Valdosta, GA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Valdosta, GA: What You Need to Know

Valdosta is located in southern Georgia, close to the state’s border with Florida. In the spring, azalea bushes bloom in profusion throughout the city, hence, its nickname: Azalea City.

Things to Do

Every March, thousands of people attend the Azalea Festival, a two-day event of entertainment, in Drexel Park. The Wild Adventures, a combination theme park, water park, and animal park, is a popular attraction. It was the setting for parts of the movie “Zombieland,” starring Woody Harrelson and Emma Stone. The park’s Splash Island features Bonzai Pipelines, a network of water slides, and Catch-A-Wave Bay, a 20,000 square-foot wave pool for splashing around. For art lovers, the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts is a must-see. It consists of six galleries showcasing regional and international works, including a large collection of East African art. 

Local History

Valdosta used to be called Troupville, which became the seat of Lowndes County in 1837. When the Gulf and Atlantic Railroad identified a site for its right-of-way four miles south of Troupville, residents literally moved their town to that spot to ensure its prosperity. They renamed it Valdosta, after Val d'Aosta, the plantation of former Gov. George Troup. Valdosta became the new county seat in 1860.

Cost of Living

Good things come in small “packages” like Valdosta (population: 56,457). The city’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 6.6%, 19.1%, and 22% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in Valdosta is $766. The Peach State levies 1% to 5.75% in income tax, which is fairly average in the U.S. It collects 4% to 9% in statewide sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Valdosta State University brings palpable energy to the city where the majority (61%) of residents rent. The neighborhoods surrounding the VSU campus offer an array of apartment complexes, houses for rent, and condos. Families looking for great public schools are better off in suburban communities such as Hahira and Lake Park. Hahira is the kind of close-knit town where everyone knows everyone. True to its name, Lake Park is known for its lakes and ponds, as well as parks and golf courses.

Schools and Higher Education

The city is home to Valdosta State University, founded in 1913 as a normal college for women. Today, it serves 11,211 students and offers over 100 majors in associate, bachelor, graduate, and doctoral programs. Valdosta’s 17 public schools have a total enrolment of 17,076 students. Among the top-ranked schools are Westside Elementary School and Pine Grove Middle School.