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Old Town Historic District

Old Town Historic District

Suburban Neighborhood in Huntsville, Alabama

Madison County 35801
$813,791 Average Value

Old Town is quiet but knows how to throw a party

The Old Town Historic District in Huntsville looks a little sleepy. Streets are quiet. Leafy trees cast shadows over tidy lawns. And discreet historic markers note the ages of various houses, which reflect a wide range of architectural styles. Low key is just how locals like it — except during Spookyfest in October, maybe, or during one of the seasonal Porch Parties, all sponsored by the neighborhood association. “The word I would use is quaint," says DeLisa Locke, a Realtor with RE/MAX Alliance and a longtime Huntsville resident. “Beautiful and mature trees. And it's walkable to downtown Huntsville, where the parades are held.” Downtown is also home to Big Springs International Park and a thriving dining and nightlife scene.

Lots to do at Big Springs International Park

Big Springs International Park is built around “Big Spring”, the original water source for Huntsville. Less than one mile from Old Town, the park is a popular spot to read, exercise and hang out with friends. It is also the likely future trailhead for the developing Singing River Trail of Alabama, a 70-mile walking and biking trail. The Huntsville Museum and the Von Braun Center, which hosts musicians and comedians, are also within the park. A walking trail loops around a playground at the smaller Bud Cramer Park, which is also just outside the neighborhood. There are picnic tables here as well.
The cultural crown jewel of Huntsville is the Huntsville Museum of Art located downtown.
The cultural crown jewel of Huntsville is the Huntsville Museum of Art located downtown.
Children love to feed the fish and ducks along the banks at the Big Spring Park in Huntsville.
Children love to feed the fish and ducks along the banks at the Big Spring Park in Huntsville.
The Von Braun Center in Huntsville is a 9,000 seat event and concert center located downtown.
The Von Braun Center in Huntsville is a 9,000 seat event and concert center located downtown.
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Restaurants and bars are just a few blocks away

Honest Coffee Roasters serves seasonal drinks and classic roasts, and it's a popular gathering spot for locals. Cheese takes center stage at Melt, a downtown restaurant where sandwiches and burgers are topped with delicious cheeses. The Mac Melt is Texas Toast stuffed with mac-and-cheese. Stretchy pants recommended. Jack Brown’s is another good choice, says Locke, and its burgers are some of the best around, with great fries too. Furniture Factory Bar & Grill hosts '80s revival nights with regional rockers like the Velcro Pygmies. Also close by is the Medical District, home to Huntsville Hospital. Groceries are for sale at Publix at Twickenham Square. Thanks to the proximity of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, shopping, dining and nightlife options are plentiful downtown.
Honest Coffee Roasters in Huntsville offers a variety of signature Lattes and other beverages.
Honest Coffee Roasters in Huntsville offers a variety of signature Lattes and other beverages.
From pastries and specialty drinks, to acai bowls, theres much more than just coffee.
From pastries and specialty drinks, to acai bowls, theres much more than just coffee.
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Porch Parties bring the neighborhood together

The neighborhood is typically quiet, but residents do know how to throw a party. “They have porch parties,” says Locke “when a local band comes and plays on the front porch and front lawn of the homes down there." Homeowners bring hors d’oeuvres and a drink of choice to these semi-regular shindigs. The Panoply Arts Festival, an annual celebration of creativity and culture showcasing diverse artistic expressions, takes place the last full weekend of April at Big Springs Park. Highlights include live performances, visual art exhibitions, interactive activities, food stands and a festive and creative atmosphere for all ages. The Greene Street Farmers Market runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays from May through August (until 6 p.m. in September and October) on Eustis Avenue downtown.

Architectural styles span recent centuries

Homes line up on a neat grid of streets, their facades reflecting representative styles from successive eras. The oldest home in this compact neighborhood dates to 1828. In the late 1800s, one- and two-story Victorian homes were common, but at the start of the twentieth century, Colonial Revivals and bungalows became popular. Greek-Revival, Queen Anne, Craftsman-style, ranch-style, Mission-style and even prairie school properties are also seen. Prices tend to start in the lower $400,000s, ranging from $429,000 for a two-bedroom Mission-style home to one million for a three-bedroom 1872 Victorian cottage with heart pine floors. Sidewalks frame small but tidy lawns, and cars tend to park on the street. The neighborhood is considered pedestrian friendly, earning a Walk Score of 75 out of 100. “Living in downtown is a lifestyle,” says Sarah Lauren Kattos, associate broker with Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson Properties. “People who move in generally don’t want to leave.”
Old Oaks, maple, and walnut trees provide shade in the summer and vibrat colors in the fall.
Old Oaks, maple, and walnut trees provide shade in the summer and vibrat colors in the fall.
It doesn't come more fancy and beautiful than this Second Empire style home in Old Town.
It doesn't come more fancy and beautiful than this Second Empire style home in Old Town.
Surrounded by rolling hills, Old Town has natural beauty in addition to architectural.
Surrounded by rolling hills, Old Town has natural beauty in addition to architectural.
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Interstate 565 is close to Old Town

Old Town has easy access to U.S. Interstate 565 and U.S. Route 431. There are bus routes in the area that link to destinations across the metropolitan area.

Huntsville High School earns an A grade from Niche

Students attend Blossomwood Elementary School before moving to Huntsville Junior High School. Both schools get B-plus grades from Niche while Huntsville High School earns an A grade. Students in the senior class of 2023 were awarded $4.5 million in college scholarships. Providence Classical School, in the center of the neighborhood, is a faith-based institution enrolling students from prekindergarten to twelfth grade. The school has two play areas for younger and older kids.
Amy Balfour
Written By
Amy Balfour
Tommy Daspit
Photography Contributed By
Tommy Daspit
Adam Barkley
Video By
Adam Barkley

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Sarah Lauren Kattos, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Huntsville International-Carl T Jones Field

21 min drive

Bus

Pratt & Schiffman Eb

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Old Town Historic District US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 9 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 7 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
78
Median Year Built
1910
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,572
Significantly above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,842
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,583

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Sarah Lauren Kattos, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
628
Median Age
42
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
12.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$93,749
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$136,657

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
73%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
24.6%
Advanced Degrees
9.2%
% Population in Labor Force
25%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
54''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
6''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

73 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

75 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

29 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Old Town Historic District
Sarah Lauren Kattos
Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson Pr
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