Cairo, GA: The sweet "Syrup City"
Cairo is a small, laid-back town in southern Georgia that sits miles north of Tallahassee
Cairo, GA: The sweet "Syrup City"
Cairo is a small, laid-back town in southern Georgia that sits miles north of Tallahassee. It carries the nickname "Syrup City" not because of Karo brand syrup, but for its production of cane syrup in the early 1900s through the late 1990s. Actually, the town's name is pronounced "Cayroe," and it's not named for the Egyptian city. Cairo was the heart of the syrup industry in the entire state. Roddenbery's was a well-known brand of local cane syrup. Covering 9.31 square miles and with a population of 9,805 people and four constituent neighborhoods, Cairo is the 91st largest community in Georgia. Cairo boasts numerous beautiful streams, and its soil is perfect for growing diverse crops for long seasons. There are a lot of sales and office workers, service providers and professionals. The low cost of living in Cairo, GA makes it a very desirable place to live, but there are some neighborhoods that might not make the area shine in the best light. But if you can overlook those, Cairo is a great place to live and work!
Moving to Cairo, GA involves a great deal of planning, as you probably already know. While it is a small town, you want to do your apartment search research before you move, especially if you are moving from another state. If you fail to do the proper research, you may regret it in the long run. You could sign a lease and then decide that living in Cairo is not the best thing for you. Then it might be too late to go back. This is why it is imperative to make a solid decision before you move or sign a lease for rental housing in Cairo.
Low cost of living
You will definitely save money when living in Cairo. Compared to the rest of the country, Cairo's cost of living is almost 18% lower than the national average. Places to rent are generally less expensive than the US average, and utilities can be cheaper as well, although you must keep the hot and humid climate in mind. You might need to run an air conditioner to be comfortable in your home, which could really add up on your utility bill.
While there are many opportunities to rent, you could also consider buying a house in Cairo. The average cost of a home in Cairo is moderate, so it's very affordable to be a homeowner. But, if owning a home and paying a mortgage every month isn't your thing, you are sure to find a studio apartment or serviced apartments to fit your dwelling needs.
Rent-to-own?
Want to rent but still buy a house? There are many rent-to-own opportunities in Cairo. Whether you are looking for a land contract or a conventional house, there are many properties available in the area for you to choose from. Your monthly rent could be very affordable, and you would be able to own the property after a period of time. Know that things such as your credit score and down payment will factor in on any buying situation. Or, you could look into renting to own a mobile home in Cairo. They are more affordable and still offer a lot of living space.
Calvary: A remote neighborhood where you can find studio apartments, mobile homes, and single-family homes to rent. It's a fairly new area, as a number of residences were also built between 2000 and the present. But beware: Vacant homes are abundant here in Calvary, and the real estate vacancy rate here is 27.7%. This could be due to a high number of vacation homes in the area or the number of college students (there are a lot of colleges nearby).
Capel: Capel is a quiet, rural neighborhood where people pretty much keep to themselves. Located between Maddox Road and Broad Street, it's a laid-back area that is perfect for those who don't want to be bombarded with the city life.
Roddenberry: An area in the suburbs of Cairo. Home and apartment vacancy rates are 10.7% in Roddenberry.
City Center: A suburban neighborhood where mobile homes dominate the real estate. If you like living in a mobile park, Cairo City Center could be the perfect place to rent.
Cairo covers 9.37 square miles, so it's larger than other small towns. But still, it's pretty small! Manufacturing and the retail and wholesale trades are the top industries here. Perhaps the best aspect about living in Cairo is that mostly everyone knows everyone else in the town. More than that, though, is the fact that the residents genuinely care for their neighbors' well-being. If you need help with your car or advice on where to get the best takeout, chances are good that you will find it in Cairo.
If you're an avid fisher or hunter, Cairo is close to some great spots. The Ochlockonee is a wonderful place to catch some delicious Suwannee bass for dinner. You can catch many local festivals year round, including the Great Southern Antique Car Rally, which gave the town its nickname as Georgia's Hospitality City. Other festivals include Whigham's Rattlesnake Roundup and Calvary's Mule Day.
One thing about Cairo: It is hot! As in temperature, that is. Cairo has a humid climate that has been described as subtropical. So if you have frizzy hair, be warned! The humidity could wreak havoc on your locks. Conditioner will be your best friend. Another thing about Cairo is that they take family-owned businesses very seriously. The city's newspaper was founded in 1904 and has been owned and operated by five generations of the Wind family ever since.
You should know that residents of Cairo absolutely LOVE the Cairo High School football team, the Syrupmakers. (Get it?) The entire town pretty much shuts down during their games, and everyone has signs in the neighborhood that cheer them on. This team pride bonds the residents together, creating an even warmer living atmosphere.
