Butler serves as a hub for Choctaw County
The Choctaw County seat of Butler, located near the Mississippi border, is shaped by its southwest Alabama character and its role as an employment hub for the surrounding rural communities like Lisman, Needham and Myrtlewood. Major industries here are manufacturing, postal services and health care. The town is close to several larger cities, including Meridian, Mississippi and Mobile, but its identity is rooted in local traditions and a close-knit community. "Butler does not have a major shopping scene," says local Greg Oliver, owner and Broker with GO Realty. "The community is mostly defined by its easygoing nature."
Butler homes feature affordable prices and spacious lots
The median sales price here is about $133,000. Styles include New Traditional, ranch-style and split-level homes, many of which are set on spacious lots. Many homes were built between the 1960s and early 2000s, with renovated options costing more. This variety allows buyers to choose between established homes with mature landscapes and newer construction on larger parcels.
Choctaw County schools and Patrician Academy serve Butler families
Butler is served by the Choctaw County School District, which earns an overall C-plus from Niche and includes the C-rated Choctaw County Elementary and C-plus rated Choctaw County High School. The high school offers a graduation rate of 92 percent, and students have access to both public and private education, including Patrician Academy, a private school serving pre-K through 12th grade.
Bent Creek Lodge and local parks offer hunting and recreation
Bent Creek Lodge, just outside town, provides access to 30,000 acres for hunting, fishing and outdoor retreats. Tuscahoma Landing and Bob Locke Park serve as local gathering spots for picnics, sports and community events. The Butler Country Club features a golf course, swimming pool and restaurant. The 5,000-acre Zack Rogers Park is another local favorite, offering youth sports and room for hunting wild deer and turkey. For weekend camping trips, locals visit Bladon Springs State Park to take in the natural beauty of Choctaw County.
Piggly Wiggly and Bama Crawfish Co. highlight Butler’s local businesses
Residents rely on grocery stores such as Piggly Wiggly and Dollar General for everyday essentials. For dining, local favorites include Bama Crawfish Company, Ezell’s Fish Camp, Kain’s Tex Mex, La Familia Mexican Grill and several fast-food options such as McDonald’s and Hardee’s. The town also features a handful of boutiques, florists and general stores like DG Market and Family Dollar. When residents want a broader selection or specialty shopping, it is common to make the drive to Meridian or Mobile where larger malls like Uptown Meridian and the Shoppes at Bel Air feature national retailers.
Butler connects to Meridian and Mobile
Alabama State Route 10 connects to Meridian, about 40 miles away, while State Route 17 leads south to Mobile. Local public transit options are limited, but the town is served by the Butler/Choctaw County General Airport for small aircraft. For health care, Ochsner Choctaw General Hospital provides emergency and general medical services. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) and Mobile International Airport (BFM) are the closest major airports.