Living a College Town Lifestyle in Valdosta, Georgia

A college town, it has everything from Valdosta State University to the revitalized downtown venues for dining, shopping and cultural activities. Valdosta is a growing town of about 50,000 in south-central Georgia. From the 'Dosta Playhouse, to the largest Arts Center in the region, Moody Air Force Base, wonderful healthcare with a regional Medical Center, and low cost of living, there is indicatively a lot to love about this town.

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.

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.

Valuable Links

Georgia retirement guide
City-Data guide to Valdosta

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