Weiss Lake shapes daily life and outdoor fun in Centre
Centre sits at the heart of Cherokee County along the Appalachian foothills, a community shaped by the presence of the 30,200-acre Weiss Lake. Life here is closely connected to the outdoors — Weiss Lake serves as a destination for anglers and boaters while the surrounding mountains offer easy access to hiking and hunting. “It’s called Centre because it’s central to Chattanooga, Atlanta and Birmingham,” says local Greg Oliver, owner and Broker with GO Realty. “There isn’t a major shopping scene here, but it’s easy to connect to those places that have them on Route 411.” Centre's location means convenient commuter access and relaxing weekends spent fishing on Weiss, dubbed the "Crappie Capital of the World."
Homes offer large lots and lakeside views
Ranch-style houses, traditional homes and rustic two-story Colonials are spread throughout this hilly community. Many properties sit on generous lots, with typical acreage ranging from half an acre to several acres. Some rural houses offer even larger tracts of land. The size of the lot directly impacts a home's price — those on smaller lots of less than an acre generally sell between $150,000 and $250,000, while houses on an acre or more can range from $250,000 up to $600,000 or higher, especially if they feature lakeside views. A significant number of homes here were constructed between the 1960s and early 2000s. Older houses, particularly those built before 1980, are common and may offer lower price points, while newer or extensively updated properties tend to be priced higher, especially when paired with larger lots.
Cherokee County schools provide CDM and B-rated education
Cherokee County Schools serves the community and earns an overall B from Niche. Centre Elementary also scores a B, while Centre Middle is rated a B-plus. Cherokee County High earns a B-minus. It offers Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) to students, allowing them to earn credit for high school courses by showing a mastery of the material, without actually having to take the class.
Cherokee Rock Village and Little River Canyon draw outdoor enthusiasts
The 200-acre Cherokee Rock Village sits atop Lookout Mountain, offering sweeping views of Weiss Lake and a landscape of sandstone boulders that attract climbers, hikers and campers from across the region. In the heart of downtown, the Cherokee County Historical Museum preserves and shares the area’s heritage, housing collections and records that document its past. Pratt Park, recognized on the Alabama Register of Historic Places, is another local landmark, tied to its longstanding role as a community gathering space and its architectural features. Just outside Centre, Little River Canyon National Preserve protects over 15,000 acres of rugged landscape along the Little River, known for its canyon views, rare plant and animal species, and its role in conserving the natural environment of northeast Alabama. Pirates Bay Waterpark provides a sprawling aquatic playground with slides, pools and a kid-friendly splash zone, all set on a hilltop overlooking Weiss Lake.
Pop’s Smorgasbord and Hidden Treasures anchor Centre’s local shopping
Pop’s Smorgasbord is a local favorite in Centre, known for its buffet-style comfort food and a steady crowd, while Hidden Treasures Antique and Flea Market on West Main offers a mix of vintage finds and collectibles for those who like to hunt for unique items. For everyday essentials, residents rely on the Walmart Supercenter and Pic’n Sav, both on West Main Street. When locals want a broader selection or specialty shopping, it’s common to make the drive to Birmingham or Chattanooga, where major retail destinations like The Summit, Riverchase Galleria and Hamilton Place Mall offer everything from high-end shopping to expansive department stores and boutiques.
Centre connects to major cities via U.S. 411 and State Route 68
U.S. Route 411 and Alabama State Route 68 intersect near the city center and provide direct routes to nearby towns and regional destinations. While no interstate highways pass directly through Centre, Interstate 59 is accessible about 30 miles southwest via Gadsden, making it possible to reach larger cities like Chattanooga and Birmingham. Health-care needs are met locally by Floyd Cherokee Medical Center. The closest major airports are Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, both around 80 miles away.
