In central Alabama's Alexander City, home to the 40,000-acre Lake Martin, water is a way of life. The 14,000-plus "Alex City" residents know all the best spots to swim, cast a line or sunbathe on the shore. "I was born and raised here, so I grew up on the lake," says Realtor Sam Spurlin, co-owner of RE/MAX Around the Lake. "I've always enjoyed boating with my friends and family and love the area's natural beauty." While Lake Martin is a recreational hub, Alex City's historic downtown draws shoppers and diners to locally owned boutiques and restaurants. "Downtown is beautiful," Spurlin says. "And while we don't have a lot of shopping, it has a couple of shops people love to go to."
The Alexander City 2024 Comprehensive Plan outlines the city's goals for the next 10 years, including designating areas for new housing, revitalizing the Avondale Historic District and creating a community town square downtown that would serve as a multiuse space. Alex City is the largest city in Tallapoosa County. Major employers include the Russell Medical Center and Prime Healthcare.
Explore the charming small town of Alexander City.
Enjoy the beauty that the lake lifestyle provides in Alexander City.
1/2
Lakefront living and historic homes downtown
The median home price in Alexander City is around $275,000, about $100,000 less than the national median. Historic houses, including Queen Annes, Colonial Revivals and Craftsmans, are mostly found downtown, while midcentury ranch-style and split-level homes are located across the city. Houses in communities near or on Lake Martin, where many homes have been recently built, can sell for over $1 million.
You can purchase your dream lake house and make memories with family in Alexander City.
Ranch style homes add a cozy option for Alexander City residents.
1/2
Fishing tournaments on Lake Martin and city events
Lake Martin is a focal point for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating and water sports. Many residents who live on the lake have a private dock, but the Alexander City Boat Ramp offers public access. Wind Creek State Park also provides public access to the lake. With Lake Martin's large bass population, fishing tournaments frequently take place throughout the year; the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation Tournament and the Jim Landers Memorial Tournament are among the popular annual events.
The city operates four inland parks and the public Lakewinds Golf Course. The Charles E. Bailey Senior Sportplex is a hub of recreational sports and hosts annual events Oktoberfest and Christmas in the Park. Downtown's Strand Park is one of the sites of the summer Alexander City Jazz Festival, one of the city's biggest events.
Toss a line at the lake in Alexander City and see what you can catch.
Rent a boat and explore the lake at Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City.
1/2
Applied science degrees at CACC
Alexander City Schools scores an overall B on Niche and serves around 3,000 students. Central Alabama Community College (CACC) offers associate's degrees in applied science, including automotive manufacturing, general business and nursing.
Further your education at Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City.
Benjamin Russell High School is a great place to learn.
1/2
Local boutiques downtown and shopping along Highway 280
Downtown Alexander City is a compact, walkable area of brick-clad stores, restaurants and local businesses. There's also a Piggly Wiggly downtown and the Alexander City Farmers Market, open Saturdays from June to September. More restaurants and stores are concentrated along U.S. Highway 280. "We just got a Publix, which is huge," Spurlin says. "Everyone is excited about that; we've been begging for 12 years. We also just got a Chick-fil-A a year or so ago." There is also dining along Lake Martin.
Take a shopping trip and explore the local stores in Alexander City.
Grab a delicious bite to eat at Jake's Restaurant in Alexander City.
1/2
Hot summers and mild winters
Summers are hot in Alexander City, and winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. According to First Street, the city has a major risk from heat. As of December 2024, residents had made public officials aware of their complaints about the city's water quality. Officials say this is partly due to Lake Martin's high temperatures, little rainfall and algae blooms.
Crime statistics for Alexander City are not readily available.
Birmingham about a 70-mile drive
U.S. Highway 280 runs through Alexander City, connecting with Birmingham about 72 miles northwest. State Route 63 and State Route 22 are additional major roadways. Tallapoosa County offers ARISE transit, an on-demand service with limited hours. Russell Medical Center is just south of downtown, and the Montgomery Regional Airport is 60 miles away.
Written By
Brennen Martin
Photography Contributed By
John Gibbons
Video By
Jarrod Bock
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Wanda Jones,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Alexander City, AL sell after 177 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Alexander City, AL over the last 12 months is $775,500, up 72% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Are you looking for a business opportunity with Hwy 280 frontage? Look no further. You have found a small parcel with opportunities. Features 0.44 +/- acre. Zoned B2 for your business needs.
Step back in time to this charming home from the 1930's. You will love the inviting from porch, original hardwood floors, vintage moldings and mantels. Oh and don't forget the kitchen sink! There is a bonus room across the rear of the home that has the laundry area and kitchenette. Plenty of room to have an office or third bedroom. If you love the look and feel of yesteryear this one is for
Nancy Pemberton
Key To Lake Martin & Surrounding Areas
(256) 480-9896
$299,000
Land
9.00 Acre Lot
Great business opportunity in a high traffic area. You can capture all of the US HWY 280 traffic. This lot is located just off Hwy 280, between Walmart and Home Depot. This property is the perfect location for a new business venture. Parcel is 10+/- acres, parking will not be an issue. Alex City is growing, and you can get in on the growth.Buyer to verify zoning, availability of city
Welcome to Crestview Apartments, where comfortable living meets everyday convenience in the heart of Alexander City, AL!Our apartments feature practical layouts and include essential appliances such as a stove, refrigerator, and over-the-range microwave. Each unit also comes with washer/dryer hookups, giving you the flexibility to create your own laundry space.Crestview Apartments
Property Id: 1352730Make this great house in Alexander City your home. It is a nice 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, with 2 car garage, large basement (not heated/cooled or included in square feet) with rollup door, and garden shed. Kitchen has granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Hardwood and tile flooring throughout the home - no carpet. Washer and dryer are in the garage.
Property Id: 1340857Adorable 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Alexander City. A covered front porch with ceiling fan welcomes you home. Small workshop and storage room on-site with a covered picnic area. New interior paint and flooring, with a great outdoor space and yard!$1600 refundable Security Deposit, 12-month minimum lease.Please do not visit the property without
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.