifton’s parks are geared toward athletics, including Forest Lakes Golf Course, an 18-hole course maintained by ABAC students. The city also has multiple farms where residents can explore and purchase produce. Veterans Memorial Plaza and Amphitheater is used as a gathering space for events and concerts.
You can stroll through the Tifton Veterans Memorial Plaza or visit the museum.
Residents can ride their golf carts from their homes to the 18-hole course at Forest Lakes Golf Club maintained by the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
1/2
A moderate risk of tornadoes and hurricanes
Tifton’s violent crime and property crime rates have slightly dropped in recent years. The city’s violent crime rate is below the national average while its property crime rate is slightly above the national average.
Tifton experiences four seasons, though its summers are long and humid and its winters are short but cold. Tift County has a relatively high risk of lightning and a moderate risk of tornadoes and hurricanes.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Kristinah Archer
Video By
Jarrod Bock
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
ERICA JENKINS,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Tifton, GA sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Tifton, GA over the last 12 months is $255,250, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Live Where Comfort Meets Style – Just Steps from It All! Step into this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom gem, offering 2,012 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space on nearly half an acre (.47 acres). Perfectly located just seconds from Tift Regional Hospital and close to top physician offices, convenience has never looked so good. No detail was overlooked—this home features
This beautiful home sits on 1.31 acres and backs up to beautiful Lake Wisteria. Plenty of peace, quiet and elbow room. The kitchen flows into the family room with a full bath in the hall. Bedroom/office area adjacent to hall. Master bedroom is downstairs with a full bath. Upstairs are two bedrooms and a full bathroom. Just off the dining area is a glassed-in porch for reading and relaxing with
Charming 3 Bedroom Home with a pool in a well established neighborhood. Nestled in a neighborhood thats close to town. Once you step inside you'll feel the warmth of home. The heart of the home is the kitchen complete with granite counter tops, with a breakfast nook and a separate dining room.. The home has three bedrooms designed for functionality and ease. One of the standout features of this
Fixer upper with great rental protentional! Over1,600 sqft that was built well and is ready for a new life! Property has original hardwood floors and was built as a store many years ago prior to being lived in for many years! Could make a great rental or even a duplex! Home will not qualify for FHA, USDA, etc
The Apex is a brand new apartment complex located in Tifton, Georgia, offering one, two, and three bedroom homes. This exceptional community is conveniently located near a variety of shops, restaurants, ABAC and other conveniences, making it a perfect place to call home. We are excited to invite you to be a part of our community. Don't settle for less than you deserve – come and experience the
Welcome to Magnolia Villas, located in Tifton, GA. Magnolia Villas is a 46-unit new construction development project for Seniors on an 8.62-acre site. Tifton is 100 miles south of Macon, 40 miles east of Albany, and 50 miles north of Valdosta in South-Central Georgia. Healthcare, retail, and education are the key economic drivers and employers. To learn more about our apartment community and
Offering a wonderful lifestyle for young professionals, families, and senior citizens alike. Tifton, Georgia is located conveniently off I-75 in Southern Georgia. Named for the second time as one of “The 100 Best Small Towns to Live in America” in 2001, there's a great balance of business and family to be found here.Enjoy this recently constructed apartment community featuring hardwood
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
