Valdosta

Valdosta is a city in southern Georgia, United States, and the county seat of Lowndes County. It lies near the Florida border along major transportation corridors, including Interstate 75, and serves as a regional hub for commerce, education, healthcare, and agriculture. The city was founded in the 19th century as a railroad town on the Georgia Southern and Florida Railway and developed as an agricultural center with crops such as cotton and peaches.

Valdosta is home to Valdosta State University, a public university that is part of the University System of Georgia. The presence of the university, along with regional hospitals and a diverse mix of small and large businesses, shapes the local economy. Moody Air Force Base, located just outside the city, is a major employer and a regional facility for the U.S. Air Force. Valdosta Regional Airport provides commercial air service and general aviation access.

The city hosts a historic downtown and cultural venues, and is known by the nickname Azalea City for its plantings and annual festival. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters, supporting a long growing season for local landscaping and horticulture. Valdosta and the surrounding Lowndes County area offer parks, museums, and outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as a gateway to South Georgia’s agricultural communities.