Anniston’s industrial decline in the Appalachian foothills
The Calhoun County seat of Anniston sprawls across the low-rolling Appalachian foothills just west of Talladega National Forest, roughly halfway between Birmingham and the Alabama-Georgia state line. For years, this community was home to a thriving piping industry — it was once nicknamed “The Soil Pipe Capital of the World” — and a busy military base. But the country’s shift toward technological warfare and deindustrialization hurt the local economy. “It was very much a military town,” says longtime resident Anna King, broker-owner of ERA King Real Estate. “After [the fort] closed, it got to be very close-knit.” Anniston’s population has decreased every decade since the 1960s, a trend officials hope to stem with new developments like the 38-acre retail development, Summerall, and Katt Williams’s incoming movie studio, Kemet Movie Works.
Anniston’s station connects riders to Birmingham, Atlanta and regional stops.
Tree-lined Anniston streets feature sidewalks and welcoming front yards.
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The Freedom Riders National Monument in Anniston
The community made international headlines in 1961 when a bus of Freedom Riders protesting segregated public transit was stopped and firebombed by white supremacists. The site of the tragedy — formerly a Greyhound bus station — is now home to the Freedom Riders National Monument, a key stop on the Anniston Civil Rights Trail.
Freedom Riders National Monument marks the 1961 bus attack site in Anniston.
A vintage Greyhound sits as a tribute for the 1961 Freedom Riders attack in Anniston.
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Outdoor activities and nature spots around Anniston
Anniston has two golf courses, several recreation centers and about 20 parks. Railways-turned-trails surround the city center, giving walkers, bikers and runners over 50 miles to explore. The Chief Ladiga Trail winds through almost 40 miles of hilly farms, forests and wetlands between Anniston and the Alabama-Georgia state line, where it meets Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail, which runs another 60 miles east to Atlanta’s outskirts. Access to Talladega National Forest’s hiking trails, creeks, waterfalls and wildlife is off Interstate 20, about 10 miles from central Anniston.
Zinn Park offers shaded picnic areas and playgrounds in Anniston.
Anniston Municipal golf course is one two golf courses that welcomes year-round play.
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Median home price, architectural styles and environmental hazards in Anniston
The median sale price for homes in Anniston is around $170,000. Vintage 19th-century cottages and Victorians are scattered around Historic Downtown Anniston, often on the same street as early 20th-century bungalows and shotgun-style homes. Midcentury ranch-style houses and split-level properties are also popular. Tornadoes can occur anytime, but the season is from March to May. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to invest in insurance for wind and hail damage. Anniston has a history of water contamination stemming from a Monsanto plant that closed in the 1970s, but current contaminant levels are safe by federal standards. “We were actually known as ‘toxic town’ at one point. It was trouble,” King says. “But all that’s been cleaned up.”
Brightly painted wood-paneled homes in Anniston offer spacious porches.
Anniston homes sometimes showcase bold roofs and distinctive window designs.
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For now, the commercial scene is mostly in Oxford, less than 5 miles away
Pick 'n Save is the main grocery store in town. Staple restaurant Effina's serves authentic Italian fare on Noble Street, next to popular sports bar Rack & Roll Billiards. Most traffic comes through Anniston’s south side, so its commercial presence is focused there, where it borders Oxford, a small city with a popular mall. “Anniston and Oxford go hand-in-hand,” King says. “From my house, I can be in Oxford in 2 minutes, it’s just down the road.” Quintard Mall, anchored by Dillard’s and JCPenney, is the closest choice for retail therapy, only about 4 miles south of central Anniston. Oxford Exchange is also nearby, featuring various chains, from familiar restaurants like Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q to retailers like Old Navy to big-box stores like Walmart. The Summerall development will bring more shopping options, such as Aldi, to Anniston’s north side. Efforts to revitalize its downtown are ongoing. The main hospital, Regional Medical Center, is just outside downtown.
Exploring educational opportunities at Anniston City Schools
Anniston City Schools serves around 1,900 students across five schools and earns an overall C-minus on Niche. The community has only one middle school — Anniston Middle — and one high school — Anniston High — both are graded C-minus. High school students can explore fields of interest by enrolling in the culinary arts program and STEM programs, or even by working as a teller at the school’s on-site bank.
Walter Wellborn High School supports academics and athletics west of Anniston.
Anniston High School offers STEM and culinary programs for local students.
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Major routes connect Anniston to Birmingham and beyond
Anniston is just under 65 miles east of Birmingham and 90 miles west of Atlanta. I-20 is a direct route into both of their downtown areas, while U.S. Route 21 and 431 provide access to commercial and residential areas throughout Anniston. The Areawide Community Transportation System offers fixed bus routes with paratransit options; residents can ride the Greyhound and Amtrak. The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is almost 60 miles west.
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On average, homes in Anniston, AL sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Anniston, AL over the last 12 months is $235,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Space, privacy, and easy one-level living await in this inviting home located in a desirable neighborhood near Oxford shopping and Anniston dining. The level, partially fenced yard backs up to Camp Lee, creating a peaceful, private setting. Enjoy the outdoors from the large covered porch and patio, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, fresh paint, new carpet, hardwood floors, and
This beautifully preserved 100+ year-old property offers the best of both worlds—convenient in-town living with the feel of a private mountain escape. Situated on 1.65 acres, the setting is simply breathtaking, featuring lush, established gardens and winding rock pathways that create a serene, storybook landscape. The main house offers 4 bedrooms & 2 baths and is rich in character & charm.
Unlock an exceptional investment opportunity with this portfolio of 20 income-producing doors, all with tenants already in place. This turnkey package offers immediate cash flow, making it an ideal addition to an experienced investor's portfolio or a great opportunity for those looking to expand their rental holdings. The portfolio includes established rental properties with occupancy already
Welcome to 841 Coleman Drive! This spacious 3-bed, 3-bath home offers 2,208 sq. ft. of comfortable living space, featuring the rare convenience of two separate en-suite bedrooms. It also includes an adjoining parcel, bringing the combined total to approx. 0.72 acres! Inside, you will find a welcoming, light-filled layout perfect for entertaining. The crown jewel of the home is the panoramic
Unlock an exceptional investment opportunity with this portfolio of 15 income-producing doors, all with tenants already in place. This turnkey package offers immediate cash flow, making it an ideal addition to an experienced investor's portfolio or a great opportunity for those looking to expand their rental holdings. The portfolio includes established rental properties with occupancy already
Your search ends here! Move-in-ready all-brick home with endless possibilities inside!! Step inside to find a formal living room that flows into the dining room, creating a welcoming space for family gatherings. The dining room opens to an expansive great room with new LVP flooring, a gas fireplace & an updated kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, abundant cabinet space & ample
Welcome home to this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bath beauty in Oxford! From the moment you step inside, you'll love the spacious living room featuring gorgeous flooring and a cozy gas fireplace. The open-concept layout is perfect for entertaining, flowing seamlessly into the beautiful kitchen complete with a large island, gas stove, new refrigerator, and abundant cabinet space. Just off the kitchen,
Charming Home near downtown Anniston, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath 1,172 Sq ft. Additional room in the basement for all your hobbies. This is a great starter home or investment property! Close to downtown shopping and convenient to Quintard Avenue. Quiet neighborhood ready for its new family. showings are by appointment only, Don't delay, schedule a time to come see this beautiful home.
Unlock an exceptional investment opportunity with this portfolio of 25 income-producing doors, all with tenants already in place. This turnkey package offers immediate cash flow, making it an ideal addition to an experienced investor's portfolio or a great opportunity for those looking to expand their rental holdings. The portfolio includes established rental properties with occupancy already
Here's an opportunity to purchase a good lot to build your home on! Located near Blue Mountain Baptist Church, this lot is level, cleared and ready for you to break ground!
Motivated Seller! The historic Peerless Saloon is located in the heart of downtown Anniston, Alabama's Entertainment District. In 1985, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In its earlier days, The Peerless Saloon was best known for the whiskey served there, which was produced by the original owner. The saloon's most interesting feature is its massive mirror-backed mahogany
Don’t miss this beautifully maintained, one-owner home located in the desirable Mountainview subdivision and highly sought-after White Plains School District! This move-in-ready home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, with the spacious primary suite conveniently located on the main level and a half bath for guest. Upstairs, you’ll find 2 additional bedrooms, large full bath and a finished bonus
Indian Hills Apartment Homes. Tucked in the foothills of Cheaha and surrounded by trees, Indian Hills is a quiet, hidden gem located between Oxford and Anniston. This peaceful community offers large floor plans, affordable pricing and a welcoming neighborhood feel. Indian Hills offers cozy front patios, private balconies and large back patios, depending on the layout, perfect for relaxing or
Arbours at Cane Creek is an Affordable Housing Community offering Two, Three, and Four Bedroom Apartment Homes. Apartments feature full size Washer/Dryers, Built in Microwaves, and Sleek Black Appliances. Our community offers something for everyone with the Grilling Area, Splash Pad, and Fitness Center. Arbours at Cane Creek is available to those with moderate incomes. Please check the
Come and live in one of the friendliest apartments in Anniston, Alabama and surround yourself with lush landscaping, comfortable homes, and thoughtful amenities. Located on the corner of Coleman Rd and Greenbrier Dear Rd, near SR-1, Shadowood Apartments is just minutes away from the Oxford Exchange Shopping Center, as well as all of the shopping, dining and entertainment that nearby Oxford, and
Quiet, family friendly community. Units available now. Come find your next place to live. Please reach out to learn more! Electric and power will need to be in your name. All units no smoking allowed, no pets allowed.
Greenbrier Apartments complex is a thriving 100 unit conventional apartment community conveniently located on Greenbrier Dear Road in Anniston, Alabama, just moments from I-20. Greenbrier apartments in Anniston have spacious 1- and 2 – bedroom units and offer unfurnished and fully furnished apartments. Corporate rental is available on all units. Furnished units include everything from
Property Id: 1320872 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Completely refurbished Mobile Home. New Kitchen Cabinets. Full Bath Shower Stall, marble bathroom vanity; better than when it came off the factory floor. Roomy 14X70 with 980 square feet of living area. Convenient to HWY 231/43; Fort McClellan; Toyota Plant. Cedar Trace Mobile Home Park 924 West 49th Street, Anniston, Al. Calhoun County;
Property Id: 1320852 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Manufactured Home in nice quiet mobile home in Cedar Trace Mobile Home Park. Convenient to Fort McClellan, great schools.
This property is a must see. It is located in East Anniston & close proximity to the hospital and downtown. The house features 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, full kitchen, laundry room, breakfast room, and additional bonus/dining area. The home features, hardwood floors, built in shelves, and a fully functioning kitchen and full-sized laundry room.
As low as $2580 to move in and own (for qualified buyers)$922 monthly payment to own (includes lot rent)Lovely fully-remodeled 2 bedroom home, with 30-day warranty!Make it your own with our easy in-house financing (similar to rent to own).All Credit scores considered. Approval is easy, based on income/employmentPets OK!! 2-Pet Limit. No aggressive dog breeds or
2-bedroom, 2 bath house offers hard surface flooring throughout, living room and an eat-in kitchen equipped with a range and fridge. The basement provides 2 bonus spaces and laundry room. A small covered porch and rear off-street parking is available. No Section 8. Owner Must Approve All Pets.
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