Albany’s Competitive Advantage

The Albany advantage is what helps businesses thrive here. Through our strategic location and rapid multimodal shipping, you can reach domestic and global markets with ease.

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Highways & Truck Transit
Truck Icon
Highways & Truck Transit

Business operations can reach 82% of the domestic industrial market and 79% of the nation’s largest consumer markets in two days via highway. Albany is bisected by U.S. Highway 19 and U.S. Highway 82, making the city the hub of Southwest Georgia and allowing state-wide access as well as a fast connection to I-75.

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Railroad Access
Train Icon
Railroad Access

Rail service includes Class I Norfolk and Southern (NS), with 7-day-a-week switching here in Albany. Georgia Florida Railway offers Class III service backed by the resources of the OMNITrax network; the railway’s 220-mile line extends from Albany to Northwest Florida and connects to NS in Albany and Class I CSX service in Thomasville, GA.

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Air Transit
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Air Transit

The Southwest Georgia Regional Airport, adjacent to the Pecan Grove Industrial Park, is Georgia’s second largest cargo airport by volume, offering the services of a UPS sorting facility onsite as well as a cargo parking apron. Two lighted runways include a 6,601-ft. grooved asphalt runway and a 5,219-ft. crosswind grooved asphalt runway. Strategic amenities include an upcoming $15.3 million FBO terminal and a 47,000-ft. asphalt apron with fencing and utilities. Three daily 35 minute Delta flights connect passengers to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta.

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Ports
Boat Icon
Ports

Atlantic ports within 250 miles or less include Garden City, Port of Brunswick and Port of Jacksonville. Gulf Coast Ports within 233 miles or less include The Port of Panama City, the Port of St. Joe and the Port of Pensacola.

It’s not a secret formula, but rather the result of nurturing environment hospitable to new and existing businesses, offering several assets.

Across the board, living and working in Albany-Dougherty cost less, with a cost of living that is 25% lower than the national average; a cost of doing business that is ranked #5 lowest among Georgia’s small metropolitan areas, and business competitiveness that earns #1 in national rankings.

In Albany-Dougherty, governmental entities, community organizations and industry, from leadership to membership levels, all work together to create prosperity. Pro-business ease includes consolidated planning and zoning, an expedited permit process, fruitful assistance in procuring incentives, and more.

Opportunity is always on the rise in the eighth largest MSA in Georgia, a state that is the 13th fastest growing state in the nation according to the 2020 Census. Vibrant economic sectors include advanced manufacturing, logistics and distribution, defense, corporate and customer care services and retail. Also, an established reputation for business and product quality opens greater opportunities every day.

A prime location on the Flint River helped Albany attract commerce back in the early 1700s when Georgia had yet to become a colony. Today, parks and a scenic river walk along the Flint are only the beginning of the outdoor fun that attracts residents and visitors. From a superb symphony to a lively skatepark, Albany-Dougherty has something for all ages and tastes, including one of only two accredited zoos in Georgia, a RiverQuarium, a cultural center listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an award-winning theatre and much more.

Lower costs of living and doing business

Across the board, living and working in Albany-Dougherty cost less, with a cost of living that is 25% lower than the national average; a cost of doing business that is ranked #5 lowest among Georgia’s small metropolitan areas, and business competitiveness that earns #1 in national rankings.


Pro-business ease and collaborative support

In Albany-Dougherty, governmental entities, community organizations and industry, from leadership to membership levels, all work together to create prosperity. Pro-business ease includes consolidated planning and zoning, an expedited permit process, fruitful assistance in procuring incentives, and more.


Robust diversified economy

Opportunity is always on the rise in the eighth largest MSA in Georgia, a state that is the 13th fastest growing state in the nation according to the 2020 Census. Vibrant economic sectors include advanced manufacturing, logistics and distribution, defense, corporate and customer care services and retail. Also, an established reputation for business and product quality opens greater opportunities every day.


An outstanding quality of life

A prime location on the Flint River helped Albany attract commerce back in the early 1700s when Georgia had yet to become a colony. Today, parks and a scenic river walk along the Flint are only the beginning of the outdoor fun that attracts residents and visitors. From a superb symphony to a lively skatepark, Albany-Dougherty has something for all ages and tastes, including one of only two accredited zoos in Georgia, a RiverQuarium, a cultural center listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an award-winning theatre and much more.