Hamilton is a rural community where residents support one another
Hamilton is a rural community that sits along the Buttahatchee River in northwest Alabama. The river provides residents with outdoor activities, and a handful of restaurants and shops are in town. The city’s location makes getting to bigger areas like Birmingham and Tupelo relatively easy. But more than anything else, says Jackie Wallace, a sales representative with Exit River City Realty, the town should be known for its welcoming nature. “I grew up there, and even though I’ve been away for 40 years, I always feel like I’m going home when I visit,” Wallace says. “The people are so sweet and kind and helpful. It’s like ‘The Andy Griffith Show,’ a little version of Mayberry.”
New Traditional and Colonial Revival homes for below-median prices
Most area homes sit on lots of a half-acre or larger. Ranch-style homes, farmhouses and custom properties are all available, typically in New Traditional or Colonial Revival style. The median sale price is around $165,000, well below the national median. Large parcels of land are also available for development, usually between $1,500 and $5,500 per acre. The community’s asphalt streets are narrow. Roads near the city center often feature sidewalks, while streets farther from downtown are more rural and are usually flanked by mature trees. Yards frequently have bushes and other small plants.
Casual eateries, fast food restaurants and Walmart
Elder’s Tacos and Steaks mixes authentic Mexican flavors with modern ideas. The Farmhouse Restaurant serves homestyle Southern meals for breakfast and lunch daily; it offers dinner Thursday through Sunday. The Mill House Coffee & Cafe has handcrafted sandwiches and a lengthy drink menu. Several fast food eateries, like Hardee’s, are spread throughout the area. The city has Walmart, Shoppers Value and Dollar General for groceries and essentials.
Hamilton High offers dual enrollment college classes
Students are served by Marion County Schools. They can attend Hamilton Elementary School, which holds a B-plus Niche grade. Hamilton Middle School also has a B-plus score. Hamilton High School partners with local colleges to offer dual enrollment classes. It earns a B-minus score.
Fish and kayak on the Buttahatchee River or play traditional sports
The Buttahatchee River flows through the city, giving residents kayaking opportunities in calm waters or along small rapids, depending on where they drop their boat. “It can be dangerous after heavy rainfall, but it’s mostly smooth,” Wallace says. Anglers can catch catfish, bass and crappie. Along the river are the Chickasaw Indian Mounds, a former indigenous ceremonial site. The E.T. Sims Jr. Recreation Center has shaded jungle gyms, swing sets, tennis and pickleball courts, baseball and softball diamonds, a disc golf course and a summer splash pad. The Nature Trail Splash Pad & Playground has $1 entrance fees and snack vendors.
Santa Claus visits town during the Hamilton Christmas Parade
The city’s annual Buttahatchee River Fall Fest includes food vendors and artisans, a car show, live music, and a scarecrow decorating competition. Each December, the Hamilton Christmas Parade travels through the area and includes a visit from Santa Claus. The best holiday-themed floats receive a trophy.
Access to larger cities like Birmingham, plus Interstate 22
U.S. Route 43, known locally as Military Street, runs vertically through the city, merging with U.S. Route 278. Interstate 22 snakes through the area, acting as the region’s northwestern edge. Birmingham is just over 90 miles away, as is Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. Tupelo is nearly 50 miles west. Hamilton has a dial-a-ride service that goes anywhere within 10 miles of the city limits. It costs between $3 and $9 one way, and rides must be booked in advance. Tornadoes can impact the area, but the effects are typically mild.
