Over 200 miles south of Atlanta on the Georgia-Florida border, Valdosta — also known as "Azalea City" for its magnificent, citywide blooms — is home of Valdosta State University and is one of South Georgia's largest business and entertainment centers. "I've got about 57,000 nighttime residents, but my population doubles during the day. That many people come in for work, healthcare, entertainment, dining and otherwise," says Mayor Scott James Matheson, who's lived in Valdosta for over 30 years. In central Valdosta, the main ampus of the South Georgia Medical Center sits just a few blocks from Valdosta State University, two of the city's largest employers. Just beyond the city limits, the Withlacoochee River forms Lowndes County's western border. Though multigenerational families and college students once made up most of the city, Matheson says that's beginning to change as many families with young children move to Valdosta for its affordability and central location in South Georgia.
As of 2019, Valdosta State University had over 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
South Georgia Medical Center is one of two hospital providers in Valdosta, Georgia and surrounding Lowndes County, Georgia.
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New housing developments in Valdosta's northside
Single-family homes dominate Valdosta's housing market, and the median selling price is about $235,000, much lower than the national median. In the city's southern areas, a mixture of historic and midcentury neighborhoods surrounds the downtown area. In central Valdosta, sprawling suburbs from the 1960s to '90s can be found on either side of the VSU campus, featuring ranch and new traditional-style homes. There's also a tiny scattering of condominiums just west of the VSU campus. Most of Valdosta's newest developments are in the city's northern reaches.
Small mid-century homes are a common style found in Valdosta neighborhoods.
Traditional style homes provide spacious living on large lots in well manicured Valdosta neighborhoods.
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Four years at Valdosta State University
Valdosta City Schools earns a B-minus from Niche, and for Matheson, its IB program is the best educational track in the city. "It's our gold standard and a tough, tough program," Matheson says. Students can also attend A-rated Lowndes County Schools, which won the GAEL Vision Award in 2023. In the center of town, Valdosta State University is a four-year public college with an award-winning campus.
Valdosta State University students come from all over the United States, and represent a variety of backgrounds and interests.
Valdosta High School is a public school located in Valdosta, Georgia that has 2,238 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1.
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The busy fields and trails of Freedom Park
There are nearly 40 neighborhood and community parks scattered across Valdosta. In the city's northeastern corner, Matheson says the 250-acre Freedom Park's baseball and softball fields, cross-country trail and zero-impediment miracle field make it Valdosta's shining example of a green space. "On any given night, if you go out there, it looks like the center of our active world even though we have 40 other parks," Matheson says. Valdosta is also home to over four golf courses. Along the Withlacoochee River on the city's west side, Valdosta and Lowndes County are developing the 127-acre Troupville Nature Park, which will feature river camps and nature trails. In downtown, Unity Park and its amphitheater opened in 2022 and hosts concerts and food truck events.
The Vallotton Youth Complex offers sports fields and courts for Valdosta residents and organized sports leagues.
Freedom Park is a huge multi-purpose facility with something for everyone and is conveniently located near Moody Air Force Base.
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Downtown’s local businesses and Five Points’ big chains
Downtown Valdosta's streets are lined with locally owned antique shops, restaurants and breweries. The Georgia Beer Company here won gold at the 2023 U.S. Open Beer Championship for its De-Stress Express Stout. Since 2021, millions have been spent to improve building infrastructure and downtown restoration. "Whenever our county and city governments sit at the table with each other, we always say that in three to five years, you're not going to recognize our downtown," Matheson says. In the northern Five Points district and on the city's west side are familiar chain restaurants, grocers and big-box stores.
Five Points in Valdosta is a busy area with shopping and dining options.
The beautiful streets of Downtown Valdosta provide residents a great place for lunch or dinner.
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Live music at the annual Bluesberry Festival
When the flowers bloom in March, the Azalea Festival kicks off. For over 30 years, this event has brought hundreds of art vendors, musical acts and an antique car show into the city. In downtown Valdosta, the Bluesberry Festival pays homage to the local Georgia Beer Company's award-winning beer with concerts at the Unity Park Amphitheater. "It's 240 vendors and nonstop music from folks we've brought in from New Orleans, Jacksonville and everywhere else to play for those two days," Matheson says.
Murals add beauty to the buildings and streets in Downtown Valdosta.
The Unity Park Amphitheater in the City of Valdosta is a vibrant community hub located at the corner of Lee Street and Central Avenue.
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Valdosta crime statistics and weather patterns
According to the Valdosta Police Department, crime at the end of 2024 was 5% lower than at the end of 2023. Still, the city has higher violent property crime rates than the national average. The area experiences hot summers and mild winters.
Immediate access to Interstate 75
Interstate 75 runs through the center of Valdosta, connecting to Atlanta 200 miles north and Gainesville, Florida, 100 miles south. Traffic heading out of Valdosta is often light. Still, according to Matheson, traffic heading into the city can be heavy because neighboring cities and counties pour into Valdosta for work and entertainment. The Valdosta Regional Airport on the city's south side also makes hour-long flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. SGMC Health, a main hospital for the city, is located centrally near downtown.
Written By
Kaitie Lamb
Photography Contributed By
Kevin Willis
Video By
Edward Pokoj
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