The city of Valdosta has received national accolades, including: “One of America’s Friendliest Cities,” by Rand McNally and USA Today; ranked 24th out of 363 MSAs across the country in regard to the health and vitality of locally-owned businesses; Georgia’s “#1 Entrepreneur-Friendly Community;” and the “Best Place in Georgia” by the Georgia Planning Association. One of Georgia’s first “Cities of Excellence” and “best managed and most livable cities.”

Valdosta is home of Valdosta State University, a regional university in the University System of Georgia with over 12,500 students. Also located in Valdosta are Wiregrass Technical College, Georgia Military College and Valdosta High School, known for their award-winning football program in the U.S.

2018 Great American Defense Community – 1 of 5 in the nation that recognizes military communities and regions that help improve the quality of life for service members and military families.