Old and new mingle in Centreville
There are glimpses of the past throughout Centreville, a small Bibb County city of about 2,800 residents. Its old-fashioned town square features the historic courthouse. Walnut Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, is lined with historic storefronts. The Vance-Ellison House, a grand Victorian built in 1899 and now a popular bed and breakfast, sits on the outskirts of town, surrounded by barely touched land. Yet, local businesses are popping up regularly, and on residential streets, modern 20-year-old homes and fully-renovated 100-year-old homes sit side-by-side.
A mix of suburban subdivisions and rural farmland
Most of Centreville is rural, with homes on multi-acre lots, sitting far back from quiet, one-lane highways. Closer to downtown, the streets have a more small-town feel, with sidewalks and homes that sit closer together. Ranch-style homes from the 1970s are most popular, and other options include 2000s-era New Traditional-style and vintage bungalows. Prices range from $120,000 to $550,000; lower-priced homes are usually two-bedrooms with petite lots, and higher-priced homes often have three and four bedrooms and acres of land.
Kids attend Bibb County Public Schools
Bibb County Public Schools covers the city and includes four elementary schools: Randolph, West Blocton, Woodstock and Brent. The highest rated on Niche is West Blocton, with a B-plus. C-rated Centreville Middle and B-minus-rated Bibb County High also serve the city. The district offers School Choice, which allows families to choose which schools they want their kids to attend.
The Cahaba River is an outdoor recreation destination
Residents enjoy the proximity to the Cahaba River, which is popular for paddle boating, hiking and camping. Golfers tee off at Cahaba Falls Country Club, a semi-private, 18-hole course. BMC Wellness Center is a gym that offers indoor and outdoor recreation, such as swimming, pickleball and fitness classes.
Shopping and dining on Walnut Street
Walnut Street is the city’s main thoroughfare, where residents dine out at local restaurants, including El Comal, loved for its classic Mexican dishes, and Daily Grind, a coffee shop that also serves a range of lunch items, from acai bowls to sirloin steak bites. Bibb Medical Center is on the west side of the city, along with CVS, the Brent-Centreville Public Library and the post office. Walmart is in nearby Brent, and additional amenities are in Tuscaloosa, about 35 miles away.
The township hosts Fourth of July and Christmas celebrations
Celebration of the Green is a major local event that takes place every July. It features a 5K, a children’s parade and live music. Christmas on The Cahaba ushers in the holiday season with food trucks, vendors and a parade through the heart of the city.
Residents get around on Highway 82 and State Route 25
U.S. Highway 82 and State Route 25 run through the city and connect to other cities, including Tuscaloosa. The closest airport is Tuscaloosa International.
Environmental concerns in Centreville
Summers are humid with temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s. Winters are usually mild, with 50-degree days, though temperatures can dip into the 20s. Tornadoes are possible during severe storms; in 2021, an EF3 tornado hit the city and caused major damage to homes and businesses.
