Marion's low cost of living and history in the "College City"
As a city of roughly 3,000 residents, Marion punches above its weight when it comes to its rich past. Several prominent figures — including Coretta Scott King — have ties to the community, while colleges like Samford University and Alabama State University were founded in the city. “Since the 1830s, there have been so many institutions of higher learning here that it has the name, the 'College City,'” says Kay Beckett, an agent with Bill Mackey Real Estate, who has lived and worked in Marion for over 30 years. Today, a military junior college is the only post-secondary institution left in the College City. But Marion’s distinct history, central location to some of Alabama’s largest cities and low cost of living attract residents looking for a slower pace.
Homes from before the Civil War to more recent builds
Homes are tightly clustered along Marion’s downtown blocks, while the streets that branch out from the city's center tend to offer more space. Properties date to various periods, including some from the pre-Civil War era. Architecture varies throughout the community, with National-style cottages, bungalows, ranch-style builds and Greek Revival homes all present. “We have homes from every decade, so it’s definitely interesting,” Beckett says. “We’re not a cookie-cutter town. We have something for everyone.” Smaller fixer-uppers can run between $70,000 and $180,000, while larger move-in-ready properties sell between $325,000 and $580,000. Marion’s median sales price of $125,000 is lower than larger cities like Tuscaloosa, Montgomery and Birmingham. Retirees are a growing demographic in the community, with the relatively modest prices and the city’s low property taxes. “We have lots of retirees that find it easy to drive and move through the small town,” Beckett says. “They don’t have to worry about being run over in traffic. I tell people if they come to Marion, their blood pressure will drop.”
Education at Perry County Schools, plus a military junior college
Marion is zoned to Perry County Schools. Francis Marion School serves kindergarten through 12th grade in the community and receives a C-plus grade from Niche. The school received an upgrade to its facilities in 2024, including a new baseball field. While the College City has a history in higher education, the Marion Military Institute is the only post-secondary option in the city today and the nation's oldest military junior college. Students can join ROTC or follow a civilian leadership path en route to a two-year associate degree from the institute.
Recreation on nearby lakes and rivers, including Perry Lakes Park
Marion is located just west of the Cahaba River, which provides residents with plenty of outdoor options. Perry Lakes Park is 7 miles from the city and offers hiking, plus canoeing and kayaking on the Cahaba and its namesake lake. Boaters can access the river via a boat launch 5 miles away. The Oakmulgee Wildlife Management Area of the Talladega National Forest is roughly 20 miles from Marion and has creeks and lakes for fishing.
Locally owned shops and restaurants at the city's courthouse square
Early 20th-century storefronts sit opposite the Perry County Courthouse on Washington Street. “We have a beautiful courthouse square,” Beckett says. “The square is a very old design. In fact, it’s being repeated in some of these new developments that are trying to copy the old town feeling and trying to re-create it.” While some store facades are currently empty, others are filled by community staples. Lottie’s Restaurant is a traditional meat and two spot known for its catfish, while College City Drugs has been open since 1963. Farther down Washington Street are several convenience stores, a hardware shop and Marion’s supermarket, Marion Foodvalu.
Museums and historical sites like the Lincoln Normal School
The city puts on annual holiday celebrations downtown, including a Christmas parade and a Halloween trick-or-treating event. The Marion-Perry County Library hosts events for all ages, from storytime for kids to adult computer classes. However, the community’s history is its biggest attraction, with several museums and historic sites. Beckett points out the Lincoln Normal School in particular, which opened in 1867 and is recognized as one of the oldest historically Black colleges in the country. The school closed in 1970, but its building still stands today, highlighting its history and alums such as Coretta Scott King.
Marion's central location to larger cities like Tuscaloosa
Marion is situated in Alabama’s Black Belt and has an agriculture-based economy, but the city is centrally located for those who commute elsewhere for work. Selma is about 25 miles away, while Tuscaloosa is a 55-mile drive. Beckett says the Mercedes plant just east of Tuscaloosa in Vance is a major employer. West Alabama Public Transportation provides an on-demand transit system for seniors and those without cars. The closest emergency room to the community is at Hale County Hospital, 19 miles away in Greensboro. Montgomery Regional Airport has the nearest commercial flights, 70 miles from Marion.
