Lester is a quiet community in the foothills close to fast-growing cities
On the Alabama-Tennessee border, the rural community of Lester is insulated from some of the more dramatic changes seen in its fast-growing neighbors. Lester sits among the last rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where the Tennessee River opens into lakes popular for fishing, boating and water skiing. Churches are where locals congregate with their neighbors. "It's like going back in time 50 years," says Realtor Jay Butler, broker and owner of Butler Realty. "It's a tiny area that's slow-paced and rural, and everyone smiles and waves at their neighbors." Even with how laidback Lester feels, Butler says that "it's part of the fastest-growing area in North Alabama." A short drive away, communities like Athens, Huntsville and the Florence-Muscle Shoals area offer dining, retail and entertainment. As nearby cities like Huntsville expand, more and more residents and resources are coming to this corner of Limestone County.
Older homes in leafy hollows and large acreages for custom homes
Homes across Lester are set on rolling hills and swaths of lush farmland or settled in leafy hollows—small, green valleys surrounded by thick woodland. Tennessee River tributaries—creeks, streams and brooks—snake through the land. Lester is a multi-generational area, and its homes do not often hit the market. Those homes that are offered for sale typically have one to 40 acres of bucolic scenery. Houses are often ranch-style, New Traditional or manufactured homes. Prices for a manufactured home typically range between $75,000 to $100,00. All other homes are usually priced between $240,000 and $800,000, depending on the acreage. More often than finished homes, land is available for buyers to build custom homes, typically ranging between one and 35 acres but sometimes going up to 75 or 100 acres. Prices for land range between $20,000 and $550,000, depending on the parcel size.
Highly rated Limestone County Schools
Students can attend Limestone County Schools, starting with Sugar Creek Elementary, which earns an overall B rating from Niche. The school serves students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Students can then attend West Limestone High for sixth through twelfth grade. The school earns a B-minus rating from Niche and has a popular, award-winning athletics program that includes cheer, baseball, soccer and football. Families may also choose to apply to Alabama Connections Academy. This accredited online school is free of charge and serves all grade levels, allowing parents to arrange their child's schedule to fit their individual needs. Niche gives the school an overall B-plus and an A-plus for its teachers. Niche also ranks the academy as having Alabama's seventh-best high school teachers.
Close to the Tennessee River and Joe Wheeler Park
Many residents have their homes on large acreages, so getting outdoors or hunting during Alabama's cooler days isn't an issue. Locals can find several hiking areas, creeks and fishing holes across the community. Lester is also close to the Tennessee River and has green spaces like Joe Wheeler State Park along its shores. The park is a popular spot for kayaking, boating and fishing for catfish and bass. There are also many walking trails, a swimming beach, a disc golf course and a campground. Joe Wheeler Park is about 20 miles from Lester. Big Spring Park, located in Athens, is the closest traditional park, with a playground, tennis courts and picnic areas.
Residents go to Athens for necessities
Lester doesn't have shops and restaurants, but its busier neighbors do. "There's an old post office there and a former rural hospital that was closed down and turned into a haunted house," Butler says. "People have to go to Athens for groceries or to go out to eat." Athens has a Walmart, Lowe's, Publix and a Tractor Supply Co. for residents needing farm supplies. Athens also has chain and local restaurants, like Lucia's Cocina Mexicana, a classic Mexican restaurant, and local favorite Ro's Grille. Ro's is a family-friendly pub known for its burgers, cheesesteaks and dishes like "Tipsy Spuds," potato bites topped with beer cheese, ranch buffalo sauce and bacon. Florence offers big box shops like Target, and Huntsville has shopping malls like Bridge Street Town Center, which has shops, boutiques, restaurants and a movie theater.
Larger towns are within driving distance from Lester
The community sits in a rural corner of northwest Alabama connected to other major cities via Highway 99 and Highway 11, both of which connect to Interstate 65. There isn't public transportation, so residents are car-dependent. Larger towns are within driving distance; Athens is 20 miles away, the Florence-Muscle Shoals area is about 45 miles away, Huntsville is 55 miles away and Nashville is 100 miles from Lester. The closest medical center is Athens Limestone Hospital, just over 20 miles from the community. Northwest Alabama Regional Airport and Huntsville International Airport are both 45 miles away. Lester has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
