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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On average, homes in Anniston, AL sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Anniston, AL over the last 12 months is $247,150, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in the highly sought-after Sunset Heights neighborhood, this beautifully remodeled home offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a half bath on the main level, and another half bath in the basement. Designed for comfort and convenience! The grand slate staircase leads to the basement walk-out and the front courtyard giving this home a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. An
Stunning home in Oxford filled with modern craftsman style! This amazing home includes hardwood floors, crown molding, neutral paint colors, and timeless black-and-white tile accents throughout. The open-concept layout is perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Spacious Dining Room easily accommodates large gatherings, while the Great Room showcases soaring ceilings and a stunning
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.
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled home conveniently located in the heart of Anniston. You will enjoy drinking coffee as the sun rises from your freshly remodeled sunroom. New windows allow plenty of natural sunlight to enter each room. This home has a functional layout and all the amenities one could want.With four bedrooms, this home has a lot of space and the upper level bedroom could
Located in the Oxford School District, this 4-bedroom brick home offers space, functionality, and a convenient location close to town. The home features a practical floor plan with a large kitchen and dining area, a spacious laundry room, and comfortably sized bedrooms. Original hardwood flooring adds character, and the fenced backyard provides plenty of room for outdoor activities, pets, or
Boasting 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, this enchanting home is a MUST SEE! From the moment you enter, you’ll be greeted by beautiful flooring, tall ceilings, and unique accents throughout. The spacious kitchen features reverse osmosis, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample cooking space. The large living room showcases gorgeous ceilings, a beautiful brick fireplace, and
Imagine waking up to manicured greens and quiet mornings on the second hole. This sprawling, all-brick ranch offers the rare combination of substantial space and a premier location. With five bedrooms and dual living areas, this is a "forever home" waiting for your modern touch.Prime Location: Unbeatable views of the 2nd hole with both an open patio for grilling and a closed patio for
Move in Ready! This lovely, well maintained 4 bedroom, 3 bath home has beautiful hardwood floors on the main level, a separate dining room, large living room with gas fireplace, large kitchen with both an island and eating area, pantry and granite countertops and rare basswood cabinetry! A sunroom and an open deck looks out to a private backyard. On the main level, there is a large master bedroom
Charming 2 bedroom, 1 full bath home situated on a corner lot with plenty of space inside and out. This home features a living room as well as a flex space for additional family room or home office. Enjoy the covered front porch, spacious yard, and detached workshop/garage perfect for storage or projects. A great opportunity for first time home buyers, downsizers, or investors! Call today for
Investor Special.... New plumbing, new toilet, new shower, of the demo work is completed. New front porch roof, Garage in the back yard has 2 storage rooms and an upstairs 2 bedroom apartment.
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.
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
Wood Valley Apartments located in the heart of Golden Springs. Wood Valley offers comfort, convenience and affordability just minutes from Oxford and Anniston. This ground level community is designed for easy living with sidewalks to each unit, a compact layout, yet spacious living areas perfect for entertaining. Studio, one and two bedroom unit options available
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
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
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.
Property Id: 13208523 Bedroom 2 Bath Manufactured Home in nice quiet mobile home in Cedar Trace Mobile Home Park. Convenient to Fort McClellan, great schools.
Property Id: 13208723 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;
This lovely hillside home includes a large kitchen with appliances, large living room, dining room and den with hardwood floors 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. The back patio is secluded and allows for intimate entertaining or just private relaxation. Call today to find out how you can make this your new home.
MOVE-IN SPECIAL: $200 off first monthThank you for your interest in Good Faith Property Management. Visit our website, for additional information. This 3 bed & 1 bath home is a great starter home. Features Hardwood floors throughout, laundry room/storage right outside back door. With a one carport, driveway parking.Section 8 acceptedTenant Responsible for all
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