Small-town charm and lake views draw homebuyers to SlapOut
Settled along the banks of Jordan Lake is Holtville, an unincorporated rural community with two names. "Holtville is actually called SlapOut [by locals]. When I first moved to the area, I was told that Holtville had a lot of locally owned places," says Steven Dillard, an experienced Realtor with RE/MAX Properties who has lived in the region for over 25 years. "One of the businesses was a hardware store. People would ask for things, but the owner would say, 'No, I don't have it. I'm slap out of that.' That's how SlapOut came to be." Holtville dates back around a century, about the same time that the local high school opened. According to the U.S. Census, the area's population spiked almost 40% between 2010 and 2023. "This is a small town out in the country. It's a part of Wetumpka and Deatsville. But the area is growing. They have neighborhoods that are popping up," Dillard says. He adds that recent homebuyers are attracted to the nearby lake and local school system.
Lakefront homes and rural lots offer spacious living
Holtville offers waterfront living, private rural residences and homes in newer subdivisions. "Because it's in the country, they have bigger lots, so you get more land," Dillard says. "There are custom-built homes. Some people buy plots of land to build their homes." Some of the most recent constructions are inside Canal Crossing and Country Oaks subdivisions. The area has a median single-family sale price of around $405,000; however, many lakeside homes can range from $500,000 to over $1 million. The region is prone to severe weather, including tropical storms, hurricanes and tornadoes.
Attending local schools, including a century-old high school
Holtville Elementary serves students in prekindergarten to fourth grade. The school has a B-plus rating and ranks among the best elementary schools around Montgomery. Holtville Middle receives an A-minus and is in the top spot for best public middle schools in Elmore County. "Holtville High is really nice and a lot of people like the school," Dillard says. The high school has been a part of the community since 2025 and and recently celebrated its 100th graduating class. The school receives a B rating.
Local stores and restaurants line Holtville Road
Most businesses are down Holtville Road, including Slapout Produce, Piggly Wiggly and a new DG Market. There are a handful of dining options in town, such as El Patron Mexican Grill and Sheila's Pizza. City of Wetumpka Farmers Market, in the city center, is open seasonally on Thursdays. Residents are close to the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival and Wetumpka Oktoberfest.
Youth leagues and lake access offer active outdoor options
The community runs youth baseball and softball leagues that draw crowds to the fields off Allen Road. "Boating and fishing are big in Holtville because of the lake. You can go to the ramp and put your boat in the water," Dillard says. The local launching spot has ample boat trailer parking at the end of Bonners Point Road.
Connecting downtown Wetumpka and Montgomery
Holtville is a car-dependent community without access to regular public transit options. Many drivers travel along Holtville Road to get in and out of the area. The route leads to Wetumpka's historic downtown in about 7 miles. Holtville residents are roughly 22 miles from Maxwell Air Force Base and the center of Montgomery.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
