Historic and resilient community in downtown Montgomery
Strong, resilient, and steeped in history, Centennial Hill has been at the center of the most pivotal moments in the Civil Rights movement. Located in the heart of Montgomery’s historic downtown area, this neighborhood evolved around the storied First Congregational Church established in 1872. Over time, the area has become a center for notable trailblazers such as Dr. Martin Luther King and James W. Rapier, Alabama’s first black Congressmen. This rich history is reflected in the numerous museums and historical markers that make up and surround the neighborhood. “I think you can’t tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement without any discussion of Centennial Hill,” says Derryn Moten, professor of history at Alabama State University. “It is a pivotal piece of the movement and one that should not be overlooked or forgotten.".
Be sure to explore the Rosa L. Parks museum in Centennial Hill.
Explore the Civil Rights Memorial in Centennial Hill.
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Historical landmarks are scattered throughout the neighborhood
History flows from every corner of Centennial Hill. To the north, the Alabama State Capitol, a national landmark, overlooks Montgomery from its hilltop setting. It was the final stop of the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery and bore witness to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “How Long, Not Long” speech. King’s residence in Centennial Hill is forever enshrined at the Dexter Parsonage Museum, where he and his family lived for more than six years. The Harris House, home to Dr. Richard Harris, was at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement when 33 students from Tennessee, known as the “Freedom Riders,” sought refuge there. The Alabama Historical Commission commemorated The Harris House with a historical marker, and guided tours are now available to the public. The First Baptist Church Montgomery was first constituted in November 1829 and continues to serve the area to this day.
Learn about the history of the Harris House is located Centennial Hill.
Tour the home of Dr. Martin Luther King in Centennial Hill.
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Craftsman-style builds and Tudor-Revivals
Housing opportunities in Centennial Hill are in short supply. For single-family residences, older Craftsman homes and Tudor revivals are scattered throughout the limited residential space. Midcentury contemporary houses are also available. Multi-family options include apartment complexes like the Victory Tulane Gardens. Single-family housing Prices range from $50,000 to $90,000.
Admire the historical homes that grace the streets of Centennial Hill.
American Craftsman style homes add charm to the streets of Centennial Hill.
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Easy access to highways and public transportation
Two bus routes run through Centennial Hill, offering residents easy access to public transportation. Downtown Montgomery is less than a mile away, and residents can use Interstate 85 to travel into and out of the area conveniently. Montgomery Regional Airport is 9 miles away and can be reached using Interstate 65.
Explore the community of Centennial Hill on a warm summer day.
Hop on a bus in Centennial Hill.
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Students can enroll in the Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet
The Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet school offers two separate paths for middle school students to choose from. Baldwin Arts infuses the traditional middle school experience with areas of art such as dance, classical guitar, and visual arts. Baldwin Academics challenges students with rigorous academic work centered around computer technology, research, and foreign languages. The school scored a B-plus on Niche. Other public-school options include Nixon Elementary and Dr. Percy L. Julian High School, both of which received a D-plus on Niche. Parents looking for a private school option may consider Valiant Cross Academy, less than a mile away. Alabama State University is an accredited HBCU that borders the neighborhood.
E.D. Nixon Elementary teaches kids in Centennial Hill to do their best.
Baldwin Art and Academics Magnet School nurtures the creativity of children in Centennial Hill.
Dr. Percy L. Julian High School takes pride in educating kids in Centennial Hill.
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Scott Street Deli is an established local favorite
While dining options in the community are limited, the established eateries are favorites among locals and community members. Scott Street Deli has been serving the neighborhood for more than a century and has seen many Montgomery legends, such as Hank Williams and Tommy Shaw, walk through its red front doors. Down the road, Hamburger King has been family-owned and operated since 1970 and is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Residents can also grab a beer and a hotdog at Riverwalk Stadium, home of the Montgomery Biscuits, a famous minor-league baseball team. Winn-Dixie provides the area with groceries, while more extensive retail shopping can be found at the Eastdale Mall, 8 miles away.
See why locals say Hamburger King in Centennial Hill have the best hamburgers in the city.
Find your favorite sandwich at Scott Street Deli in Centennial Hill.
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Challenges faced by Centennial Hill
Centennial Hill has faced many challenges in the past and continues to face them today. When Interstate 85 was drawn up in 1965, the highway ran straight through Centennial Hill and Alabama State University. “The interstate disrupted the community and the historical churches that sat there,” Moten says. “It gutted the heart of Centennial Hill.” Both the city of Montgomery and the Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA) have put forth initiatives to revitalize the area with housing and community outreach. The Plaza at Centennial Hill Phase I & II was recently completed and offers a variety of government-subsidized housing opportunities for residents. The neighborhood has a CAP score of 5, roughly equal to the national average, but is higher in certain categories.
Catch a show at the Montgomery Smooth Jazz Fest
Residents are close to numerous events and celebrations in downtown Montgomery. One of the highlights is the Montgomery Smooth Jazz Fest, which takes place every September. The musical gathering brings in local and national jazz musicians for a weekend of top-notch entertainment along the Alabama River.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Norman Schlemmer,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
RSA Park Pavilion
Discovery Village Playground
Rotary Dog Park
Riverfront Park
Oak Park
Fitzgerald Park
Trails
Playground
Events
Transit
Airport
Montgomery Regional (Dannelly Field)
13 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Centennial Hill
US
Homicide
8
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
5
Median Year Built
1920
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Norman Schlemmer,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
134
Median Age
45
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
10.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$27,916
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,743
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
73.5%
College Graduates
13.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8%
% Population in Labor Force
37.5%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
37°F
Average Summer High Temperature
94°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
39/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
64/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
27/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
