Dora is a small rural community with easy access to Birmingham
Dora’s appeal lies in its location and housing market. It is around 25 miles from Birmingham, giving its nearly 2,000 residents a place to work, shop, eat and explore, with housing prices lower than suburban areas closer to the big city. The community sits close to Sumiton, and the two areas are often considered one larger region that shares restaurants, parks and festivals, says Andrea Rouse, a Realtor with Re/Max Advantage who was raised in Dora. “It’s rural America, but you have that convenience to Birmingham,” Rouse says, adding that she returns frequently for its community spirit.
Ranch-style and traditional homes for below-median prices
Many residents live on small streets that branch off main thoroughfares like Sharon Boulevard and Sellers Road. Ranch-style houses, split levels and more traditional homes are available, as are investment properties. The median sale price is around $220,000, well below the national median. Yards can feature small and medium trees but are often otherwise sparse. The car-dependent city’s asphalt streets are narrow and usually don’t have sidewalks, with primary roads like Sharon Boulevard being an exception. Mailboxes typically sit on wooden or plastic posts.
Barbecue, fried chicken and sweets, plus Dollar General
Leo & Susie’s Famous Green Top BBQ serves platters and sandwiches. Guthrie’s is an Alabama-based chain known for its chicken fingers. Just across Highway 78, Frostings Bakery has a rotating menu of sweets and a grab-and-go area with sandwiches and sides. The area also has several fast-food eateries like Jack's Family Restaurant. Dora has Piggly Wiggly for groceries and Dollar General for essentials.
Walker County Schools and a new Dora High building
Students are served by Walker County Schools, which earns a B-minus Niche score. The district has more than 7,000 students across 23 schools. Dora High School holds a C-plus grade. Construction on a new Dora High building began in 2025. The project will cost approximately $45 million. When completed, the old Dora High building, constructed in 1969, will be renovated and turned into a middle school.
Golf, a cycling trail, a playground and the Alabama Mining Museum
The 2.5-mile Horse Creek Trail is popular with nighttime cyclists and joggers because of its lights. Horse Creek Golf Course has 18 holes and a driving range open to the public. At Dora Park, kids can play on a jungle gym or run around its open space. Sumiton City Park, a few miles away, hosts youth baseball and softball games.
The Alabama Mining Museum tells the story of the region's coal industry. It is open from 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday through Friday, or by appointment. The East Walker Church of Christ gives to local charities and often holds free meals for its congregation on Sunday nights.
The Frog Festival gets hopping each fall
The Frog Festival is held each fall in nearby Sumiton. Its costumed mascot is Ribbit, who hops around greeting attendees. The well-attended festival features live music, food trucks and arts and crafts.
Easy access to Birmingham and a chance of hurricanes
Highway 78 separates Dora from Sumiton. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is nearly a 30-mile drive. Rouse says residents constantly make day trips to Birmingham. “There's very minimal traffic,” Rouse says. “It’s an easy commute all the time.” Hurricanes can affect Dora and other parts of Walker County, but Rouse says any impacts are usually mild.
