A resilient community in Northwest Alabama
In 1910, a fire destroyed many buildings in Fayette, Alabama. Most of the damage was on Temple Avenue, and locals began rebuilding. Today, the street is a walkable historic district lined with brick commercial buildings. The city is the seat of Fayette County in northwest Alabama. "Fayette is a lovely community that's close to major cities like Tuscaloosa. That's the draw for people. They can live in Fayette and be within driving distance without paying Tuscaloosa prices," says Celina Pennington, a broker who owns Cotton State Realty Company and Pennington CPA. "But it's also a place where everybody seems to care about others. It has a Mayberry-like setting," Pennington says.
Businesses in the Fayette County Courthouse Historic District
Fayette is home to several local shops, such as Sweet Annie Boutique and Eaves Karate and Fitness. "The downtown is beautiful, clean and pristine with flowers. The shops take pride in their businesses," Pennington says. Fayette County Courthouse Historic District offers a walkable retail experience near the heart of town. Local storefronts occupy the brick buildings constructed after the 1910 fire. There's also a Walmart Super Center to the north. The area's dining scene includes fast-food chains and local eateries. "There's a neighborhood cafeteria that everyone goes to, Charles Cafeteria. I think my brother goes there every day. Lisa's Barbecue is great, too," Pennington says. Sam's Smoke House is another popular choice for slow-cooked and southern-style offerings.
Buying a home and weather risks
Fayette contains historic cottages and homes with colonial influences. However, ranch styles are the most common. There are also a few New Traditional homes constructed from the 1990s to early 2000s. Structures range from under 1,000 square feet to over 3,500 square feet. Homes built before 1950 usually cost between $65,000 and $270,000. More recent, move-in-ready houses range from $75,000 to $400,000.
The county has a history of severe storms and tornados. The Fayette County Emergency Management Agency sends text notifications and alerts to residents.
Learning from Fayette Elementary to Bevill State Community College
Fayette County has six public schools. Locals attend Fayette Elementary, which has a B grade from Niche. Fayette Middle receives a B-minus. Fayette County High also has a B; the school partners with a local community college to provide dual enrollment and career technical courses. "Bevill State Community College's main campus is in Fayette. It's a big deal because there is a scholarship that allows students to attend for free," Pennington says. The college offers several scholarship opportunities for Fayette County High seniors. The two-year college provides technical training, certificates and associate degrees.
Fayette Aquatic Center is a popular summertime hangout
Gutherie Smith Park is a favorite outdoor space with a playground, baseball fields and tennis courts. The grounds include a stocked fishing pond and walking trails. The on-site Fayette Aquatic Center opens seasonally. Visitors must pay an entrance fee to enjoy the lazy river, splash pads and water slides. The Fayette Art Museum, inside the Fayette Civic Center, showcases over 3,500 works of art. The museum hosts a youth summer camp and community festivals.
Events at Guthrie Smith Park
Locals head to Guthrie Smith Park for the Fayette Arts Festival in September. A colorful collection of lights adorn the park for the Festival of the Trees in December. Fayette Old Fashion Christmas is a new event that began in 2024. The winter festivities feature live music as well as carriage and train rides. Some locals dress in Charles Dickens-era costumes.
Transportation
DCH Fayette Medical Center offers emergency room services. Many commuters travel along State Highways 171 and 13 as well as U.S. Highway 43. Drivers get to Tuscaloosa and Northport in about 40 miles. Locals can reach Interstate 22 in roughly 25 miles.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
