After the Guntersville Dam was erected in 1939 on the Tennessee River and the resulting reservoir filled with water, Guntersville became “Alabama’s Lake City.” The reservoir, which stretches around 75 miles, was called Guntersville Lake — or Lake Guntersville, as locals say. It is the largest lake in Alabama, and people from the region flock to it for relaxation and recreation. It has even twice served as the site of the Bassmaster Classic professional fishing tournament. Though the lake is large, the city of Guntersville remains small, with just over 9,000 residents. The poultry processing and healthcare industries are large employers in Marshall County, and a Japan Solderless Terminals factory is coming to the city’s Conner’s Island Business Park in 2028. The factory is expected to create around 80 jobs and will feature public nature trails.
Guntersville Alabama sits along Lake Guntersville and is famous for it's natural beauty.
There are many places and opportunities where residents can fresh water fish in Guntersville Alabama.
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Waterfront homes on the upper peninsula
The median price of a Guntersville home is around $350,000, less than the national median, and the city’s cost of living is about 15% less than the national average. Homes stay on the market for an average of 82 days. Craftsman- and ranch-style homes are prevalent. Waterfront homes on the city’s upper peninsula tend to be more expensive. “Houses that would go for $225,000 anywhere else will go for $275,000 or $300,000 on the peninsula,” says Anna Weathers Smith, a Realtor with Main Street Realty Plus, LLC.
A large number of waterfront homes can be found in Guntersville Alabama.
Many of the waterfront homes in Guntersville feature boat docks or boat garages.
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Guntersville City Schools gets a B grade
Students are served by Guntersville City Schools, which holds a B grade from Niche. The district serves nearly 2,000 students across four schools. Cherokee Elementary School and Guntersville Middle School have individual B-plus grades.
Full campus of Guntersville Middle School, a public secondary school in Guntersville Alabama.
Full campus of Guntersville High School, serving students from the 9th through 12th grades in Guntersville Alabama.
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Fishing and boating at Lake Guntersville State Park
Lake Guntersville State Park provides access to the lake for fishing and boating. It also contains an 18-hole golf course, a zip line course and more than 35 miles of trails. In the winter, it is home to bald eagles, and six eagle observation points are placed throughout the park. “On a weekend afternoon, the lake is going to be crowded,” Weathers Smith says. “Even on a random Wednesday, you’ll see people fishing. People come from all over for it.” Most of the city's parks are used for recreation. The city has plans to renovate spots along the Guntersville Lake coastline. Off the water, the Guntersville Recreation Center has three pools, plus baseball and softball fields and others athletic facilities.
Entrance to Lake Guntersville State Park in Guntersville Alabama.
There are abundant options for water activities at the Lake Guntersville State Park in Guntersville Alabama.
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The City Harbor district has shops and restaurants
Guntersville's waterfront City Harbor district has several restaurants and shops among its short-term luxury condos. Residents can drive their boats to the harbor. Other thrift stores and boutiques are scattered throughout the city’s downtown. Cajun and southern barbecue are common restaurant cuisines. “You can park on one end of downtown and walk to the other,” Weathers Smith says. “That’s what people do on the weekends. You will see people you know out and about all the time.”
City Harbor in Guntersville Alabama has several locally owned restaurants and shops along the waterfront.
Abundant shopping and dining options can be found at Guntersville's City Harbor.
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The Guntersville Museum keeps track of local history
At the Guntersville Museum hangs a 12-foot aluminum boat named “Miss Guntersville Lake.” It was in this boat that city legend Bill Harris took 22 trips across the country, starting in Lake Guntersville and navigating local rivers to end up in places like New Orleans and Chicago. The museum also has exhibits on Native American artifacts and local history. The Whole Backstage Theatre is the oldest community theatre in the state. The annual Guntersville Lake HydroFest sees hydroplane powerboats race across the lake in competition for the Southern Cup.
The Guntersville City Museum houses many artifacts that tell the story of Guntersville's history.
Located in the arts district of Guntersville Alabama, is the Guntersville City Museum.
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Huntsville International Airport is a short drive away
U.S. Highway 431, which can take drivers around 40 miles to Huntsville, and State Route 79, which leads to Birmingham about 75 miles southwest, pass through Guntersville’s upper peninsula. Guntersville Public Transportation offers a paratransit service within city limits. The closest major airport is Huntsville International Airport, around 50 miles away, which has nonstop flights to several domestic destinations. Marshall Medical Center North is a 90-bed acute care facility and a Level III trauma center.
Guntersville carries a high risk of tornadoes
According to state crime data, Guntersville’s violent crime and property crime rates have risen in recent years. The city’s violent crime rate is far below the national average, while its property crime rate is above the national average. The city experiences four seasons, with long, humid summers and short, mild winters. Marshall County has a relatively high risk of tornadoes and strong winds compared to the rest of the country.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Tommy Daspit
Video By
Adam Barkley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Chuck Cranford,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Guntersville, AL sell after 108 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Guntersville, AL over the last 12 months is $400,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful home located near Lake Guntersville in Deer Run Estates. Split floor plan with private master suite. Living room, master. kitchen, and dining room all have wood floors. Enjoy huge fenced in back yard, perfect for kids, pets, or backyard gatherings. Peaceful country living with the convenience of town nearby.
If you love the convenience of being close to town, but love your own space, this well kept, beautiful home may just be the place for you! 1792 sq ft of living space; 2570 sq ft total adj. area; 3 bdrm/2 bath; 9.3 acres with creek running through property; paved driveway; detached out building and 2 car carport; 2 car attached garage with large storage room; home remodeled in 2009 with new
Beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bath home conveniently located in the heart of Guntersville! This move-in ready home features LVP flooring throughout, new fixtures, new appliances, and a brand-new HVAC system for year-round comfort. The updated kitchen opens to a bright living area, creating the perfect space for entertaining or relaxing. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to
All available apartments are filled by eligible Applicants on a first come/first serve basis. Please call or come by today for an Application and current availability!! Income Restrictions apply. Vouchers Accepted. Call today!This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Do not miss out on this gorgeous custom-built home located near the Guntersville Lake! Beautiful wood floors, fresh paint, tons of space throughout the entire home! Open floor plan kitchen to formal Livingroom with granite and SS appliances! Bonus Livingroom with gas fireplace! spacious office located off kitchen. Master bedroom boasts a enormous master closet with its own bonus room! Huge
All available apartments are filled by eligible Applicants on a first come/first serve basis. Please call or come by today for an Application and current availability!! Income Restrictions apply. Vouchers Accepted. Call today!This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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