The historic city of Bainbridge was incorporated all the way back in 1829. It was named after William Bainbridge, a U.S. Navy Commodore.
As a settlement that dates back to the 1800s, parts of Bainbridge are extremely historic, meaning there are some beautiful, classic buildings. Of course, the town has expanded a lot since then, so you'll find many newer homes and other buildings, too. Bainbridge is not only a picturesque place to live, you'll also find plenty to do in the area. While there's lots going on, it still has a small-town vibe and a neighborly feeling.
Moving to Bainbridge
Finding places to rent in Bainbridge is actually fairly easy. The percentage of renter-occupied homes is much higher than both the national average and the average for the state of Georgia. As such, there are more rental properties on the market, making it a breeze for you to find your ideal apartment or house to rent.
Due to this saturated rental market, it usually doesn't take too long to search for a home in the area. As a rule, you'll only need to start looking roughly four weeks before the date you want to move into your new property. However, if you have some particular requirements that you aren't willing to compromise on for instance if you want pet-friendly apartments or homes rented on a month to month basis then it could take you a little longer to find a place to live.
The amount of money it will set you back to move house is going to vary, depending on how much your rent is. Usually you'll need to pay one month's worth of rent right off the bat, plus a security deposit, which will be refunded to you at the end of your tenancy. That's just as long as you haven't caused any damage to the property.
Bainbridge Neighborhoods
When you're looking for a rental property in Bainbridge, it's a good idea to get a feel for the different neighborhoods. All areas of the town have their pros and cons, so which you choose to live in will probably depend on the size and type of property you want, as well as your personal preferences.
Whigham: Most rental properties in this area are small or medium-size houses, but there are some apartment buildings. It's a little way away from the center of town, but it's still fairly pedestrian friendly, with a number of amenities within walking distance.
Faceville: This neighborhood is quite far out from the center and has a rural feel to it. You will need a car to run most errands in the area. Most properties are smaller houses, but there are also a fair amount of static mobile homes.
City Center: If you're looking for a historic property, your best bet is in the city center. There are some townhouses for rent, but many properties in the area have been turned into luxury apartments. Of course, this neighborhood is close to the majority of shops, eateries (such as Port City Seafood and The Bean Cafe) and other amenities.
Life in Bainbridge
The weather is balmy in Bainbridge, so residents tend to take life at a more laid back pace, when possible. That said, there's still a good deal to see and do in the area.
Outdoor Pursuits
Bainbridge is a Mecca for those who like to spend their free time out of doors, whether you like to play sports or simply lounge in the sun. The area boasts a number of city parks that are open to the public year round. Some such as Bill Reynolds Sports Park are full of recreational facilities (including tennis courts, football fields and baseball diamonds). Others have picnic areas and barbecues and are more setup for general fun and relaxation. There's also the aquatic center, which is open during the warmer months. If you prefer your outdoor spaces more rough and ready, you could head to the nearby Silver Lake Wildlife Management Area or Seminole State Park, both of which are great for hiking and wildlife watching.
Bainbridge Little Theatre
The Bainbridge Little Theatre is a non-profit organization and amateur theater company. They tend to put on four to five different shows each year and auditions are open to anyone, so get learning those lines! Even if you don't want to get involved with the performance, these shows are always enjoyable to come and watch. There's also a focus on education and the company hosts workshops and classes for younger theater enthusiasts.
Historic Bainbridge
The city has a rich past, so it's a wonderful place to live for anyone who loves history. The historic district of Downtown Bainbridge is a great place to see some gorgeous old buildings. While you're there, you can visit the The Decatur County Historical and Genealogical Society Museum to get some more information on the town's past. The stunning Decatur County courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Town Events
Community is the watchword in Bainbridge and you'll find a whole host of town events going on throughout the year, some big and some small. The Riverside Artsfest is held in May each year and is a celebration of the arts. As well as exhibitions from local artists, you'll find some live musical performances and general merriment. Other highlights include the Decatur Fall Festival, Easter Egg Hunt and 4th of July celebrations.