Lowndes County, known as one of the fastest growing counties in Georgia, remains the home of Southern tradition, hospitality and character, embracing high ideals and uncompromising values.

Discover clean air and spectacular scenery, a mild climate, a wealth of adventure and recreational opportunities in every direction. Choose from a kaleidoscope of cultural activities and year-round entertainment. Visit Downtown Valdosta where there is always something going on. Whether it's art, literature, theater, music, dance, or intellectual stimulation, you'll find that special something in Lowndes County to enhance your own personal lifestyle.

World-class amenities coexist peacefully throughout the county's communities. Lowndes County, exuding a combination of high standards and "team spirit," houses several extremely well diversified communities.

Valdosta, known as the "Azalea City" is a blooming, thriving area that is a testimony to natural beauty and peaceful lifestyle - the very essence of the South. It’s been said the cream always rises to the top and it is no different here. Valdosta regally holds center stage as the county seat. Historically known as "Winnersville," Valdosta, home to the nation's "winningest" high school football team was officially named "Title Town USA" by ESPN in 2008. Strong athletic competition is far from this hometown's only outstanding hallmark. Valdosta, named a "City of Excellence" by the Georgia Municipal Association and Georgia Trend Magazine is recognized as one of Georgia's top ten best-managed and most livable cities and is a certified "City of Ethics."

Valdosta, designated as the premier city of the Metropolitan Statistical Area, serves as a regional trade area and retail hub for 11 surrounding South Georgia and North Florida counties and was rated 387th in emerging Metro Areas within the nation by Sperling's Best Places. Boasting a major leading regional university, airport and medical center, one of the U.S. Air Force's best bases, and the state's fastest growing technical college, along with a strong manufacturing base, the south's largest and fastest growing theme park and a proliferation of shopping and dining opportunities, Valdosta's attraction is clear. Fuel to a thriving engine, this diverse economic base placed Valdosta on the map as Georgia's 10th largest city, newest Metropolitan area, and first entrepreneur-friendly community.

Valdosta recently won the first Magnolia Award given by the State for outstanding achievements in the area of housing. A Habitat for Humanity Partner, Valdosta is one of only ten cities in the world to be certified by Habitat International as a 21st Century Challenge Community and host to the final Jimmy Carter Worksite. Aware that growth itself is not as important as the quality of that growth; the city of Valdosta is focused on preserving its charm while meeting the needs of a growing community.

Just on the outskirts of Valdosta lays an area rich in heritage, tranquility and recreational opportunities. Lake Park is a quaint community located off I-75 just 15 minutes south of Valdosta and minutes from the Florida line at the southernmost end of Lowndes County. Lake Park is home to 550 residents. The historical town remains the quiet center of the growth that surrounds it both residentially and commercially. It is an area that resonates a vibrant environment where residents enjoy countless sunny days on the waterfront. Year-round, you’ll find folks boating, sailing, fishing, socializing or merely relaxing on the crystal clear lakes for which the city was named. The area has many activities beyond the lake such as a historical museum, churches, social clubs, antique mall, golfing, sporting clays, hunting, fitness clubs and numerous festivals and parades. Lake Park is home to many national and local eateries, nightlife and has a large concentration of campgrounds and outlet malls. Being active and enjoying life is a tradition Lake Park residents take seriously. It is no surprize that South Lowndes County is the perfect setting for the county's new 55+ Active Adult Community, Southern Landing, now in development. With a refreshingly peaceful setting within an equally progressive community, you will find this "Florida-Georgia Gateway” to be an uncommonly affordable, superb lifestyle.

Quaint and historic, Hahira, is the epitome of the perfect, “bed-room community,” where 1,600 residents enjoy a “Mayberry” lifestyle unfamiliar to most. Hahira was designated a “Better Hometown Community” for the revitalization and redevelopment of the downtown area. Hahira has also been designated “Tree City U.S.A.” for seven consecutive years and has a citywide beautification program. Citizens have access to a historical downtown where they can shop and dine or choose one of five maintained parks to enjoy the outdoors. Hahira is an official golf cart community and all of one’s daily needs are within walking or riding distance from one another. Residents are able to walk or ride from their homes to downtown and shop for food, gifts, clothing, and do their banking. Hahira is a place where you know your neighbors and people still care about one another. Citizens enjoy nice parks, clean water and a safe environment. Excellent fire and police protection earned Hahira second place in the Governor’s Challenge Award.

As Valdosta continues to grow residents are finding Hahira an excellent choice for experiencing undisturbed serenity. Just a cobblestone’s throw away from everything one couldn’t ask for a better location, incorporating the best of 21st century amenities with the intimacy of your own private haven.

Where the Past Meets the Future

First inhabited by the Creek and Seminole Indians, the area opened up to pioneer families via a state land lottery in 1820. Lowndes County was established in 1825, and the county seat of Troupville, was renamed Valdosta in 1860 as the city was moved four miles, becoming the regional railroad junction and strategically ensuring future prosperity.

Which a rich agricultural heritage, the county became known as the “world’s inland capital,” famous for Sea Island cotton. Pecans, peanuts and tobacco emerged as the crops of choice, following the boll weevil devastation in the early 1900’s. Harvesting the abundant pine forests natural to the area opened up the timber industry, providing revenue sources of turpentine, pulpwood and lumber. Agricultural continues to be a significant economic force in Lowndes County.

Valdosta’s business district experienced tremendous growth from 1890 through the 1920’s. The Valdosta Bottling Company became the second bottler in the world to offer Coca-Cola. By 1910, Valdosta was name the richest city in America in per capita income by Fortune magazine.

Today, Lowndes County is bustling with a renewed sprit. Aware that growth itself is not as important as the quality of that growth, the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners remains focused on preserving Lowndes County’s charm while meeting the needs of the growing metropolitan area. Valdosta’s Main Street Program, a program of downtown revitalization with in the context of historic preservation and economic development, was recognized for the 10th consecutive year as an Accredited National Main Street program. Looking ahead, holding the past closely to its heart, Lowndes County continues to strive to build a better tomorrow, assuring a successful future, filled with prosperity for its communities.

Preserving the Past
Valdosta Hertage Foundation is dedicated to saving and restoring the remaining historic buildings, homes, and districts of the city. Four National Register of Historic Districts – Downtown, Victorian Fairview, Brookwoood North and midtown Patterson Street - are included on the Valdosta Driving and Walking Tour, exhibiting over 60 cites. The Lowndes County Historical Society and Museum along with the Hahira and Lake Park Historical Societies and Museums offer opportunities for citizens and visitors alike to take a step back in time.