Regional development brings changes to Hanceville
Hanceville is a small town in North-Central Alabama that has a mix of something old and something new. "Hanceville is like a real-life Mayberry. It's a very peaceful and wholesome place where you know everybody," says Charles Mann, a Hanceville native and owner of Mann's Home & Garden Shop. "People have been coming to my store since I was a kid. And now, they come in with their kids." Family-run stores and local restaurants are throughout the community, especially near downtown. "Our shop has been in business since 1913. I'm the fourth or fifth generation. You don't see many little country stores like this anymore. But we are still alive and kicking," Mann says. But Cullman County has grown steadily over the last decade, and Hanceville has seen its share of new homes and businesses move in.
Businesses blend tradition with new arrivals
The city's shopping scene has a mix of long-standing businesses and recent additions. Many storefronts are downtown, such as the new boutique Trinkets & Traditions, which sells modern clothing items, jewelry and vintage home décor. "At Mann's Home & Garden Shop, we sell basic garden stuff. We have a little hardware section too. We do produce and have a little farmers market," Mann says. Warehouse Discount Groceries of Hanceville is along Main Street. There are also a few dining options. "The restaurants are all good and locally owned," Mann says. "Luna's Barbecue is very popular, and it's been here a long time. Pops Café is also really popular in the community." Mann also recommends Lupe's Mexican Restaurant.
Buyers can find rural homes and new construction options
Country roads bend through pine forests and fields, interrupted occasionally by ranch-style homes or cottages with covered porches situated on spacious, grassy lots. In town, more cottages plus New Traditional and ranch-style homes sit on tree shaded lots. Many streets are narrow and unlined, often without sidewalks. New builds, mostly single-story homes with three bedrooms, have filled in space between some of the older homes over the last decade. There are also condos available. Some fixer-uppers range in price from around $40,000 to $90,000, but most homes cost between $120,000 and $375,000. The median sale price is around $215,000.
Outdoor spaces and art exhibits offer year-round activities
The area is home to a handful of neighborhood parks and public spaces. Veterans Memorial Park has a central duck pond. Outdoor exercise equipment and a paved path encircle the water. There's also an off-leash space for dogs. In the wintertime, the grounds are decorated with colorful Christmas lights. C.W. Day Park offers a community pool and baseball diamonds for local sporting leagues. The Evelyn Burrow Museum, at Wallace State Community College, showcases rotating exhibits and a permanent collection of over 5,000 works of decorative porcelain and pottery.
East of Hanceville is The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, one of the most important Catholic sites in Alabama. Situated on a 400-acre former soybean farm, the Shrine's architecture was influenced by Romanesque and Gothic architecture of the 13th century and it houses the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, a contemplative order of nuns.
Festivals celebrating Irish culture and a cheesy sandwich
The city hosts many community events, including the Hanceville Irish Festival. The downtown gathering features dancing, live music and crafts. "In the fall, we have the Mud Creek Arts and Crafts Festival that brings in people [from across the state]," Mann says. "For the last few years, during the summer, we've had the Grilled Cheese Festival. And it is exactly what it sounds like. We celebrate any and everything grilled cheese," Mann laughs.
An area planted near major roads and a landmark religious site
Hanceville stands along the crossroads of Highway 31 and State Route 91. The closest Interstate 65 interchange is about 7 miles from the center of Hanceville. Birmingham City Centre is roughly 40 miles south, while the heart of Huntsville awaits about 55 miles north. Both cities have international airports. Hanceville has an acute care clinic on Main Street, but the nearest hospital is about 10 miles north in Cullman.
Hanceville schools offer college pathways
Hanceville Elementary has a B rating on Niche. Hanceville Middle receives a B-plus, and older students graduate from the B-rated Hanceville High. The district offers academies through a partnership with Wallace State Community College, which is in the northwestern corner of town.
Storm shelters are available during tornado watches
The region has a history of tornadoes, hurricanes and flash floods. These weather events have impacted homes and local roadways. The city proper contains three storm shelters that are open to residents during tornado watches.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
