Founded in 1833 and later named after President Andrew Jackson, Jacksonville is home to about 14,000 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The population in has increased about 15% since 2010. The city is also home to Jacksonville State University, one of the city’s largest employers. “A Honda plant is in Lincoln, which is another major employer for this area,” says Jeff Slick, a Realtor with Freedom Realty. “Many residents are working for Honda or Jacksonville State.” There’s an outdoorsy lifestyle that comes with residing in Jacksonville. “We are right next to Choccolocco Mountain, which is awesome if you’re into the outdoors,” Slick says. “North of Jacksonville is Little River Canyon (National Preserve), which is popular in the summertime.” Jacksonville’s highly-rated school system, community events and its downtown city square add to its appeal.
Jacksonville State University has been the heart of Jacksonville, Alabama since 1934.
Jacksonville town square is a vibrant hub that comes alive with a variety of exciting events each year.
1/2
Median home prices are higher than in Anniston
The median home price in Jacksonville is about $215,000, significantly lower than the national median of $405,000, according to the National Association of Realtors. The price is higher than Anniston, a city just south of Jacksonville, with a median of $165,000. “The Jacksonville housing market is great compared to surrounding areas,” Slick says. Homes range from historic houses built in the mid-19th century to new construction in subdivisions like Waterford Valley. Most homes near the center of town are mid-20th-century, ranch-style properties.
Jacksonville features many unique homes set against a mountainous backdrop.
Jacksonville homes are constructed for longevity and resilience, ensuring that your investment stands the test of time.
1/2
Jacksonville City Schools and Jacksonville State University
Students are educated within Jacksonville City Schools, which earns an A-minus grade from Niche. The district serves about 1,600 students attending Kitty Stone Elementary and Jacksonville High schools. Jacksonville State has an enrollment of about 10,000 students and offers 46 undergraduate, 64 master’s and three doctoral programs. The school is known for its successful athletic program, which has won seven NCAA National Championships, including most recently in 2024 in both football and bowling.
The schools in Jacksonville City are among the highest-rated in Alabama.
Kittystone Elementary school is a top rated school located in Jacksonville.
1/2
Chief Ladiga Trail, Alabama’s first major rail-to-trail project
Jacksonville City Park is one of the more popular green spaces in the area, with a skate park, basketball courts and youth sports fields. Disc-golf players can visit the nine-hole Frog Town Disc Golf Course or the 18-hole Eastwood Park and Disc Golf Course. Germania Springs Park has a dog park, baseball fields and playgrounds. The Chief Ladiga Trail runs adjacent to Germania Springs and provides runners and bikers with a 34-mile paved trail. The trail was the first major rails-to-trails project in Alabama . Choccolocco Mountain is just east of the city, providing 450 acres of forest, trails, campgrounds, a pavilion and a children's playground. At Little River Canyon, visitors can hike, bird watch, fish, kayak or rock climb.
Chief Ladiga Trail is a 33-mile paved, multi-use trail in Alabama, primarily used for walking, biking, and other
Germania Springs Park in Jacksonville is an excellent spot to cool off during the summer.
1/2
Shopping and dining in Downtown Jacksonville
Downtown Jacksonville is home to a variety of local restaurants and boutiques. Many of these businesses surround The Square, where events are held annually. Many chain restaurants can be found further south along Pelham Road. “For malls or mainstream stores, you’ll go to Oxford,” Slick says. Oxford is about 16 miles south of Jacksonville. The Community Actors Studio Theatre in nearby Anniston puts on four performances a year, while the Jacksonville University Drama Department also puts on a handful of productions.
Red Threads is the place to find all your game day apparel in Jacksonville.
Discover The Fig Tree, an enchanting boutique in Jacksonville.
1/2
Fair on the Square each May
Jacksonville Fair on the Square is one of the city’s most well-attended events. The free fair is held in May and features live music, food and market vendors. “In the summertime, on Saturdays, they have a farmers market on The Square,” Slick says. “It’s a pretty big thing for people around here.”
In between Birmingham and Atlanta
Alabama State Route 21 runs through the middle of Jacksonville and leads to Interstate 20 to the south. Birmingham is about 75 miles away using Route 21 and Interstate 20. Atlanta is approximately 95 miles east. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is about a 70-mile drive.
Jacksonville crime and weather
According to Alabama State Crime Reporting, crimes like assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft decreased in Calhoun County in 2023. Jacksonville is prone to tornados and hurricanes and experiences extreme heat in the summer and mild winters.
Written By
Kevin Haswell
Photography Contributed By
Alan Bates
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kay McKinney,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Jacksonville, AL sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Jacksonville, AL over the last 12 months is $250,000, up 35% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Relish in this sophisticated 4451 sq ft +/- full brick home that boasts 1.72 acres including an additional parcel. This magnificent property features a private office, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, upstairs bonus room, mother-in-law suite with a private entrance, mini kitchen, seating area and full bath! Enjoy your morning breakfast in a fully equipped kitchen beside a cozy fireplace or an intimate
Have a student headed to JSU? Why pay rent for 4 years? Buy this and have roommates help with expenses. When your student graduates wither sell or keep it and start your rental portfolio. Conveniently located to JSU and desirable Jacksonville schools.
Discover a rare opportunity to own 1.46 acres of strategically located commercial land in the heart of Jacksonville, AL. Situated mere moments from Jacksonville State University, this property boasts unparalleled visibility and accessibility on bustling Highway 21. Ideally positioned near JSU, ensuring high traffic and visibility as you enter the city of Jacksonville. Property includes 3
Located near Jacksonville, this property features mature hardwood timber on top of the ridge. The topography would allow for an excellent cabin site that would give long-range views from the back deck. Imagine relaxing on your back deck, watching deer and turkeys in their natural habitat. With power available at the site, this property offers the best of both convenience and seclusion. Whether
Holtzclaw Hill Tract 119 Acres of Secluded Timberland Near Jacksonville, ALWelcome to the Holtzclaw Hill Tract, a rare opportunity to own 119 acres of prime timberland just minutes from Jacksonville. This all-wooded property features a strong stand of young pine complemented by beautiful SMZ corridors of towering white oaks and mature hardwoods, winding gracefully through the heart of the
The Webb Road Tract is a 117.81-acre recreational timber tract located in Calhoun County, Alabama approximately 7 miles west of Piedmont, 6 miles north of Jacksonville, and a convenient 67 miles northeast of Birmingham. With paved access via Roy Webb Road (Co. Rd #19), this property is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat or investment opportunity.The good growing, well-stocked 2022
There is a lease for an advertizement billboard to be installed along the right side of the property. Not included in the sale. Realtor owned. Possible owner financing available. Check with your realtor for terms.
Within walking distance to Pleasant Valley School. A short drive to Jacksonville State University. Home features three bedrooms 2 baths. Walk in to an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, kitchen with stainless appliances that has an open concept to the living/dining room. Primary bedroom on the main level ,barn door leads you to the primary bath with tub sower combo and a walk in closet. Two
Build your dream home "above it all" in Jacksonville on approximately 1.44 acres! This beautiful mountain estate lot is located near Jacksonville State University and offers breathtaking panoramic mountain views, as well as city views of Jacksonville down below. Heritage Highlands has curb and gutter streets with underground utilities and streetlamps. Call today for more information!
JACKSONVILLE/PLEASANT VALLEY | PRIVATE 12.4 ACRES +/- | CEDAR SPRINGS ESTATES | PRIME 12.4 +/- acre building tract offering PRIVACY & a scenic country/farm view. Conveniently nestled approx 2 miles from Jacksonville State University, this tract is located in the county but restricted for your protection. CEDAR SPRINGS ESTATES will have lots varying in size from approx 3 ACRES to 12.4 ACRES, so if
Within walking distance to Pleasant Valley School. A short drive to Jacksonville State University. Home features three bedrooms 2 baths. Walk in to an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, kitchen with stainless appliances that has an open concept to the living/dining room. Primary bedroom on the main level ,barn door leads you to the primary bath with tub sower combo and a walk in closet. Two
Hickory Run Apartments offers family housing in a relatively quiet neighborhood. Our residents can not only enjoy the beautiful grounds with our own playground and picnic area but also rent our community room for their special occasions. Rents are affordable with furnished appliances in all units. Please come visit us now to select the perfect home for you.
For questions regarding the tornado in the Jacksonville area, please contact [email address removed]. Currently, we are closed for construction and are not accepting new applications. The Reserve at Jacksonville in Jacksonville, AL is your home away from home! Our individually leased two and four bedroom furnished apartment homes also include a washer and dryer. Our community features include
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
