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
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Guntersville, AL sell after 107 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Guntersville, AL over the last 12 months is $400,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully updated home featuring over 3,000 sqft of finished space plus 1,440 sqft of unfinished area ready for expansion or storage. Located in a highly desirable area of Guntersville, you'll enjoy hardwood floors, soaring 10' ceilings, a gas fireplace, and open, airy living spaces throughout. The oversized master suite includes dual walk-in closets and a luxurious zero-entry shower. The
Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with stunning lake views and boat ramp access just steps away! Nestled in the Lakeview Heights subdivision of Guntersville, this beautifully updated property is currently a highly successful short-term vacation rental. Enjoy new flooring, updated baths, and a modern kitchen with stainless appliances - all move-in ready. The spacious living area features luxury
Situated on 4.73 acres within Guntersville City limits, this property is located in the highly desirable Signal Point neighborhood. Located just a half mile from Guntersville Marina and 3 minutes to the public boat ramp, this expansive lot blends prime location with excellent investment value. The property is gently sloped with approximately 215 feet of road frontage. An additional 7.33 acre lot
Beautifully updated home featuring over 3,000 sqft of finished space plus 1,440 sqft of unfinished area ready for expansion or storage. Located in a highly desirable area of Guntersville, you'll enjoy hardwood floors, soaring 10' ceilings, a gas fireplace, and open, airy living spaces throughout. The oversized master suite includes dual walk-in closets and a luxurious zero-entry shower. The
Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with stunning lake views and boat ramp access just steps away! Nestled in the Lakeview Heights subdivision of Guntersville, this beautifully updated property is currently a highly successful short-term vacation rental. Enjoy new flooring, updated baths, and a modern kitchen with stainless appliances - all move-in ready. The spacious living area features luxury
Situated on 4.73 acres within Guntersville City limits, this property is located in the highly desirable Signal Point neighborhood. Located just a half mile from Guntersville Marina and 3 minutes to the public boat ramp, this expansive lot blends prime location with excellent investment value. The property is gently sloped with approximately 215 feet of road frontage. An additional 7.33 acre lot
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.
Lakefront Living in Guntersville – 2 Bed, 2 Bath Apartment with Stunning Views! Wake up every day to breathtaking views of Lake Guntersville in this charming 2 BR/2 Bath upstairs apartment home. Nestled in a peaceful, scenic location, this unit offers comfort, convenience, and unbeatable value—all with a lakefront backdrop! Spacious Kitchen-Living Room Combo – perfect for entertaining,
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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