Thomasville, Georgia

In fact, Thomasville, located approximately 15 minutes north of the Florida border, is one of the 2001 "10 Cities of Excellence" selected by the Georgia Municipal Association and Georgia Trend Magazine.  Criteria for this award included technological innovation, historic-preservation, fiscal stability, recreational opportunities, education, youth development and citizen input.

Through city efforts, Thomasville residents enjoy the latest in fiber-optic technology, including a city-owned cable system and Internet provider service.

In the historic preservation category, Thomasville truly is hard to top.The community was recently named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the "12 best preserved and unique cities in the United States," the only city in the Southeast to receive this distinction.

Those wishing to relocate will find many distinctive properties on the resale market, from 100-year old homes in the historic district to new, upscale residential communities.A restored, historic bungalow dating from 1880-1930 can be found in one of the city´s revitalized historic districts for as little as $65,000. Opportunity also exists for new residents to build their dream home affordably, as property is abundant and reasonably priced.

For those seeking later-life options, Thomasville´s seven retirement and assisted-living facilities offer a clean, safe environment.Activity areas, libraries and social hours keep the residents in the "swing of things."Also, the reputable Archbold Medical Center is located in Thomasville, offering state-of-the-art medical care, as well as a trauma center.

Thomasville´s school system includes both public and private schools.All public schools offer high speed Internet access, Interactive Distance Learning (IDL), video-conferencing, and after school technology centers.Two institutions of higher learning are located in Thomasville, and they include the well-respected Thomas University, noted for its nursing program, and Southwest Georgia Technical College (formerly Thomas Technical Institute).

From antiques and upscale clothing to garden ornaments and quirky keepsakes, Thomasville features a variety of retail shops in the downtown area.The National Main Street Center, a National Trust for Historic Preservation program, honored Thomasville with a Great American Main Street Award in 1998.This award recognizes towns that have best revived their Main Street Communities.Main Street oversees the preservation and revitalization of the downtown area, and coordinates annual events such as Victorian Christmas (December).

More than 50 inns, homes and other sites (including the Thomasville Cultural Center, Thomas County Museum of History, Thomasville Genealogical History and Fine Arts Library, Hardy-Bryan House and Lapham-Patterson House) are included in the city´s Walking & Driving Tour, offering the chance to explore the community´s history and varied architectural styles.  The Thomasville Cultural Center serves as the area´s historic art center.  Formerly the Eastside Elementary School (circa 1915), the building was renovated and reopened in 1986 as the Cultural Center and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The Thomasville Entertainment Foundation features an annual concert season which brings acclaimed artists and entertainers to the state and to the Thomasville Cultural Center.  The six annual concerts feature both classical music and light entertainment.

The Thomas County Museum of History offers the opportunity to learn more about the area´s colorful history, from the grand resort hotels to vast antebellum plantations.  The Thomasville Genealogical and Fine Arts Library is the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states´ most extensive repository of family research materials.

Historic sites in Thomasville include the Hardy-Bryan House, considered the oldest two-story house in town (circa 1833-1837); and the Lapham-Patterson House (circa 1885); built in Victorian style and the former winter cottage for a prosperous shoe maker back in the resort days of Thomasville.  The Lapham-Patterson House holds an Annual Quilt Show in July.

Adding to the area´s Southern charm, 71 plantations are part of the Thomasville community.  Pebble Hill Plantation offers a glimpse into the resort era history when wealthy Northerners came to "winter" while weather at home was too treacherous.  Pebble Hill annual holds a Candlelight Tour in December.

From golfing to birdwatching, Thomasville outdoor recreation includes two area golf courses (one public, one private), Birdsong Nature Center (offering educational programs on wildlife preservation, as well as birdwatching trails and butterfly gardens), and Myrtlewood Hunting Plantation (featuring championship sporting clay courses, fishing and hunting).  In addition, Cherokee Lake and Paradise Park offer a look at the natural surrounding and rose gardens that locals and visitors alike have come to cherish.  One of Thomasville´s most famous landmarks is the Big Oak, a 323-year-old tree that is wider than Niagara Falls is deep, and the largest of its kind east of the Mississippi.

"It´s not just the obvious things that make Thomasville a great place to live," declares Chairman of the Thomasville Tourism Authority Roy Campbell.  "Since the 1800's, when Thomasville thrived as a winter retreat, the community has been a haven of friendly smiles and Southern hospitality.  We consider Thomasville 'a place apart.´"

Thomasville Parks and Attractions

Thomasville Trivia

Thomasville Demographics

Thomas County Demographics