A charming rural town in Southeast Alabama
In Hartford, a 100-year-old water fountain flows in a town square near the crossroads of three country highways. The Alabama community has many features of a quintessential rural town: local schools, a historic courthouse and farmland surrounding the small city center. Shirley Foxworth, a county resident and employee at the nearby Emma Knox Kenan Public Library, says, "This is a small community with a small-town charm." The area is a part of Geneva County, which has multiple local events and a housing market with a median price range well below the national figure.
Locally owned shops and businesses serve Hartford residents
Throughout Hartford's commercial areas are businesses run by county residents; some support local agriculture, such as Kelly Seed Co. and Hartford Farmers Co-Op Inc. Tate's Mini Mall is a family-run storefront selling home goods, hardware, clothes and second-hand items. There's also a Piggly Wiggly and Tates Supermarket for groceries. The community only maintains a handful of eateries, including Mom's Kitchen and Ketchem's Restaurant; both serve southern-style fare. Foxworth suggests the regional gem, Porky Barn in Geneva. The dining establishment is well-loved for down-home menu offerings like grits, pulled pork and biscuits with gravy. The area also has manufacturers and an electric company inside Geneva County Industrial Park, off Highway 167.
Hartford has spaces for kids’ camps and senior gatherings
James S. Radford Recreation Park, also called Hartford Recreational Park, has a playground and basketball courts. The space is home to youth athletic leagues offered by the Hartford Recreation Department. The Hartford Senior Center, off Third Avenue, provides weekly activities such as arts and crafts, games and trips around the area. "During the summer, the [Emma Knox Kenan Public Library in Geneva] has programs for children. We have different events and camps teaching kids about planting flowers, making paper and things like that," Foxworth says. The local McGregor-McKinney Public Library is also available.
Many homes include barns, front porches or large backyards
Hartford contains many single-story ranch styles and newer homes built in the 2020s. Most properties include driveways, front porches and carports. Some residences have barns and workshops in the backyard. Wooded lots and farmland are also available for buyers looking to build a home. Typically, houses in Hartford range in price from $60,000 to $260,000.
Annual festivals celebrate holidays
Residents attend nearby events in Geneva County. "The Festival on the River is the last weekend in April. And Slocomb has a big Tomato Festival every year," Foxworth says. However, locals can also stay in town for a few annual gatherings. Freedom Fest, held at James Radford Park, is an event featuring live performances, games and food vendors; the celebration concludes with a large fireworks display. The town square gives a sense of nostalgia during Hometown Holidays with a parade, free train rides and a Christmas market.
Students attend Geneva County Schools in town
Locals stay inside Hartford to attend public schools. Geneva County Elementary receives a B-plus from Niche. Geneva County Middle has a B. Geneva County High receives a B-plus. The high school offers dual enrollment programs for nursing through Enterprise State Community College. The institution provides scholarship opportunities to Geneva County graduates.
Three highways connect to nearby cities and services
State Highways 52, 167 and 123 converge in the center of town. The routes lead to other cities in the metro area, including Dothan and Slocomb. Wiregrass Medical Center, in Geneva, offers emergency room services about 12 miles away. The Alabama-Florida border is roughly 8 miles south, while the Gulf Coast is about 70 miles away.
Residents rely on alerts from Geneva County Emergency Agency
Hartford has a history of severe weather, such as tropical storms and tornadoes. The region is also at risk of flooding. Geneva County Emergency Management Agency provides community warnings through a notification system; residents also visit the agency's Facebook page for up-to-date weather alerts.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
