Monroeville is a rural city that embraces its literary past
Monroeville's story is intertwined with the famous authors who once called it home. Harper Lee was born there in 1926, and though she depicts the fictional town of Maycomb in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the novel was heavily inspired by her childhood experiences. Lee’s hometown friend, Truman Capote, wrote about the community in his 1958 short story “A Christmas Memory.” The city capitalized on its fame and was designated the “Literary Capital of Alabama” in 1997. It now boasts several cultural centers dedicated to its history that also seek to inspire the next generation of authors and other artists.
When not taking in the city’s story, residents can dine at one of several restaurants or walk through nature at one of its parks. “It’s a quaint place, great for raising a family,” says Tracey Dean, the interim executive director at the Monroe County Museum, who was born and raised in the area. “It has a slower pace of life than other cities.”
A red Alabama-shaped mural reading “Sweet Home Monroeville” decorates a brick wall in the town center.
A classic brick exterior and arched window highlight this single-story home on a quiet residential street.
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Ranch-style and traditional homes in a car-dependent community
Brick ranch-style homes are predominant throughout the city, often ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. More traditional homes can run from $215,000 to $375,000. Properties typically sell after about 80 days on the market, above the national average of 50. The city's western half has mainly grid-like streets, while the eastern half has several cul-de-sacs and branching side roads. The car-dependent community’s asphalt streets can be narrow and usually don’t have sidewalks. Yards often feature small bushes and trees, and dense woods line the city’s main thoroughfares, increasing as the roads get further from downtown.
A charming brick home with green shutters and a gabled roof sits along a tree-lined road.
Well-kept lawns and mature trees surround traditional houses in Monroeville’s residential neighborhoods.
Brick ranch-style homes can be found all throughout Monroeville.
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American restaurants, boutique clothing and Piggly Wiggly
Mel’s Dairy Dream sits next to the Faulk House, where Capote was raised, and serves American classics. Cherry Street Bar-B-Q is a take-out restaurant that is only open for the Saturday lunch rush, but residents patiently wait for its ribs, pulled pork, and other meats. Just outside town is David’s Catfish House, known for its array of seafood options. The area has Piggly Wiggly, Walmart and Dollar General locations. Boutiques like Blue Door & Co., a women’s clothing store, and Bonehead Boots, a men’s retailer, are in the city’s downtown near North Alabama Avenue.
Shoppers head into Monroeville’s Piggly Wiggly.
Monroeville residents visit Walmart for groceries and quick meals, with a Subway restaurant located just inside the entrance.
Cole's Coffee & Ice Cream features handcrafted beverages and a warm wooden counter setup.
Guests enjoy meals in a relaxed setting at Reed's Bar & Grill.
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Monroe County High School lets students dual-enroll in college classes
Students are served by Monroe County Schools. They can attend Monroeville Elementary School, which holds a C-plus Niche grade. Monroeville Middle School receives a C-plus score. Monroe County High School offers dual enrollment classes through local colleges and earns a B-minus. The private Monroe Academy, for kindergarten through 12th grade, has a B score.
Monroeville Elementary School scores a C- from Niche.
Niche grades Monroeville Middle School a C.
Monroe County High School offers dual enrollment courses for its students.
Monroe Academy gives families a private school option.
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The Old Courthouse Museum highlights the city's claims to fame
The Old Courthouse Museum — overseen by the Monroe County Museum — showcases the lives of Lee and Capote as well as limited-time exhibits from across the region. The courthouse was recreated in the 1962 film version of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” A monument to the novel’s main character, lawyer Atticus Finch, stands outside the museum. The location hosts live performances of a theater adaptation of the story several times per year. “We bring in about 20,000 visitors per year if you include the plays,” Dean says. “The courthouse holds 220 people, and the plays always have sellout crowds.”
Elsewhere, Veterans Park contains vehicles and equipment from past wars, including an airplane, a tank and a helicopter. The park also has baseball diamonds, soccer fields and beach volleyball courts. Anglers under 15 or over 60 can fish for catfish and bream at Whitey Lee Park.
Old Courthouse Museum highlights the lives of Harper Lee and Truman Capote.
Veterans Park includes several ballfields and nearby parking areas.
Clausell Community Park features a basketball court with four hoops.
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The Monroeville Literary Festival and a visit from Santa Claus
The annual Monroeville Literary Festival celebrates great authors from the past and shares tips from award-winning writers of today. Families can attend the Monroe County Rodeo to watch bull riding, steer wrestling and other events. Each November, the Monroeville Market mixes live music with art and food vendors, and in December, Santa Claus visits the community to take part in its Christmas Parade. Groups from First United Methodist Church of Monroeville support the community by sewing baby hospital gowns and donating to food banks, among other causes.
Access to several highways and the potential for severe weather
Alabama state roads 47, 41 and 21 snake through Monroeville’s downtown. “There might be a little traffic on Fridays, but otherwise, there are no issues,” Dean says. The city is around 90 miles from both Mobile and Pensacola, Florida. Tornadoes and hurricanes can impact the area, but not more or less than other parts of the state.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
TJ Wengert
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
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On average, homes in Monroeville, AL sell after 120 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Monroeville, AL over the last 12 months is $197,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome to Camellia Place Apartments in Monroeville, Alabama, located at 991 Clausell Road, Monroeville, AL 36460!This community offers a comfortable residential setting with convenient access to everything Monroeville has to offer. Camellia Place is designed for everyday living, with thoughtfully updated apartment homes and a welcoming atmosphere.Inside each home, you’ll find
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