When many people think of Augusta they make an immediate association with golf – and certainly, Augusta is very well-known for its rich tradition of hosting the Master's Tournament each year. Beyond golf, however, Augusta is also known for being a city that celebrates its rich history while also having a modern and progressive vibe. Augusta offers a cutting-edge arts and theater scene, an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, excellent live music, plenty of festivals, and lots of business opportunities too. Truly, in Augusta, you can have it all!
A Bit of Augusta History
Augusta was initially established in 1736 as a settlement by British general James Oglethorpe. Augusta was a pivotal and important site during both the Revolutionary and The Civil Wars, and because of the construction of the Augusta Canal in 1847, it was the second-largest inland cotton market in the world during the cotton boom. Nine of Augusta’s neighborhoods are on the national register of historic places and the city has many historic monuments to its rich history. From the cotton boom onward, Augusta has continued to grow and develop – always remaining a city that cherishes and honors its rich history, but that today is also a modern, vibrant city offering plenty of business opportunities, a welcoming friendly spirit and much to see and do.
A Few Fun Facts About Augusta
Read more fun facts about Augusta here.
The LGBTQ Community in Augusta
Part of being in a growing, thriving, and healthy community is feeling well-supported and loved by the city you live in. Fortunately, the LGBTQ community in Augusta has a number of community resources, including The Equality Center of Augusta, which is an interdisciplinary team of healthcare providers serving the LGBTQ community in Augusta and surrounding areas, offering a variety of mental and physical health services to the LGBTQ population. It also includes Augusta Pride, an organization which not only plans Augusta’s large and festive annual LGBTQ pride celebration, but which works year-round to plan events, provide resources, and advocate for Augusta’s LGBTQ community.
What’s the Weather Like in Augusta?
Augusta offers its residents the opportunity to enjoy all four distinct seasons. Augusta usually has hot and humid summers and cold winters. During the year, the temperature can vary from 38°F to 92°F depending upon the season. Typically, spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons in Augusta with spring bringing light breezes and beautiful blooms, and fall bringing crisp air and the colors of changing leaves. Augusta averages about 46 inches of rain per year, which is more than the United States average of 38 inches per year, but receives very little snow - around only 1 inch per year on average.
Can’t-Miss Augusta Events
Augusta Pride is Augusta’s biggest annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one that you won’t want to miss. With its motto “Love Still Wins”, this annual event seeks to ensure exactly that each year. It seeks to promote visibility and pride of the LGBTQ community, and also simply to have fun celebrating all that the LGBTQ community adds to the city. Come and enjoy the parades, parties, events, and entertainment, and be part of all that the LGBTQ community in Augusta has to be proud of.
The Master's Tournament is quintessential Augusta, and it is an event worth attending whether you’re a golfer yourself or not. The Masters is one of the four major championships in professional golf and typically occurs during the first full week of April. The Masters is the first major golf tournament of the year, and unlike the other tournaments which change location year to year, it is always held at the Augusta National Golf Club. It is truly a unique August tradition that you’ll be sure to want to see at least once.
The Best Neighborhoods in Augusta
Augusta doesn’t have one traditional “gayborhood” like some larger cities do – but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of wonderful neighborhoods to live in. A couple of particularly popular neighborhoods in Augusta include:
Located right off of U.S. 520, Lake Aumond is an Augusta neighborhood that is easy to get to, and very popular, particularly with families. Cost of living is reasonable, amenities are nearby, and there are many green spaces and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Those interested in this area will find a variety of home styles and price ranges to choose from. The median list price of homes currently listed for sale in Lake Aumond is approximately $218,000.
Montclair is a wonderful neighborhood for all ages, located close to U.S. 20. The neighborhood has many wonderful features but is especially well-known for the Montclair Neighborhood Pool, which includes both “adult” and baby pools, and unique features like spraying fountains. The pool hosts special events for the community year-round and is a great place to socialize and meet friends. The neighborhood also features a number of parks, restaurants, stores, and theaters. The median list price of homes currently for sale in Montclair is approximately $160,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Morris Museum of Art is a unique museum devoted to the art and artists of the American South. It was established in 1985 and was the first such museum of its kind. A visit here is sure to introduce you to the unique history, character, and story of the American South, and to be an interesting and rewarding way to spend the afternoon.
For 76 seasons, The Augusta Players, Augusta’s performing theatre troupe, has been entertaining those who live in and visit Augusta with big Broadway-style musicals! It is one of the oldest and best-performing arts groups in the area, and taking in a show (or several!) is a must.
Parks and Recreation
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is an area where visitors can explore the recreational opportunities and unique history offered by the Augusta Canal. The Augusta Canal is a historic canal fed by the Savannah River, which was once used to provide water and transportation, and power mills in settlements, homesteads, and towns throughout the area. Today, visitors can learn about the history of the canal, observe a restored working mill, and take boat tours that leave from the Discovery Center.
The Augusta Riverwalk is a multi-level brick trail that many say is the “front porch” of the city. As you stroll along the banks of the Savannah River you can enjoy a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and nightspots, as well as concerts, playgrounds for the children, museums, and more. It’s a beautiful way to enjoy some of the best that Augusta has to offer!
Augusta Nightlife
Edge Nightclub is a high-energy gay nightclub on Gordon Highway offering loud music, a lively dance floor, strong drinks, and video and light shows. You won’t want to miss your chance to join in on the fun!
The Capri Lounge is Augusta’s only retro piano bar. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, top-shelf cocktails, and a welcoming crowd. It’s a great place to sing some songs, have some fun, and make new friends.
Contact an Augusta Gay Realtor Today
If you’d like to make August your next home, there’s no time like today to get started you’re your search for the perfect house in a neighborhood you’ll love. To do that, you’ll need a realtor who knows and loves the city and can help you begin this exciting new chapter. Contact an Augusta gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
