Home to one of Alabama's oldest live oaks
When the city of Geneva was first settled in the early 1800s, locals would gather at a large oak tree for community meetings and announcements. The tree has many names, including Constitution Oak, The Big Oak and Ole Oak. Today, the live oak tree is on the list of Alabama's Famous & Historic Trees. The rural community is the seat of Geneva County, just north of the state line. The area contains acres of farmland and Eunola, a small community to the east. In addition to agriculture, one of Geneva's top employers is the Sysco distribution center. There are also multiple manufacturing warehouses throughout the area.
A shopping downtown and dining at eateries like Porky Barn
Clothing stores, jewelers and antique shops occupy long-standing brick buildings in downtown. Locals can pick up groceries at Piggly Wiggly and Walmart on Geneva's western side. The area also includes a Tractor Supply Co. "We have a seafood restaurant called The Locals. And a lovely food truck is set up permanently close to downtown called The Sack. It's veteran-owned and operated," says Shirley Foxworth, a Geneva native and employee of the Emma Knox Kenan Public Library. Porky Barn is a local staple for its diner-setting and southern-style menu options. "They have excellent food and very reasonable prices," Foxworth adds. The small city has a few late-night establishments, including 27 South Lounge.
Buying in Geneva and weather risks
Beyond the farmlands are brick ranch-style houses and cottages with covered porches. Lots inside the city limits are typically smaller. Farther out are land parcels ranging from an acre to over 7 acres. Dwellings usually have concrete driveways with carports or detached garages. Some residential streets are unpaved and covered in red clay soil. Most move-in-ready homes range in price from $100,000 to $390,000.
The community has a history of flooding. There is also a moderate risk of wildfires close to the state line. Geneva County provides a disaster alert system that notifies residents of emergencies based on their residential address.
Robert M. Fowler Memorial Park and new splash pad
Along the banks of the Choctawhatchee River stands Robert M. Fowler Memorial Park. The green space has a boat launch and ramp to access the water. The grounds include Ole Oak and a portion of the Geneva Walking Trail. In 2025, the city built a splash pad off Academy Street. A few blocks to the north is Emma Knox Kenan Public Library. "We are a two-story facility with our children's section on the bottom floor. We have computers available for public use," Foxworth says.
Festival on the Rivers and visiting Slocomb
Festival on the Rivers is a three-day event at Robert A. Fowler Memorial Park. The gathering features contests like barbecue competitions and tug-of-war. There's also worm fiddling, a technique used for catching fishing bait with wooden stakes. Locals are also close to the Slocomb Tomato Festival Jamboree, held in June. The Festival begins with a parade and ends with a large fireworks display.
Starting at Mulkey Elementary
Locals stay inside the community to attend public school. Mulkey Elementary receives a B-plus from Niche. Geneva Middle also has a B-plus. Geneva High has a B-minus. The high school offers after-school activities like bass fishing, golfing and volleyball.
Traveling from Geneva
Wiregrass Medical Center, near West Maple Avenue, offers emergency room services. The Dothan Regional Airport is about 35 miles away. The Alabama state line borders the community to the south. Drivers can take State Route 27 to reach Florida. "Our claim to fame is that we are an hour and a half from the beach in the Florida Panhandle," Foxworth says.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
