A small, secluded city known as "Alabama's Mountain Town"
Fort Payne is known as ‘Alabama’s Mountain Town.’ In a narrow valley between two of the region’s tallest peaks, the city of about 15,000 is surrounded by national and state parks with miles of waterfall hiking trails. “We’re actually the second most popular tourist destination in Alabama, only behind the Gulf Shores,” says Tracy Jones, a Fort Payne native and Realtor with Southern Properties Agency. “I have three Airbnb’s, and people stay in them all the time. They all come for the hiking and fishing we have here.” Along with the city’s eco-tourism industry, manufacturing plays a major role in the local economy. Ferguson Enterprises built a large distribution center right at the highway intersection, which links Fort Payne to larger cities like Huntsville and Chattanooga.
Ft Payne Alabama is famous for being the home of Country Music's "Alabama", who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
There is abundant natural beauty surrounding the city of Ft Payne Alabama.
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Ranch-style homes on multi-acre lots with mountain views
The housing market in Fort Payne is “getting back to normal,” Jones says. “It’s still a seller’s market right now, but things have really started to slow down for the first time since the pandemic.” The median sale price here was about $240,000 in 2025, which is about 15 percent below Alabama’s median price. Modest, midcentury ranch-style houses make up most of the housing inventory in Fort Payne. On the east and west edges of town, many homes sit on multi-acre lots with mountain views. The central valley “has a little bit of everything,” Jones says. There are historic houses from the late 1800s, wooden cabins surrounded by trees and even more secluded homes on brow lots.
Mid century ranch style homes are one of the most common styles available in Ft Payne Alabama.
Most of the homes in Ft Payne Alabama are older and historic.
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Hiking, swimming and boulder climbing at Little River Canyon National Preserve
One of the city’s most unique attractions is Little River Canyon National Preserve, which offers hiking, swimming and boulder climbing. More waterfall hiking trails weave through DeSoto State Park, at the top of Lookout Mountain. Some of the best fishing in North Alabama is just 25 miles south along the Coosa River. The state’s largest lake, Lake Guntersville, has a public boat launch and mountain biking trails only 40 miles west. City Park hosts all the annual events back in the downtown district. In September, Boom Days brings the community together to celebrate their hometown’s history. The Fort Payne Hosiery and Depot museums offer free tours highlighting the town’s former leading industries. And live music plays throughout the festival, drawing tribute to the city’s most famous residents, the members of the band Alabama.
The falls at the Little River Canyon National Preserve in Ft Payne Alabama are a popular place for swimming in the summertime and kayaking.
There are is a scenic drive around the top of the canyon at The Little River Canyon National Preserve in Ft Payne Alabama.
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U.S. Highway 11 becomes the city's downtown commercial corridor
U.S. Highway 11 becomes a Main Street-style commercial corridor as it passes through Fort Payne. Sidewalks outline the historic storefronts, making it easy to walk from shop to shop. Along with local boutiques, this area has coffee shops, art galleries and a large antique mall. “A lot of the bars and restaurants downtown have live music on the weekends,” Jones says. “We have some fast-food spots, but there really aren’t any big chains around here. It’s all locally owned.” Lowes and Walmart are the only big box stores in town. And in 2024, Fort Payne welcomed its first large-scale grocery chain, Food City.
U.S. Highway 11 runs through downtown Ft Payne Alabama and is the major commercial road through the city.
There are several locally owned stores and restaurants, such as The Spot, along U.S. Highway 11 in Ft Payne Alabama.
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Fort Payne City Schools earn an A-minus on Niche
Fort Payne City Schools earn an overall A-minus on Niche. The district has one high school, one middle school and a pipeline of elementary schools, serving approximately 3,300 students total. Fort Payne High hosts community-wide pep rally’s during football season each fall. It also has a robust career and technical education curriculum, with programs ranging from law enforcement to architecture and construction.
Full campus of Little Ridge Intermediate School in Ft Payne Alabama.
Ft Payne High School is a public secondary school in Ft Payne Alabama,
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I-59 is the main route in Fort Payne
Interstate 59 is the main route running through Fort Payne. It links to Chattanooga about 50 miles north, and Birmingham is just 95 miles south. Alabama State Road 35 crosses I-59 and connects to Huntsville in about 70 miles. Huntsville Hospital is North Alabama’s top-rated medical center.
I-59 runs through Ft Payne Alabama and connects it with Chattanooga and Gadsden.
There are three Ft Payne exits off of I-59, and many businesses nearby.
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Weather and crime in Fort Payne
Summers in Fort Payne are hot and muggy, while winters are short and mild. Recent crime data for the area is not available.
Written By
Ryan Horton
Photography Contributed By
Tommy Daspit
Video By
Sara Warthen
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On average, homes in Fort Payne, AL sell after 107 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Payne, AL over the last 12 months is $302,500, up 83% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fort Payne – 6BR/2BA Home on 4.4± Acres OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE Plenty of room to spread out in this newly renovated 6-bedroom, 2-bath home! Inside, you’ll find spacious living areas, updated finishes, and the comfort of a move-in ready home. Step outside to enjoy 4.4± acres with room for relaxing in the mountain breeze. Separate workshop and two car carport. Conveniently located near town yet
Are you looking for the perfect home inside city limits close to downtown? THIS IS IT!! This adorable home offers 2 large bedrooms downstairs, 2 smaller bedrooms or flex rooms upstairs, a cozy living room with gas fireplace, and so much more right in the heart of Fort Payne! All information to be verified by the purchaser.
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Welcome to Briarwood Apartments, where modern living meets serene surroundings! Our newly renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments offer the perfect blend of style and comfort. Each unit features gorgeous granite countertops, brand-new stainless-steel appliances, stylish LVP flooring, and updated finishes throughout.Nestled in a beautifully maintained wooded setting, Briarwood
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