A small city with the motto, "Proven by Tempest"
In 1973, a devastating EF4 tornado ripped through Brent, Alabama. Much of the city, and neighboring Centreville, was leveled. The community was rebuilt through a significant effort from locals, in addition to federal and state aid. Afterward, the city adopted the motto "Proven by Tempest." Today, the rural community offers outdoor recreation and agriculture. According to the U.S. Census, the population has dropped between 2000 and 2023. However, a handful of industries maintain the city's economy. "The area's biggest employers are Bibb Medical Center, Bibb County School District's Board of Education and the contractor Burkes Mechanical," says Julie Holdsambeck, an area resident and experienced associate broker with eXp Realty.
Buyers can find ranch-styles, cabins and plots of land
Beyond the farmlands and undeveloped forests are country roads that lead to homes. "Brent's properties are unzoned and unrestricted. So, unless you have a deed-restricted lot, there are opportunities for building homes and businesses," Holdsambeck says. Most residences are single-story ranch-styles and rustic cabins. The community has a median lot size of around half an acre. However, there are properties spanning over 25 acres. "There are many estate-sized lots and older homes, which can be bought for a [comparatively] good price," Holdsambeck says. Home prices are below the rest of the metro area; houses typically cost between $125,000 and $350,000.
Visiting neighborhood recreational spaces and the Oakmulgee District
Heritage Park has playground equipment and an open space for picnics. There's also a city-run walking track off University Way. "In Brent proper, you're surrounded by thousands of acres of national forest where people can go camping and hiking," Holdsambeck says. She adds that Talladega National Forest is a popular location for hunting deer and turkey. The Oakmulgee District of the National Forest has a ranger station in Brent. Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park, about 15 miles away, has a seasonal pool and hosts Friday movie nights during the summer. "Payne Lake Recreation Area is very underutilized by locals. But people will travel to use the facility," Holdsambeck says. The green space is about 20 miles from the area.
Local churches, Bibb Medical Center and highways in Brent
The city has more than 10 houses of worship, including Brent Baptist Church and Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día Hispana de Brent. "Bibb Medical Center has an emergency room. And if you need a deeper level of care, they have a helipad. You can be transferred to UAB Hospital [in Birmingham]," Holdsambeck says. Highway 5 and Highway 82 are the main thoroughfares in the area. Drivers can reach Tuscaloosa in roughly 35 miles and Birmingham within about 55 miles.
Shopping at Piggly Wiggly and dining in at The Sawmeal Restaurant
Several businesses and dining establishments are throughout the area. "You've got salons and boutiques. There are two grocery stores and a Walmart," Holdsambeck says. Grocery options include Piggly Wiggly and Sav-Mor Food Outlet. Brent has local eateries such as City Café and Juane's Mexican Grill. "The Sawmeal Restaurant has been there for decades. I'd call it country cooking," Holdsambeck says. Locals also venture next door to Centreville for more retail.
Attending middle school and high school in Centreville
Brent Elementary has a B-minus rating on Niche. Other students head to Centreville for school. Centreville Middle has a C; Bibb County High receives a B-minus. The high school added a new multipurpose facility in 2022. The athletic department offers programs for golf, fishing and esports.
Community events are nearby
Holdsambeck says that Brent is the sister city of Centreville; many residents visit the neighboring area for events. "On the Fourth of July, there's Celebration on the Green. Centreville also has a big Christmas parade. And we have a homecoming parade for the high school," Holdsambeck says.
Severe weather in Bibb County
Severe weather conditions are a reality in Bibb County. In 2021, an EF3 tornado damaged the city and nearby Centreville. Residents can receive text message alerts from Bibb County's Emergency Management Agency.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
