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Warner Robins is A City of Character

Looking for a place to call home? Warner Robins/Houston County should be at the top of your list.

By Cara Sanders on September 14, 2021

Courtesy of Museum of Aviation Foundation
Courtesy of Museum of Aviation Foundation

Known as “Home of Planes, Trains and Heroes,” life in Warner Robins is as easy as ABC where residents enjoy an active lifestyle, booming business community and cultural offerings for the whole family.

Named for Brig. Gen. Augustine Warner Robins, who helped shape the Air Force system of logistics, the fast-growing city is home to Robins Air Force Base and has a population of nearly 80,000. Mayor Randy Toms grew up in the city he now leads.

“When I was a kid, it seemed very small because it was,” he laughs. “To watch the growth has been pretty amazing.”

Toms cites great schools, a talented workforce, lower cost of living and state-of-the-art recreational facilities as strong draws.

“We focus on family,” explains the mayor. “We genuinely have one of the best school systems in the state of Georgia. The people are friendly, and it’s just a fun city to live in or visit.”

Family takes hike in woods in warner robins ga
Courtesy of Museum of Aviation Foundation

Staying Active is Easy Here

From organized athletics to robust recreational offerings, Warner Robins is a hub of activity. As headquarters for the Southeast Regional Little League and home to high schools that consistently produce elite athletes, Warner Robins has earned its reputation as a sports town.

Toms says it’s important to make sure everyone in the community has access to outstanding equipment and facilities. “Over the last seven years, we’ve made a $30 million investment in parks and recreation,” he notes.

Jarred Reneau, director of Warner Robins Parks and Recreation, says his department focuses on having facilities and programming for all ages, interests and abilities – from summer camps and organized youth sports programs to flag football, wheelchair basketball, yoga and ceramics for adults. The city also offers a municipal golf course and new tennis venue.

“We just built 22 tennis courts in partnership with the Houston County Board of Education,” Reneau says. “It’s phenomenal,” he adds of the facility featuring two championship courts, dressing rooms and lighting for evening play.

Courtesy of Museum of Aviation Foundation
Courtesy of Museum of Aviation Foundation

In spring 2021, the city opened the doors on the North Houston Sports Complex. Spanning 67 acres, the $18 million facility includes basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts, softball fields, indoor walking track, fitness areas and activity and meeting rooms.

And more is on the way – an inclusive playground, swim facility, outdoor pickleball courts and other attractions are in the design phase. “We’re always continuing to grow for the well-being of the community and individuals,” Reneau explains.

A Warner Robins native, Reneau recalls growing up with one gym.

“Now we can offer so much to our kids and host so many events. It not only adds to the quality of life for our citizens but is also an economic engine for the community,” he says proudly.

Warner Robins GA
Courtesy of Museum of Aviation Foundation

Smart Growth is a Priority 

Toms says the city is working hard to ensure infrastructure and amenities keep pace with demand, from housing starts and workforce development

to sewer lines and broadband access.

Robins AFB is the largest industrial complex in the state of Georgia. The military installation is home to 54 mission partners covering five major commands and three wings. Having that type of expertise in a community is invaluable to smart growth – both figuratively and literally.

“We’re partnering with Robins AFB and Middle Georgia State University to bring students in to teach them computer engineering,” Toms says of growing a 21st century workforce.

The opportunity is part of Project Synergy, which unveiled nearly 43,000 square feet of classroom, training, software development and secure lab space in March 2021.

He also notes Warner Robins landed the first Georgia location of Texas-based Buc-ee’s. A boon to both business and tourism, the huge travel center is expected to draw more than 8,000 cars a week off the interstate. Tapping into that potential, Toms says the city is planning a visitor’s center and Vietnam Veterans Memorial nearby.

Courtesy of Museum of Aviation Foundation
Courtesy of Museum of Aviation Foundation

Cultural Offerings for Everyone

Home to the popular Museum of Aviation, the city’s proud rail history is on display along Historic Depot Row. Learn more about the heroes and heritage of Warner Robins with a stop at the E.L. Greenway Welcome Center Train Depot. This National Historic site houses the Georgia Artisan Center and features community information.

Fireworks over Warner Robins
Courtesy of Museum of Aviation Foundation

Mayor Toms also touts the city’s many festivals as a major draw, particularly the annual Independence Day celebration. “We have one of the best fireworks shows in the Southeast,” he states, adding Jimmy Allen is just the latest star to headline the weekend event.

“We have a really special community,” sums up Toms. “We invite others to come see what we have here.”

If you’d like to learn more about the Museum of Aviation Foundation and plan your next trip, check out Warner Robins, Georgia: Home of Planes, Trains and Heroes.

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