Arab is a residential city in Northeast Alabama looking to change its image
The Northeast Alabama city of Arab’s name was originally a mistake. The area used to be known as Thompson’s Village, named for the family whose farm acted as its center in the mid-1800s. In 1882, a member of that family named Stephen Tuttle Thompson sought to open a post office. He submitted three potential names for it, including Arad, a nod to his son Ranson Arad Thompson. That’s the name the government selected, but on official paperwork, someone misspelled the name as Arab. It stuck anyway. When the rural community incorporated 10 years later, Arab was the name residents wanted.
Not all of the area’s history is as amusing. For many years, it had a reputation as a “sundown town,” where Black visitors were warned to leave before nightfall or face violence. The Marshall County city of more than 8,000 people is working on changing its image. Today, it is a residential community that values its education system and its location near Huntsville, where people often go for shopping and entertainment. “When I think of Arab, I think of families and schools,” says Amy Poole, a Realtor with Ainsworth Real Estate. “There are price points for everyone. It has new constructions and older homes. It has all the things you want.” Residents often work in the healthcare and railcar manufacturing industries, while others commute into Huntsville to places like Redstone Arsenal military base.
Downtown Arab, Alabama has several restaurants and locally owned shops.
Most of the residential areas of Arab, Alabama have older homes with larger lots.
1/2
Traditional multi-level and ranch-style homes for prices below the national median
The community is filled with traditional multi-level homes, often with brick exteriors. Ranch-style houses are also commonly found. The median home price is around $250,000, which is above the state median but below the national median. Lots and large parcels of land are also available for building.
The majority of homes in Arab are smaller mid century ranch style homes.
There are a few more modern two story homes in Arab, Alabama.
1/2
Arab City Schools gets high marks
Students are served by Arab City Schools, which has an A-minus Niche grade. The district has more than 2,500 students across four schools. A new building for Arab High School has been approved, giving the growing student population more space. A timeline for completion has not been announced.
Full campus of Arab High School in Arab, Alabama.
Entrance to Arab High School in Arab, Alabama.
1/2
Easy drives to the airport and the hospital
U.S. Route 231 runs through the center of the community, crossing over State Route 69 and taking drivers to Huntsville, around 30 miles north. Huntsville International Airport has nonstop flights to several U.S. cities. The waterfront city of Guntersville, popular for summertime day trips, is less than 15 miles east. Marshall Medical Center North, in Guntersville, has close to 100 beds and has a Trauma III Emergency Department.
Hwy 231 is the main economic artery running through, and connecting Arab to other cities in the area.
Huntsville International Airport is the closest airport to Arab, Alabama.
1/2
Tour the Arab Historic Village and watch fireworks during SugarFest
The Arab Historic Village has 10 buildings with architecture and decor from the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is a popular tour for friends and families to take.
Arab hosts several large-scale events throughout the year. SugarFest is a summer tradition at Arab City Park featuring a fireworks display, carnival attractions and food trucks. During Christmas in the Park, the city uses more than two million lights to illuminate the park. There are several churches placed throughout the city.
Arab Historic Village is a collection of buildings and museum that showcase what life was like in Arab from the 1880's to 1940's.
The inside of the Smith's Country store in the Arab Historic Village.
1/2
Green spaces like Arab City Park are used for athletics
The city’s green spaces are generally used for athletics. Arab City Park is the area’s recreational centerpiece. It has a swimming pool, athletic facilities and a catch-and-release fishing pond among its amenities. Thompson-Eidson Park has running trails and soccer fields. Twin Lakes Golf Course has 18 holes open for public play. Less than 20% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, well below the urban U.S. median.
Arab City Park in Arab, Alabama, has several baseball and softball diamonds as well as other athletic fields.
Waterpark and swimming pool at Arab City Park in Arab, Alabama.
1/2
Eat at local restaurants like Midas Burger and go shopping in Huntsville
Several restaurants sit along North Brindlee Mountain Parkway. The selection is mostly chain restaurants, though there are local spots like Midas Burger, which despite its name specializes in chicken sandwiches topped with homemade Midas Chicken Sauce. While the community has a few boutiques and a big-box store in Walmart Supercenter, more extensive retail shopping is often done in Huntsville.
There are several fast food restaurants along the North Brindlee Mountain Parkway in Arab, Alabama.
There are several local restaurants in Arab, Alabama, such as Midas Burger.
1/2
Humid summers, occasional snowstorms in winter and falling crime rates
Summers in Arab are long and humid. “Your hair is going to frizz and you’re going to sweat, that’s the reality,” Poole says. The city gets snow every few years. “We get excited and shut the whole place down,” Poole says. Marshall County is at a relatively high risk of tornadoes and a moderate risk of ice storms and lightning. According to state crime data, Arab’s violent crime and property crime rates have fallen in recent years, though its property crime rate remains above the national average.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Tommy Daspit
Video By
GL Moses
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kevin Lowery,
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
Welcome to 2525 Eddy Church Rd! This move-in ready 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in the Arab City School District combines comfort and quality with a brand-new roof, real hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and a gas-log fireplace. The spacious eat-in kitchen features stainless steel appliances and solid-surface countertops, while the private primary suite offers a glamour bath and walk-in closet. Enjoy
Here’s the kind of opportunity investors and handy homeowners look for! Sitting on nearly an acre (.97) along a low-traffic road surrounded by well-kept homes, this site-built, stick-built home is ready for someone with vision to bring it back to life. This fixer-upper offers an enclosed sunroom entrance, covered decks, mature oak trees and a beautiful wooded setting—all just minutes from the
Over 2,600 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and your own in-ground pool—all inside Arab city limits. Set on approximately 0.60 acre, this spacious home offers room to spread out with multiple living areas, hardwood flooring in several rooms, two fireplaces, a generous kitchen with abundant cabinetry, and a large primary suite. A versatile bonus room above the two-car garage adds space for an
Beautifully remodeled farmhouse offering 1,550 sq ft on approximately half an acre in Arab. Inside, the open floor plan features LVP flooring throughout, smooth ceilings and modern wafer lighting. The spacious upstairs primary suite includes a 9x6 walk-in closet and a private bath with a double vanity and LED mirrors. Individual mini-split units provide comfort in every room. The basement safe
THIS STUNNING 3-BEDROOM, 2-BATH HOME HAS BEEN COMPLETELY TRANSFORMED FROM THE STUDS UP, OFFERING THE PERFECT BLEND OF MODERN COMFORT AND TIMELESS CHARM. EVERY INCH OF THIS HOME HAS BEEN THOUGHTFULLY REDESIGNED WITH FRESH FINISHES AND QUALITY CRAFTMANSHIP. THE KITCHEN IS A SHOWSTOPPER WITH BEAUTIFUL BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS, NEW CABINETRY, AND UPDATED APPLIANCES. OUTSIDE, YOU'LL LOVE THE NEWLY
Peaceful setting for building your dream home in Arab City Limits. Beautiful wooded, sloped lot with a stream on the back part. Conveniently located near Arab High School and down town park. Nice homes in the area.
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick ranch in the heart of Arab! Offering approximately 1,556± sq ft, this well-maintained home features an inviting living area with a cozy fireplace, spacious kitchen with dining area, and a two-car attached garage. Enjoy the convenience of included kitchen appliances plus the washer and dryer. Outside, you'll find a fenced backyard perfect for
Now zoned for Arab City Schools — and that changes the math on this one. Set at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, 2,511 square feet open up across 1.1 acres: a 19x18 living room flowing into a kitchen with quartz counters, a farmhouse sink, and new stainless appliances including a double oven. The primary suite runs 17x25 with a walk-in shower and a soaking tub. Two more bedrooms, three baths, a
Built in 2023, this beautifully designed 3-bed, 2-bath home offers 1,650+/- sq ft of thoughtfully curated living space with upscale finishes throughout. Step inside to find 9-ft ceilings, abundant natural light, and LVP flooring throughout. The kitchen is a standout with dolomite countertops, while both bathrooms feature elegant quartz surfaces. Outside, enjoy a 30x50 detached shop with a
Move-In Ready - Within this cozy, one-level home lies a modern use of space. From the kitchen’s large island to the family room’s spacious open-concept, you’re surrounded by owner-centric design. The oversized, two-car garage gives you extra storage space, and the large, covered back porch encourages you to sit down, kick your feet up, and enjoy the breeze. Back inside, the isolated Master Suite
The best of both worlds on about 5.3 acres! The main home sits inside Arab city limits and is zoned for Arab schools, while the barn and land lie in the county, so you can bring your animals. The 4 bed, 3 bath brick home offers nearly 3,300 sq ft with hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, custom cabinetry, granite and new kitchen appliances, plus a basement family room that walks out to an in-ground
Property Id: 1758961 Welcome to your cozy studio-style home in Arab, AL! This charming property at 3267 Cranford Rd offers an open studio layout with 1 bathroom, laminate flooring, and a clean, modern feel throughout. The home comes equipped with: - Washer and dryer included - Refrigerator and oven - Off-street parking - Spacious lawn Pets are welcome—cats and
Property Id: 2839984 Welcome to your new home! Located in a quiet neighborhood just outside of Arab City Limits, this charming single-family property features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a large yard and a 2-car garage. The home is total electric with central heating and cooling and new flooring throughout. Current, verifiable income required. Pets are welcome with nonrefundable deposit and
This charming one-bedroom, one-bath home in Arab, Alabama offers comfortable, easy living in a peaceful country setting. Lawn maintenance is included, giving you more time to enjoy the property without the added upkeep.Inside, you’ll find an open-concept kitchen and living area that creates a spacious and inviting feel. The kitchen features a central island, refrigerator, and oven/stove,
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
