Albany, GA

Albany, Georgia

Introduction to Albany, Georgia

Albany is situated along the banks of the Flint River in Southwestern Georgia in Dougherty County. Pecan groves, farms and pine trees are still surrounding the city. The primary employers are the health care industry, education as well as the Marine Corps Logistics Base. The city is the commercial center for the southwest portion of Georgia. The well known entertainer Ray Charles was born in Albany.

History

The Creek Indians were the original inhabitants. They gave the region the name "Thronateeska," the term for the local flint. In 1836 Nelson Tift, from Connecticut, created a settlement near the Flint River. He chose the name Albany since the New York state capital named Albany was also situated near the navigable head of a river. Cotton production was thriving and the town became a primary transportation center. Steamboats moved the cotton to other regions. Later, it became a prominent railroad station.

In 1841 and 1925 the town experienced severe flooding caused by the Flint River. In 1942, the construction began for an Army Air Corp training base. It was later given to the US Navy and was shut down in 1974. Miller Brewing company bought a portion of the land to construct a brewing facility. In 1951 the Marine Corps constructed a huge base in the outskirts of the town.

Museums and the Arts

• Albany Ballet Theater.
• Albany Civic Center.
• Flint Riverquarium was constructed around a large blue hole spring.
• Albany Civil Rights Movement Museum provides information and memorabilia regarding the notable Movement of the 1960's.
• Thronateeska Heritage Center.
• Albany Museum of Art features a large collection of sub-Sarahan African artwork and other art collections.
• Georgia Artists Guild of Albany.
• The Albany Symphony Orchestra.
• The Albany Concert Association offers well known national and international entertainers.
• Theatre Albany hosts plays and musicals.

Historic Sites

There are a large number of Registered Historic Places in Albany including the Albany Municipal Auditorium, Carnegie Library of Albany, Rosenberg Brother's Department Store, John A. Davis House, Albany Railroad Depot Historic District and the Old St. Teresa's Catholic Church.

Activities and Sports

Lake Chehaw provides opportunities for fishing and boating. The Parks at Chehaw form a large recreational center which includes a wild animal park, a huge play area, a biking area and a variety of ecosystems. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the numerous golf courses located in Albany. The South Georgia Peanuts baseball team plays in the South Coast League. The South Georgia Wildcats play arena football games. The Albany James H. Gray Civic Center is a large facility which hosts basketball games, ice shows, rodeos, wrestling and other events.

Transportation

The city is served by the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport.

Higher Education

Albany State University and Darton College are located in the city.

High Points

Albany strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Georgia):

Category	Trophy
Short Commute Times (vs. State)	Top 8%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 12%
Affordability of Property Taxes (vs. Peers)	Top 15%
Public Transportation Use (vs. State)	Top 19%

Comparative Profile of Albany, GA

Comparing Albany to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Georgia (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Female Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Senior Citizens
Racial Diversity
Well-Paid Single Women
Age of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Male Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
People Living Alone
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Albany Almanac

Albany Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Albany Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Albany, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Albany Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Albany Hospitals

PHOEBE PUTNEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
(Government - Hospital District or Authority)
417 THIRD AVE
(229) 883-1800
Emergency Service: Yes

PALMYRA MEDICAL CENTERS
(Proprietary)
2000 PALMYRA RD BOX 1908
(229) 434-2000
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Albany

Wal-Mart in Albany

Albany High Schools (2004)

WESTOVER HIGH SCHOOL
2600 PARTRIDGE DRIVE
229-431-3320
Serves 1,334 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 19.4

DOUGHERTY COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
1800 PEARCE AVENUE
229-431-3310
A Title I school.
Serves 1,184 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 18.3

MONROE HIGH SCHOOL
900 LIPPITT DRIVE
229-431-3316
A Title I school.
Serves 1,053 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 15.9

ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL
801 RESIDENCE AVENUE
229-431-3300
A Title I school.
Serves 789 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 14.2

Albany Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Albany State University

Albany Technical College

Darton College

(List of All Georgia Colleges)

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