Why Live in Fort Payne
Fort Payne, known as "Alabama's Mountain Town," is a small city nestled in a narrow valley between two of the region’s tallest peaks. With a population of about 15,000, Fort Payne is surrounded by national and state parks featuring miles of waterfall hiking trails, making it the second most popular tourist destination in Alabama after Gulf Shores. The local economy benefits from eco-tourism and manufacturing, with Ferguson Enterprises having a large distribution center that connects Fort Payne to larger cities like Huntsville and Chattanooga. Housing in Fort Payne includes modest, midcentury ranch-style homes, many on multi-acre lots with mountain views. The central valley offers a mix of historic houses, wooden cabins, and secluded homes on brow lots. Little River Canyon National Preserve is a notable attraction, offering hiking, swimming, and boulder climbing. DeSoto State Park provides additional waterfall hiking trails, and fishing enthusiasts can visit the Coosa River and Lake Guntersville, located 25 and 40 miles away, respectively. City Park hosts annual events like Boom Days, celebrating the town’s history with live music and free museum tours. U.S. Highway 11 serves as the downtown commercial corridor, featuring historic storefronts, local boutiques, coffee shops, art galleries, and a large antique mall. Fort Payne City Schools are highly rated, with an overall A-minus on Niche. Interstate 59 is the main route through Fort Payne, linking to Chattanooga 50 miles north and Birmingham 95 miles south. Summers are hot and muggy, while winters are short and mild.
Home Trends in Fort Payne, AL
On average, homes in Fort Payne, AL sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Payne, AL over the last 12 months is $266,000, up 27% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$266,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$270,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$158
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Last 12 months Home Sales
94
Median List Price
$285,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
27%
