The Gateway to Alabama
Lanett, a city off the Chattahoochee River, is known as the Gateway to Alabama. The community touches the state line in eastern Chambers County. "Lannet is a city with small-town values. They have their own school system. It's also close to the river and Georgia," says Ashley Hicks, a real estate professional with 20 years of experience with Riverbend Realty. The area includes a private university and a small city center. Locals gather near the downtown for shopping and events like the Festival on the Square.
Historic homes and new houses in Lanett
The community includes cottages, ranch styles from the 20th century and more recent New Traditional homes. "Highway 29 has the Lanett Mill Villages. Homes were built there between the 1900s and 1930s. And those homes are still standing," Hicks says. New Traditional styles are inside the Brookwood and Cross Creek subdivisions. The median price for single-family homes is around $235,000, significantly lower than the national median. However, pricing depends on the parcel size, build year and level of renovation. The region has a history of severe weather, such as tropical storms and tornadoes. These weather systems can lead to high winds, which can damage residences. The area also has a moderate risk of flooding, especially near the river.
Businesses on Lanier Avenue and Highway 29
Valley Plaza shopping center has local storefronts and businesses. The small downtown area, along Lanier Avenue, has shops inside established brick buildings. The recently opened MustardSeed Mercantile sells vintage items. There is a Kroger along Broad Avenue, but locals travel across the state line to a shop at Givorns Food in West Point. Shoppers visit the Valley, about 2 miles away, for Walmart Supercenter and more retail. Lanett has several casual restaurants in the community, many along Highway 29. Hicks recommends Merl's Diner and El Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant. "We have China Moon that has been here 15 or 20 years. It's locally owned and really good," Hicks adds. The town center buzzes with activity during monthly events like the Festival on the Square and the farmers market.
Recreation on Cherry Street and the Chattahoochee
The community's main recreational facilities are on Cherry Street. There is a pool next to the L. B. Sykes Community Center. James A. Hardy Gymnasium was renovated a few years ago. The indoor space contains a basketball court, a game room and a shuffleboard court. The Lanett Senior Citizen Center offers bingo and meals. Veterans Memorial Park offers a quiet green space on First Street. Point University Golf Club provides a public course and tennis courts. "As soon as you cross the border into West Point, there's a kayak and canoeing group called GLL Outdoors. But once you go across the river bridge, there is public access to the water," Hicks says. Following the channel to the north leads to the West Point Lake reservoir, which has over 500 miles of shoreline.
Learning from W.O. Lance Elementary to Point University
W.O. Lance Elementary has a C rating on Niche. The school serves prekindergarten to sixth grade and offers a gifted curriculum. Lanett Junior High has a C-minus; the school is open to seventh and eighth graders. Lanett Senior High receives a C. The high school's football complex was renovated in 2025. The private, faith-based Point University enrolls over 2,000 students yearly with a student-faculty ratio of 15-to-1.
Traveling on Highway 29 and Interstate 85
Hick says Highway 29 is the city's main drag. Interstate 85 runs along the community's edge. The routes lead directly to West Point, Georgia. The Valley area is on the opposite side of the interstate. Here, locals find EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
