Small-town charm with farm life, local events and outdoor fun
Lineville is a rural community between Cheaha Mountain and Lake Wedowee. The area is known as the "Scenic Crossroads of East Alabama," with three state routes running through the area. Rita Young, a Realtor with Wedowee Lake & Lands Realty, says Lineville is a small town where locals know their neighbors and enjoy the outdoors. "It has a slower pace of life. Lineville has a park and community activities," Young says. Some of those activities include community-wide garage sales and a downtown Christmas Parade. Aside from agriculture, shipping and logistics companies like Cheaha Timber support the community.
Parks, lakes and trails offer abundant recreation
Cheaha State Park is about 15 miles from the center of town. The nearly 2,800-acre green space is home to Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state. However, Lineville residents have access to more outdoor havens closer to home. "Even though the city is small, it has Lineville City Park. They have a playground and a walking track. It's well-maintained," Young says. The space includes lakes and multiple sporting fields for youth baseball and softball leagues. Residents also gather here for car shows, swap meets and other community events. There's a pocket park downtown, and the Lineville Senior Center is off Griffin Avenue. "Lineville has Flat Rock Park on Lake Wedowee. That's a popular attraction for residents," Young says. The lake, the formal name of which is R.L. Harris Reservoir, is a hot spot for swimming, fishing and camping. Young points out that Lineville is close to Cragford, a location known for its gold mines; miners first discovered the valuable mineral in the area in 1830, and today the Alabama Gold Camp invites potential prospectors to try their luck panning for gold in Crooked Creek.
Farmhouses and bungalows mix with newer ranch-style homes
Lineville's roadways lead past homes situated on gently sloping yards. Most residential streets don't have sidewalks or road markings. The area contains farmhouses with wide front porches, as well as secluded wooden cabins and Craftsman bungalows. There are also a few recently constructed ranch-style houses. Lot sizes here can span anywhere from half an acre to over 20 acres, and Young says that pricing in Lineville is typically based on the acreage. Move-in-ready houses most often cost between $200,00 and $400,000.
Lineville’s downtown blends rural commerce and small-town eats
Some downtown buildings have fallen into disrepair, while others are home to local shops like Lineville Emporium. Businesses such as S&S Farm Supply and Clay County Exchange support local farmers, many of whom sell produce off Highway 9 at the Clay County Farmers Market; the indoor space is only open on Wednesdays during the summer. Residents shop for groceries at Piggly Wiggly and Mathew's Meat Market. The area has casual restaurants such as Burger Quick and Farmhouse & Co. Near AL-49 are landmarks like Lineville Baptist Church, which has been serving local congregants since 1839 and has stood in its current location since 1916, and the historic 100-foot-tall water tower that was erected in 1917.
A part of Clay County Schools
The Clay County Schools district provides gifted programs for all grade levels. Lineville Elementary is open to prekindergarten through sixth graders and has a B rating on Niche. Central Clay County Junior High receives a C-plus, and Central High School of Clay County has a B-minus.
Severe weather can lead to wind damage
The area has a history of severe weather, including hurricanes and tornadoes, which can lead to wind damage. The city provides two tornado shelters in the event of an emergency. There is also a risk of wildfires.
Getting in and out of Clay County
Due to a lack of public transportation options in the area, Lineville residents are entirely dependent on their own cars to get around. Highway 9 and Alabama State Routes 48 and 49 intersect in the middle of town. Highway 9 takes drivers to Interstate 20, about 25 miles north, and to Montgomery, just over 80 miles south. Route 48 leads 16 miles east to Wedowee, and Route 49 goes north to the Talladega State Forest and south to Dadeville. Clay County Hospital is less than 5 miles away in Ashland. The Georgia border is about 40 miles to the east.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
