Perimeter Place
For lease1300 S Madison Ave, Douglas, GA 31533
Valdosta, GA
Valdosta is a regional center in southern Georgia, located in Lowndes County about 15 miles north of the Florida line along the Interstate 75 corridor. Known as the “Azalea City” and the “Naval Stores Capital of the World,” it combines historic downtown character, a major regional university, military aviation, manufacturing, and strong high-school sports traditions. The 2023 Valdosta metropolitan area had approximately 151,118 residents, making the city an important commercial and cultural hub for South Georgia.
Recreational Delights
Valdosta offers a mix of family attractions, trails, and waterside recreation. Wild Adventures, a 166-acre theme and water park south of the city, features amusement rides, animal exhibits, and Splash Island Water Park. The Withlacoochee River along the western edge provides opportunities for scenery, fishing, and outdoor exploration, while the Azalea City Trail and Valdosta State University Walking Trail System support walking, jogging, and cycling. John W. Saunders Park hosts community events including South Georgia Pride. Valdosta is inland and has no ocean beaches, but Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic beaches are accessible by road for longer day trips. The Lowndes County Civic Center adds an indoor venue for community sports and activities.
Culinary Scene
Valdosta’s food culture reflects South Georgia’s Southern and regional traditions, with casual dining, barbecue, comfort food, seafood, and nationally familiar options. Historic Downtown Valdosta is the city’s most distinctive dining area, combining locally owned restaurants and businesses with heritage architecture. The Five Points area offers a concentration of national franchises, local restaurants, and large retailers, while the Valdosta Mall district provides additional chain dining and shopping-oriented options. The city’s location near the Florida border and along I-75 gives its culinary scene a broad traveler-oriented character, serving residents, university students, military personnel, and motorists heading to Florida. Local agricultural history—including tobacco, pine, and naval stores—also contributes to the region’s distinctive South Georgia identity.
Demographics
- The supplied demographic profile lists a population of 150,188 for the Valdosta area, with a median age of 33.2—considerably younger than the U.S. median of 38.9.
- Median household income is $57,085, below the U.S. median of $80,734, reflecting Valdosta’s student population, regional-service economy, and comparatively affordable housing market.
- Valdosta is racially diverse; 2022 estimates reported approximately 55% African American, 35% White, 1% Asian, 2% multiracial, and 5% Hispanic or Latino residents.
Population
150,188
Growth 0.7%
Households
56,786
Growth 2.18%
Median Age
33.2
US Median Age 38.9
Median Household Income
$57,085
US Median Household Income $80,734
Sports
College football and athletics
Valdosta State University Blazers
High-school football
Valdosta High School Wildcats
High-school athletics
Lowndes High School Vikings
Independent-school athletics
Valwood School Valiants
Education
Valdosta State University
Georgia Military College – Valdosta extension
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide – Moody Campus
Entertainment
Wild Adventures Theme Park and Splash Island Water Park
Lowndes County Historical Society & Museum at the Carnegie Library of Valdosta
Lowndes County Civic Center
Valdosta Lowndes County Library
Quality of Life
Valdosta offers a relatively affordable, youthful, and regionally connected lifestyle, supported by Valdosta State University, healthcare and education services, shopping, recreation, and Moody Air Force Base nearby. Hot, humid summers and mild winters define the climate. Housing costs are comparatively accessible, though poverty and household-income challenges remain significant.
2022 Population by age
6%
0-4 Years
21%
5-19 Years
11%
20-24 Years
26%
25-44 Years
21%
45-64 Years
14%
65+ Years
Employers
4.9%
Unemployment rate (metro, ACS 2020–2024)
Employment sectors
Retail Trade
14.62%
Health Care and Social Assistance
14.25%
Educational Services
10.77%
Accommodation and Food Services
9.63%
Manufacturing
9.42%
Public Administration
7.21%
Construction
6.59%
Transportation and Warehousing
5.12%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
4.8%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management Services
4.4%
Finance and Insurance
2.73%
Wholesale Trade
2.36%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
2.33%
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
2.17%
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting
2.04%
Other
1.56%