Oak Hill Reserve
Newnan, Georgia
Valdosta, Georgia
What It Is Like to Retire in Valdosta
Valdosta is a growing town of about 58,000 in south-central Georgia. A college town, it has everything from Valdosta State University to the revitalized downtown venues for dining, shopping and cultural activities. The 'Dosta Playhouse, to the largest Arts Center in the region, Moody Air Force Base, wonderful healthcare with a regional Medical Center, low cost of living and very affordable housing and taxes. You will like the Spanish Moss that adorns the majestic Live Oak trees in Valdosta. Racial mix is typical of many Georgia towns, a diverse 50/50 white/African-American with a smattering of minorities. Some discussion on various forums indicate that bi-racial couples would feel at home here - the town is getting a reputation for being tolerant, aided no doubt by the presence of a university and Air Force base. Average age is a young 28, no doubt influenced by students from the University.
Where to Retire in Valdosta and Home Prices
Valdosta and surrounding towns have an active program to attract retirees to the region, Triple Crown Hometowns. Many will come here attracted by the mild winters, low cost of living, and plentiful land.
In mid-2021, the median home value in Valdosta was $140,246 according to Zillow.com
What Is Special about Valdosta
Valdosta not only has a beautiful name but it has a beautiful downtown to match. This is a good example of a southern town that has capitalized on its wealthy past and restored that infrastructure to compete in today's retirement market. Valdosta State University's 7000 students help keep things lively as well. Low cost of living.
What Is Not Special about Valdosta
Crime rate is high like in many southern towns of this size. Some parts of the downtown seem depressed with empty storefronts. It is fairly remote although within 2 hours you can be in Jacksonville or Tallahassee.
Who Will Like Retirement in Valdosta
People who want to live in a college town in the south, attracted by mild winters and lower cost of living. The population is about 50% African-American and 50% white and Hispanic.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Valdosta State University and its 7000 students are an important driver of the Valdosta economy, along with construction and Moody Air Force Base.
Climate and Physical Environment
Valdosta is near Georgia's southern border with Florida, in the (east-west) center of the state. Tallahassee, Atlanta, and Jacksonville are roughly equidistant
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The "Dosta Playhouse and the largest cultural arts center in the region contribute to Valdosta culture. Valdosta State University is also a center of local culture.
Crime
Crime in Valdosta is about a third higher than the national average.
Medical facilities
Smith Norview Hospital and South Georgia Medical Center are here in Valdosta
Transportation
Valdosta is quite near Interstate Highway 75. There are some regional airports but the nearest big ones are within 100 miles at Jacksonville and Tallahassee.
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