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Waycross, GA

Frequently asked questions

Waycross, GA

Waycross is the county seat of, and only incorporated city in, Ware County in the U.S. state of Georgia. The population was 13,942 in the 2020 census.

Waycross includes two historic districts (Downtown Waycross Historic District and Waycross Historic District) and several other properties that are on the National Register of Historic Places, including the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse, Lott Cemetery, the First African Baptist Church and Parsonage, and the Obediah Barber Homestead (which is seven miles south of the city).

Waycross is located at 31°12′50″N 82°21′18″W (31.213860, -82.354911) and is the closest city to the Okefenokee Swamp.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.7 square miles (30 km²), of which 11.7 square miles (30 km²) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km²) (0.17%) is water. The closest major city is Jacksonville, Florida, which is roughly 81 miles away.

In May 2010, the city purchased the Bandalong Litter Trap and installed it in Tebeau Creek, a tributary of the Satilla River. The trap was invented in Australia but is manufactured in the United States. Although the city has maintained good standing with the state's Environmental Protection Division, the city wanted to take action to reduce the amount of human-generated trash entering the Satilla River and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue said, "Water is one of Georgia's most important and precious resources... the litter trap installed by Waycross is a model of stewardship for the state and the nation." The Satilla River litter trap is the first in Georgia and only the second in the nation.

Part of Waycross was situated in Pierce County, but effective July 1, 2015, Waycross was no longer located nor allowed to be located in Pierce County. State Rep. Chad Nimmer introduced HB 523 during the 2015 Legislative Session without providing the required statutory notice to the City of Waycross. HB 523 de-annexed the portion of Waycross located in Pierce County and prevents the City of Waycross from coming back into Pierce County.

In terms of health and wellness, Waycross is committed to providing its residents with access to quality healthcare services. The city is home to Memorial Satilla Health which provides comprehensive healthcare services, including wellness check-ups and specialized treatments. At the Waycross Health & Wellness Center, you can participate in various fitness classes and wellness programs. CrossFit is perfect for high-intensity workouts and strength training. Waycross YMCA features swimming, fitness classes, and sports leagues. The Okefenokee Swamp Park provides a natural setting for outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching, promoting both physical fitness and mental well-being. 1831 Garden Center allows residents to purchase plants, flowers, and hanging baskets for home decoration as a form of hobby and stress relief. Awakening Yoga Studio offers regular yoga classes to enhance flexibility and reduce stress.

Top sites in Waycross, GA include Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Okefenokee Heritage Center, and Laura S. Walker State Park.

Population: 13,942. Elevation: 131 ft (40 m). Area: 11.96 sq mi (30.97 km²). ZIP Code: 31501. Area Code: 912.

FAQs

What is Waycross, GA is known for?

Other historical facts about Waycross include being the childhood home of Pernell Roberts, Gram Parsons, and Ozzie Davis, the birthplace of Burt Reynolds, and home to two of the largest frozen food industries in the country. Waycross-Ware County is a place of business and industrial development and southern hospitality. Visitors can enjoy learning more about the history of our area by stopping at the Visitor Center to pick up a Historic Walking Tour Booklet and taking a stroll Downtown. 

Is Waycross, GA a good place to live?

Waycross is in Ware County. Living in Waycross offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. Many retirees live in Waycross and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Waycross are above average.

What kind of town is Waycross, GA?

Waycross and Ware County is located in the heart of beautiful Southeast Georgia at the northern tip of the Okefenokee Swamp Wildlife Refuge. Waycross is a nationally recognized Main Street City filled with Southern hospitality and charm. From the historic downtown district to the swamp lands of the Okefenokee, there is something for everyone. Experience traditional down-home cooking or elegant cuisine at one of our one-of-a-kind restaurants, explore the natural wonders of the Okefenokee, or visit one of our three local museums. Whether staying overnight or just traveling through, Waycross will be a place to remember.

Sources

City of Waycross

Wikipedia 

Waycross Chamber

Niche

Explore Georgia

Memorial Satilla Health

Waycross Health & Wellness Center

CrossFit

Waycross YMCA

Okefenokee Swamp Park

1831 Garden Center

Awakening Yoga Studio

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