PERRY, Ga. — With Perry's population nearly doubling since the 2010 Census, the city is preparing to welcome newcomers with a special event.
Visit Perry will host its first New Residents Reception and Expo on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Perry City Hall.
The event is free for anyone living in Central Georgia.
The city's Economic Development Office expects over 500 new single-family homes to be built in the next year, reflecting the area’s rapid growth. Downtown Perry has also seen an influx of activity, with shop owners like Ivy Rhoades of Mossy Creek Natural noticing more customers.
Rhoades said she’s lived in the area since childhood.
“This is pretty much all I've had memory of,” she said. “I remember coming to Perry as a kid and there not being much down here, but over the years it has really picked up, which is awesome.”
Local business owners attribute the city's appeal to its small-town atmosphere and lower cost of living. Cossart Design's owner, Trish Cossart, expressed similar sentiments, noting the convenience of living in the area.
“People just come down and enjoy it,” Cossart said. “People moving into the community like the walkability, and they like the fact they can drive their golf cart. There are just a lot of things to do.”
The boom in Perry began a few years ago according to Maggie Schuyler, president of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, with more businesses establishing themselves in the area. She has witnessed this growth firsthand over her 17 years in the community.
“The boom really started in 2018 to 2019 — more and more businesses were coming to Perry to start their brick-and-mortar stores,” Schuyler said. “And since then, it has taken off. We have a running joke that if you want to buy a storefront here, you’ll be put on a waiting list. It really is that busy.”
As the city continues to grow, events like the New Residents Reception and Expo aim to help new residents feel at home and become familiar with all that Perry has to offer.
“They’re always doing great events to bring people to enjoy the community they live in,” Schuyler said. “It’s really a place people want to be.”