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
John White,
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
Sitting on 1.46 acres, this beautiful 4 bedroom, 4 bath home offers 2 master suites! Built in 2023, enjoy granite countertops with LVP flooring downstairs, and carpet upstairs. This home is fully electric with 2 hot water heaters! Storage is abundant with spacious closets throughout. This property features a fenced backyard and plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors with a private recreational
Move-in ready Asheville C plan with open-concept living, soaring 9’ ceilings, and elegant quartz countertops in the kitchen and baths. The upgraded kitchen features a large island overlooking the spacious living room, perfect for entertaining. Enjoy peaceful views from the covered back patio with a private wooded backdrop. This thoughtfully designed plan balances comfort and privacy, with a
!!! Open House !!!Sunday, July 12th2:00-4:00 PM Experience the character and craftsmanship in this new construction 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located on a double lot in the City of Arab! Walk in the front door to an open-concept living space with light and bright floors and nine-foot ceilings. The beautiful kitchen features quartz countertops, a large island, and a designer backsplash.
Custom built home on just under 15 acres with the kind of space and features that are hard to find. This property offers vaulted ceilings, quartz countertops, a butler’s pantry, bonus room, and an isolated master suite designed for privacy and comfort. Built with spray foam insulation, an on-demand water heater, and water filtration system, this home was designed with efficiency and everyday
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
Bring your vision and your toolbox: this property is a fixer-upper being sold as-is and priced accordingly. Perfect for investors, flippers or buyers looking to create their dream home. This home requires extensive repairs and renovations throughout. Features include a spacious layout, large lot, and solid bones ready for transformation. Not for the faint of heart—but the upside is undeniable.
Beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom, 1 bath home in Arab showcasing fresh interior paint and a thoughtfully refreshed design throughout. The spacious eat-in kitchen serves as the heart of the home, featuring an island, granite countertops, abundant pantry cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Situated on a level lot, the property offers ease of
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 3 bath home in Arab with over 2,500 sq ft on 1.1 acres. Spacious rooms flow throughout, highlighted by quartz countertops, farmhouse sink, and new stainless appliances including a double oven. The primary suite offers a private bath with walk-in shower and soaking tub. A dedicated office provides space for work or hobbies. Located at the end of the
Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on over half an acre, this gorgeous full-brick home has everything you have been looking for! Rich teak wood floors flow through the main living areas, centered around a warm fireplace perfect for cool evenings. Upstairs, a spacious media room with a wet bar is ideal for movie nights and entertaining. Four generous bedrooms, three full baths, and a two-car
Discover the charm of one-level living with this open-concept home! From The Asheville’s large, kitchen island overlooking the family room to its isolated Master Bedroom, we’ve designed this home with you in mind. The three bedrooms offer plenty of space for you and your guests. And outside, the covered back porch extends your leisure time to the outdoors, ensuring that you’ve got the space to
Compact and efficient 3-bedroom, 1-bath home built in 2006, offering 816 sq ft of low-maintenance living. Located within a quick drive to Huntsville, this property is ideal for those seeking convenience without sacrificing a quieter setting. A practical option for a starter home, downsizing, or investment opportunity.
The Butler is a gracefully designed 1,299 square foot floor plan, blending comfort with efficiency. Its open floor plan unites the living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating an inviting space ideal for family life and entertaining. The kitchen, modern and well-equipped, leads into a cozy breakfast room, suitable for everyday dining. The layout includes three bedrooms; the master bedroom features
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 features a
3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Craftsmen style home conveniently located to Arab city limits, and a short drive to Huntsville, or Guntersville! Main area inside features spacious kitchen, and living room area. Granite countertops, walk in tile shower in the master/ double vanity, large walk in master closet with built ins. Large utility room, All new Stainless Steel appliances in kitchen, with large granite
Beautiful and Spacious Apartment and Townhomes located in a very serene part of Alabama. Offering some of the most charming and spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartment and townhomes. With open, airy floorplans featuring fully renovated units with private patios. All units have been fully renovated offering New Windows, Steel roofs and New HVAC systems and appliances. Located minutes from
All available apartments are filled by eligible Applicants on a first come/first serve basis. Please call or come by today for an Application and current availability!! Income Restrictions apply. Vouchers Accepted. Call today!This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
All available apartments are filled by eligible Applicants on a first come/first serve basis. Please call or come by today for an Application and current availability!! Income Restrictions apply. Vouchers Accepted. Call today!This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
HOME FOR RENT - ARAB, AL!Located in the highly desirable Arab City School District, this move-in ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers comfort, convenience, and smart use of space with 1,314 sq ft.? Features Include:• Spacious 3 bedrooms / 2 full baths• Brand new deck perfect for relaxing or entertaining• Large laundry room with extra storage space• Functional,
Adorable 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Apartment Home for Rent in Arab, AL! Downstairs Unit with an Open Floor Plan for the Kitchen, Dining and Laundry areas. Freshly Painted Cabinets, complete with Refrigerator, Stove, Washer & Dryer. Convenient to downtown Arab, Huntsville, Guntersville, and Cullman. Shopping, Schools, Dining & More! Rent: $650, Deposit $650. No Pets Allowed. Ask us about our Security
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home! Featuring brand-new LVP flooring and a newly installed central heat and air system, this property offers both modern comfort and style. You'll also enjoy plenty of storage space, both inside and out. Conveniently located within the city limits, this home provides access to the highly-rated Arab City Schools district."Please
Atlas Rental Property offers a deposit replacement option, saving you hundreds (or even thousands!) compared to properties with traditional security deposits. Reach out to your leasing agent to find out how to save on move-in costs and skip the hassle of paying a cash deposit! Check out this new construction home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Inside, you’ll love the stylish upgrades
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.
