Dadeville is a rural community with access to Lake Martin's amenities
Dadeville embraces the lake life. The city center is less than 10 miles from Lake Martin, a nearly 45,000-acre reservoir on the Tallapoosa River where outdoor activities are plentiful. But residents also enjoy the city center's restaurants, shops and culture thanks to a recent effort to improve its downtown. “It’s a great small town and very hospitable,” says John Franklin, an agent with Lake Homes Realty LLC who has lived in the Lake Martin region for more than a decade. “People want to move there for the slow pace of life and the proximity to cities like Auburn and Montgomery.”
Water skiing, fishing, beach days and camping, plus public golf
Lake Martin offers swimming, boating, campgrounds and more adventurous thrills like water skiing. Anglers can catch bass, crappie and bluegill, among other fish. Dare Power Park has a beach, pavilions and a playground. A short hike along the Smith Mountain Alpine Trail leads to the Smith Mountain Fire Tower, which offers a scenic view of the region. Stillwaters Golf Course has a par-72 course with public tee times and a view of the area’s woodlands.
In the city, Keebler Park has several gardens, picnic tables and a walking trail, while McKelvey Park has baseball and softball diamonds. The Tallapoosee Historical Museum provides a cultural experience, telling the story of the region and its people. Pennington Park hosts annual events like Everything’s Art in the Park, where local artists showcase their paintings, jewelry and crafts.
Contemporary homes on the water and ranch-style houses in the city
Most residents live in large contemporary and New Traditional homes near the water. Properties closer to the city center, as well as those near the town of Jackson’s Gap, tend to be more modest and less expensive, with ranch-style houses and traditional homes with garages or carports available. The median sale price is about $620,000, well above the national median. Lots and large parcels of land are abundantly available, with inland spaces usually going from $8,000 to $60,000 per acre. Lots close to the water often run from $90,000 to $600,000 per acre. Yards frequently feature medium-sized bushes and trees. The rural area’s downtown roads are narrow, and only main streets feature sidewalks. Roads near the lake cut through dense woods.
American cuisine, trivia nights and boutique clothing stores downtown
City restaurants include Bob’s Fine Food & BBQ, which serves classic American cuisine. Miller’s on Broadnax puts a creative twist on Southern-style food, and Azteca’s Mexican Grill has authentic entrees. A few miles south toward Lake Martin, Oskar’s Cafe is known for its Cheese Balls appetizer, and Niffer’s Place often hosts live music and trivia nights. Renfroe’s Market carries groceries, and Dollar General sells essentials. Local stores like Ellaby Boutique sell trendy clothes and other items. Red Ridge United Methodist Church delivers sleeping mats, knitted hats, food and other items to people in need.
Tallapoosa County Schools encourages Advanced Placement participation
Students are served by Tallapoosa County Schools. They can attend Dadeville Elementary School, which holds a B-minus Niche score. Dadeville High School, for grades 6-12, has an Advanced Placement participation rate of nearly 45%. It earns a C-plus rating.
Access to U.S. Route 280 and Montgomery with a risk of tornadoes
U.S. Route 280 cuts through the region. It can take drivers toward Birmingham, around 85 miles northwest, or to Columbus, Georgia, close to 60 miles southeast. Montgomery is also about 60 miles away. Franklin says large storms can impact the area, but it’s not at greater or lesser risk than any other part of Alabama. “We get more tornado activity because of hurricanes than we do actual hurricanes,” Franklin says. “But it’s not like ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ Ours develop, and then they’re gone just as quick.”
