Albany vs Valdosta Which is the anchor of SW Georgia? (Columbus: college, bus)

[demonta4]

Which one of these cities are the anchor of the SW region of our state and which has a more viable future? Do you see these cities growing to be the next Macon or Columbus?

[Fountain-of-youth]

Albany and no

[Clayton white guy]

With its own T.v. market, cultural amenities, suburbs (Lee County), Albany, but with Interstate access I do feel like Valdosta is "catching up". In the future, who knows.

[midgeorgiaman]

Originally Posted by Fountain-of-youth

Albany and no

I concur. Actually I don't feel as if Valdosta is southwest Georgia though. Deep south GA, but not southwest.

[WanderingImport]

Valdosta is not SW Georgia. It’s South Georgia. That said, Albany is the economic center of SW GA and Valdosta is the economic center of South GA.

Valdosta is currently slightly smaller than Albany, but it’ll grow to be larger and more prosperous.

[Iconographer]

Albany is the anchor, albeit a very rusty one.

[demonta4]

Originally Posted by WanderingImport

Valdosta is not SW Georgia. It’s South Georgia. That said, Albany is the economic center of SW GA and Valdosta is the economic center of South GA.

Valdosta is currently slightly smaller than Albany, but it’ll grow to be larger and more prosperous.

Where does SW Georgia start then? Is Thomasville SW or South?

[scotthouse]

I know a couple people in Albany and they we were just talking of this the other day actually...

Def Albany area!

[demonta4]

Originally Posted by scotthouse

I know a couple people in Albany and they we were just talking of this the other day actually...

Def Albany area!

I do have a few questions about both of these areas.

1. Albany has a bus service but why doesn’t Valdosta have one?
2. Valdosta as a whole seems much cleaner than Albany, why is that?
3. Both have significant college populations but why don’t they take advantage of it concerning development around their downtowns (Both Albany St and Valdosta St are relatively close to each cities business district)
4. Why doesn’t Albany take more advantage of it’s river. Whenever I’m there it’s like an afterthought. I thought they would have a boardwalk like Augusta.
5. What is the main industry driving the economy in these areas.

[Shrimpngrits]

I'd say it's changing fast. Until recently it's been Albany, but the metro population of Valdosta is now surpassing Albany. This trend should continue, if not escalate.