Perry hosts new residents reception and expo amid population boom [Video]

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, …