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.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
Photography Contributed By
Luke Mancari
Video By
Mark Barakat
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Reach out to
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On average, homes in Anniston, AL sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Anniston, AL over the last 12 months is $235,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
ONE PROPERTY. TWO GREAT HOMES. SO MANY POSSIBILITIES! Situated on 1.65 beautiful acres in a location that’s hard to beat, this extraordinary property is waiting for the discerning buyer who recognizes just how special—and versatile—it truly is. Live in the main house and turn the guest house into an Airbnb or long-term rental for additional income, create the perfect setup for multigenerational
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
Welcome home to Sugar Valley Estates — a quiet cul-de-sac setting in the highly sought-after Whiteside School District. This brand new manufactured home sitting on TWO lots offers an open, easy-flowing floor plan ready for your personal touch, with the flexibility to choose a 3 or 4 bedroom layout to fit your household (see photos for options). The large, private lot gives you room to spread out,
Welcome home to Sugar Valley Estates — a quiet cul-de-sac setting in the highly sought-after Whiteside School District. This brand new manufactured home offers an open, easy-flowing floor plan ready for your personal touch, with the flexibility to choose a 3 or 4 bedroom layout to fit your household (see photos for both options). The large, private lot gives you room to spread out, add on down
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
Perfect for your dream home, privacy with 6+ acres, in stablished neighborhood. This property can also be a Great Investment opportunity if you are in the building business.
Some homes make an impression the moment you step inside. This one begins long before that. Wind your way up the long, private driveway beneath mature trees to this classic Southern-inspired estate home, perfectly situated on approximately 3 beautiful acres in the highly desirable White Plains School District. Offering 4764 +/- square feet, this custom-built home features 4 bedrooms, 3 full
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2 bath home offering 2085 square feet of spacious living in a great neighborhood. From the moment you step inside, you'll notice the gorgeous floor ceiling, brick fireplace, beautiful hardwood floors, abundant, natural light, and thoughtful updates throughout. The custom kitchen is sure to impress with beautiful cabinetry, stainless steel
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
Almost 9 peaceful acres in the desirable White Plains area! Located on a quiet dead-end street, this beautiful property offers privacy, gorgeous mountain views, and plenty of space to build your dream home. Enjoy the perfect combination of peaceful country living and natural beauty. Properties like this don't come along often, come see the possibilities before it's gone!
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
Coleman Place Apartments offers fine living in Anniston, Alabama located in the White Plains School District.Our community offers an unparalleled spaciousness that ensures comfortable family living. Fully equipped kitchens with a separate living and dining area. For our residents craving some fresh air, they can just step out onto their personal patio!As a Coleman resident, there
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
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
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.
$850 - $1,500 per month
Greenbrier Apartments
1 - 2 Beds
1-2 Baths
713+ Sq Ft
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: 1755346 Beautiful 3 bedroom home fully remodeled. Appliances are all brand new never been used stainless steel and a black gas oven/stove. Plumbing has been updated to pex feeds and pvc drains from their original iron pipes. Brand new flooring through the entire home showcases hand scraped laminate in all living areas and tile in kitchen and bathroom. Brand new bathroom Vanity
This traditional home in Anniston has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. It has been updated and features:* Welcoming Front Porch* UPDATED Kitchen* Open Floor Plan* Spacious Rooms* Great YardLocated less than 2 miles from schools. Easy access to Highway 431 and I-20. (Residents to verify schools.)A NO DEPOSIT option is offered through Rhino, a way to pay your deposit over
This charming 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom upstairs unit offers comfortable living in a convenient location. Enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle with lawncare included in the rent.
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
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