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Valdosta and Lowndes County at a Glance

LOCATION
Valdosta is one of Georgia's southern most cities. It serves as the county seat of Lowndes County. The Florida border is only 20 miles south on I-75, one of the nation's busiest interstate highways.  Valdosta/Lowndes County is a popular spot for tourists.

LAND AREA
Lowndes County consists of 506 square miles and is situated in the Coastal Plain area of the state. Gently rolling plains average 220 feet above sea level. Valdosta covers 18.9 square miles.

CLIMATE
Moderate temperatures prevail in Lowndes County and outdoor activities occur on a year-round basis. Spring and summer seasons are extended compared to other areas of the United States. Extremes of temperatures are a rarity due to Valdosta's strategic location. High winds seldom threaten the community, while rainfall measures about 48.7 inches per year, and snow is a definite rarity. Mean temperatures: December-51.6; January-49.8; February-53.6; June-77.9; July-80.2; August-80.1. The current weather for the Valdosta area can be obtained from the The Weather Channel.

POPULATION
The 2000 census for Lowndes County listed 92,115, an increase of nearly 15% over the 1990 figures. The city of Valdosta has a population of 43,724. You may find detailed census information for Lowndes/Valdosta and the state of Georgia from the U.S. Census Bureau.

ECONOMY
Diversified manufacturing activities are concentrated in Valdosta. The economy of Lowndes County and surrounding areas are predominately agricultural. Valdosta is recognized as the trading, shopping, medical and business center for a ten county area in Georgia and Florida.  Lowndes County is home to the south's newest theme park, Wild Adventures.  The area is also served by an active Chamber of Commerce.

GOVERNMENT
The city is administered by an elected mayor and council with a full-time city manager. Lowndes County operates with a board of commissioners and county manager. A chairman of the commission presides over a three-member board.

EDUCATION
Valdosta State University, Valdosta Technical College, an excellent city and county school system, and several private schools serve local residents. Click the following link to view a map of the Lowndes County school districts. This link will show you a map of the Valdosta City school districts.

Vital Newcomer Information

CAR TAGS
New residents from out of state must purchase tags within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need proof of insurance, current tag registration, mileage reading and title or name of lien holder, or copy of lease agreement. Georgia license plates expire December 31st, and must be renewed by March 31st. Automobiles in Georgia are subject to the auto advalorem tax, payable at the time the plates are purchased. For more information call (229) 671-2579. Military personnel are not required to purchase Georgia plates if they do not establish permanent residence in Georgia, however, current plates from their state of permanent residence must be displayed on the vehicle. For more information call (229) 671-2579.

DRIVER'S LICENSE
Out of state driver's licenses are invalid once residence is established in Georgia, with the exception of military personnel and their dependents. A four-year Georgia license should be applied for immediately from the State Highway Patrol, located just south of Valdosta on Madison Highway (GA 31). Licenses are issued Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 9:00am and 4:30pm. A written test and an eye test are required if you have a valid out of state license. Sixteen is the minimum age for holding a Georgia license, although a learner permit may be issued at age 15. For more information call (229) 333-5385.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Leisure Time

FISHING
Banks Lake, some 22 miles northeast of Valdosta, affords excellent fishing. Located within the Okefenokee National Swamp, this 3900 acre lake produces exceptionally large bluegill and largemouth bass. For more information call the Okefenokee State Park in Waycross (912) 496-7366. There is fine fishing just minutes from Valdosta in the Withlacoochee, Alapaha and Little Rivers. Bluegill and redbreast promise a challenge as well as good eating. There are more than a dozen lakes around Valdosta, but most of them are not accessible unless you know someone who owns lake front property. Several fishing clubs offer members angling opportunities at Ocean Pond, White Water Lake and Pikes Pond.

HUNTING
Quail, duck, deer and wild turkey all inhabit Lowndes County. There is a season for each and both private and commercial land is available where you can hunt. For more information call Quail Creek Shooting Preserve (229) 333-2013, Paradise Hunting and Fishing Club 2292) 244-1634, or Indianola (229) 242-0903.

GOLF
A private and three public golf courses in the Valdosta area challenge both veterans and novices. Francis Lake Golf Course, located in Lake Park, is an 18-hole, par 72, public club. Francis Lake also has a swimming pool, tennis courts, pro shop and snack bar. Northlake Golf & Country Club is a lighted, 9-hole public course. Players can play 18 holes, as there are two tee boxes on each hole. There is a driving range, pro shop and restaurant at Northlake. Stone Creek Golf Community is located within one of Valdosta's newest subdivisions. There is a pro shop, driving range and sandwich shop. Stone Creek also offers golf lessons by a golf pro. Valdosta Country Club is a private, 27-hole layout located just north of Valdosta. Members enjoy swimming, tennis courts, dining facilities, ballroom and teenage room. Kinderlou Forest sets a new standard for golf in South Georgia. Designed by Davis Love III, Kinderlou is a traditional, diverse course that forces golfers to use every club in their bag. Members or guests will enjoy a memorable day of golf that only comes around so often.

CITY RECREATION
The Valdosta Parks and Recreation Department provides a wide range of leisure activities and facilities for an ever-growing population. Programs include gymnastics, racquetball, tennis, basketball, co-ed volleyball, football, baseball and softball, aerobic dancing, swimming, skating, square dancing and clogging, camping and various youth clubs. Senior citizens can participate in bowling, a travel club, exercise classes, bingo, arts and crafts, and more. The department also sponsors therapeutic recreation and Special Olympics for the community, maintains all the city parks and operates Mathis City Auditorium.