Moundville's namesake archaeological site and modern exurban life
Moundville is named for the ceremonial mounds that still stand along the Black Warrior River, built several centuries ago by the Mississippian culture. Moundville Archeological Park, as the site is now known, is still a gathering place, with festivals celebrating Native American culture. Meanwhile, the community that sprang up around it is an exurb of Tuscaloosa, featuring a small downtown and subdivisions with room to spread out. “It’s country living,” says AnnMarie Hall, a Realtor with Kelly Right Real Estate who has worked there since 2014. “You’re not crammed up in a city. It’s more space.”
Older homes near downtown and newer builds in subdivisions
Older homes are located along Second Avenue and in other pockets near downtown Moundville, including bungalows and ranch-style houses. These can sell between $80,000 and $240,000. However, much of the community’s growth has been concentrated in subdivisions out from its center. One-story brick homes sit on neighborhood drives that often end in cul-de-sacs, going from $185,000 to $330,000. The CAP Index Crime Score for Moundville is 2 out of 10, compared to the national figure of 4.
Moundville Archaeological Park and its museum
Moundville’s namesake ceremonial mounds were built between 1000 and 1450 A.D., with the site peaking in population around 1200 A.D. The University of Alabama administers the site today as Moundville Archaeological Park. Visitors can view the mounds and explore the museum, which features many of the items unearthed at the site. Several parks are sprinkled throughout the rest of Moundville, including Poole Park, which has baseball and softball fields for youth sports.
Festivals and workshops highlighting Native American culture
Moundville Archaeological Park is the hub for many of the community’s happenings. These include monthly “Saturday in the Park” events, often focusing on Native American culture. The site also hosts the Moundville Native American Festival, a three-day event each fall that features storytellers, music and dancing, plus crafting demonstrations.
School choice between Hale County and Tuscaloosa County districts
Moundville is split between the Tuscaloosa County Schools and Hale County Schools districts. “Living down here, you have a choice between if you want to go to Hale County Schools or Tuscaloosa Schools,” Hall says. Tuscaloosa County Schools receives a B overall grade from Niche. Hale County Schools, which gets a C-plus overall grade, has the entire kindergarten-through-12th-grade path within Moundville. Moundville Elementary and Hale County Middle each receive C-plus ratings, while Hale County High gets a B-minus.
Small downtown area with Big Mike's Steakhouse, plus other shops
The intersection of Market Street and Second Avenue is the center of downtown Moundville, with a restaurant and several shops. Big Mike’s Steakhouse is a community staple, serving chicken and steaks from its wood-fired grill. Across Second Avenue, storefronts include Blush Salon and the Forever Pretty boutique fashion shop. Stores and fast-food spots sit around Highway 69, including Jack’s Family Restaurant and several dollar store chains. Several small markets sell groceries in town, but the nearest supermarket is Publix, 11 miles north.
Commutes north to Tuscaloosa or Mercedes-Benz plant
Many Moundville residents work in the Tuscaloosa area, with Highway 69 running 17 miles north to the city. Hall notes that the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, about 30 miles away, is a significant employer. Tuscaloosa is also home to the closest hospital and emergency room, DCH Regional Medical Center. Interstate 20 is 14 miles away, leading most of the roughly 70 miles to Birmingham. Residents head to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport for the nearest commercial flights.
