Butler serves as a historic hub for Choctaw County
Butler is the county seat of Choctaw County, located in southwest Alabama near the Mississippi border. The town’s daily life is shaped by its small-town character and its role as an employment hub for the surrounding rural communities. Major industries here manufacturing, postal services and health care. Butler’s history dates to 1848, when it was established as the county seat and named for Colonel Pierce Butler, a soldier killed in the Mexican-American War. The town’s location places it within reach of larger cities such as 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 it's easygoing nature."
Butler homes feature affordable prices and spacious lots
Traditional, ranch-style and split-level homes, many of which are set on spacious lots, command a median sales price of about $133,000, with prices influenced by lot size, location and the age of the home. Homes on smaller lots tend to be more affordable, while those with larger acreage or proximity to local amenities can command higher prices. Many homes were built between the 1960s and early 2000s, with older properties often offering lower price points and newer or renovated homes priced higher. 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 Choctaw County Elementary and 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. Pushmataha Plantation is known for its hunting and outdoor experiences, while the Butler Country Club features a golf course, swimming pool and dining facilities. Zack Rogers Park is another local favorite, offering youth sports and family-friendly amenities. For those interested in regional attractions, Bladon Springs State Park and the Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge are nearby.
Piggly Wiggly and Bama Crawfish Co. highlight Butler’s local businesses
Residents rely on grocery stores such as Piggly Wiggly, Ramey’s IGA Foodliner and Burns and Burns Food Shop for everyday essentials. For dining, local favorites include Bama Crawfish Co., 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, Mississippi, or Mobile where larger malls and national retailers are available.
Butler connects to Meridian and Mobile via U.S. 84 and State Route 17
Butler is accessible via U.S. Highway 84, which runs east-west through town and connects to Meridian, Mississippi, to the west and Grove Hill, Alabama, to the east. Alabama State Route 17 also passes through Butler, providing north-south access to other parts of the county and state. While there is no interstate highway directly in Butler, Interstate 59 is accessible in Meridian, about 40 miles away, making it possible to reach larger cities such as Birmingham and 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. The nearest major airports for commercial flights are Meridian and Mobile, offering connections to national and international destinations.
