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, and The Children's Place employs about 1,200 people.
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, Fort Payne Boom Days Heritage Celebration 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, paying 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 rallies during football season each fall and has a B-plus on Niche. 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. DeKalb Regional Medical Center is in Fort Payne.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Laura Walden,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Fort Payne, AL sell after 102 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Payne, AL over the last 12 months is $200,000, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Serene setting on Lookout Mtn! Unique opportunity to own 17 acres of pasture land, 2600sqft 3bd/2ba log home, barn with stalls, 1600 sqft apartment with full storage underneath! Incredible views of your property, overlooking a calm pond, and all while enjoying a covered back porch with above-ground pool. Main home offers vaulted ceiling with living room open to kitchen! Kitchen boasts pantry,
Tucked away in the mountains just 15 minutes from downtown Fort Payne, this beautiful property offers the perfect blend of privacy and convenience. Sitting on 1.2 peaceful acres, the backyard features a gentle creek that adds to the serene, natural setting. Inside, you’ll love the open floor plan that makes entertaining easy, with the master suite conveniently located on the main floor for
Discover your mountain escape on the stunning brow of Lookout Mountain, just minutes from Mentone and DeSoto State Park. This charming property offers an unbeatable combination of relaxation, income potential, and future opportunity.Currently featured in a short-term rental , the cozy cabin features an inviting open living area with a gas fireplace, well-equipped kitchen, one private bedroom,
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, featuring granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, stylish LVP flooring, and updated finishes throughout.Nestled in a beautifully maintained wooded setting, Briarwood Apartments provides a peaceful
Vacant lots available for your mobile home. Monthly Lot Rent: $525, One time non-refundable move-in fee: $515, Application Fee: $50/Adult(18+). The community is Pet Friendly! Limit of 2 pets per home weighing less than 35 lbs each, pet screening is required and restrictions apply. Contact us today to schedule your tour!
Welcome to this brand-new triplex located in the serene countryside of Fort Payne! Enjoy the peaceful charm of rural living while being just a short drive away from the conveniences of town. Each unit is newly constructed with modern finishes and features, offering a comfortable and stylish living space. Plus, enjoy the added convenience of included Wi-Fi in the rent. Experience the best of both
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