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Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals

Located in Colbert County

$283,743 Average Value
$154 Average Price per Sq Ft
68 Homes For Sale

Riverfront city known as "The Hit Recording Capital of the World"

Muscle Shoals earned its title as “The Hit Recording Capital of the World” starting in the 1960s. Iconic songs by legends like Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones and Percy Sledge were created in the city’s Fame Recording Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound. “I live across the river in Florence, but most of the time, I’ll just say I live in Muscle Shoals because everybody knows it for the music,” says Jeanne Lambert, a resident of the neighboring city of Florence.

While the music industry is still thriving — Lana Del Ray and Chris Stapleton recently recorded here — Muscle Shoals has also become a regional manufacturing hub. Manufacturers here produce steel buildings, aluminum parts, injection molds and automotive lighting fixtures, among other products. Other industries in this city of 17,000 are healthcare, including North Alabama Shoals Hospital, and education. Remote workers have been enticed to relocate to the town as part of the Remote Shoals program, which has been around since 2019. Some have decided to make Muscle Shoals their permanent home.

Beyond the city’s musical cachet, residents appreciate the many outdoor recreational opportunities, well-rated schools and easy access to large cities like Huntsville and Nashville.

The main thoroughfare through Muscle Shoals is Avalon Avenue.
The main thoroughfare through Muscle Shoals is Avalon Avenue.
FAME Studios have recorded many hits in Muscle Shoals including songs by Aretha Franklin and William Pickett.
FAME Studios have recorded many hits in Muscle Shoals including songs by Aretha Franklin and William Pickett.
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Mostly older single-family homes

The median home price in Muscle Shoals is around $270,000, similar to the median price in Florence but lower than the national median. Residences are almost entirely single-family houses, with a smattering of apartment complexes. Most homes were built between the 1960s and ’90s, but there are some cottages and ranchers from earlier decades on the city’s north side. New construction homes are popping up in subdivisions, mainly on the south side of town, with prices in the $375,000 to $475,000 range.

Muscle Shoals's elevated position on the bluffs of the Tennessee River makes flooding far less likely here than in Florence. Still, the area is prone to tornadoes so many homes have underground storm shelters.

Muscle Shoals homes vary in style from Cape Cod homes to colonial style.
Muscle Shoals homes vary in style from Cape Cod homes to colonial style.
Mid-century ranch homes are spread throughout the Muscle Shoals area.
Mid-century ranch homes are spread throughout the Muscle Shoals area.
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Fishing, boating and waterfall hikes at the Muscle Shoals Reservation

The Tennessee River is the centerpiece of outdoor recreation in Muscle Shoals. Along the river, more than 17 miles of hiking trails wind through the Muscle Shoals Reservation. Owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, this area links several historical sites along the bankside bluffs, including the pedestrian-only Old Railroad Bridge. Fishing coves and a public boat ramp are accessible from Rockpile Trail, which offers up-close views of the Wilson Dam waterfalls. Wilson Lake, a popular local fishing spot, stretches from here to Wheeler Dam Village. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at The Shoals features two championship golf courses overlooking the lake. The city is also home to three sports complexes where local youth sports leagues play. And in May 2024, local officials announced plans to build a $65 million sports and entertainment complex between Muscle Shoals and Tuscumbia.

Fisherman can boat along the Tennessee River all year long in The Shoals.
Fisherman can boat along the Tennessee River all year long in The Shoals.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Course is one of a few public courses residents in Muscle Shoals can play.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Course is one of a few public courses residents in Muscle Shoals can play.
The Old Railroad Bridge mural highlights the history of railroads that once passed through The Shoals.
The Old Railroad Bridge mural highlights the history of railroads that once passed through The Shoals.
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"Music every night" during the W.C. Handy Music Festival

The city celebrates its heritage each fall at the W.C. Handy Music Festival, most of which takes place across the river, in Florence, but has a big impact on Muscle Shoals, too. Throughout the weekend-long event, “most of the streets shut down for block parties and concerts,” Lambert says. “There’s music every night, everywhere. It’s like being in Downtown Nashville.”

Highly rated Muscle Shoals City Schools

The Muscle Shoals City School System earns an overall A on Niche and consistently ranks as one of Alabama’s top-performing districts. Muscle Shoals High offers a dual enrollment program through its partnership with Northwest Shoals Community College. There are more than 10 specialized programs offered at the Muscle Shoals Career Academy.

McBride Elementary enrolls over 600 students every year in Muscle Shoals.
McBride Elementary enrolls over 600 students every year in Muscle Shoals.
Muscle Shoals Middle School enrolls over 600 students every year.
Muscle Shoals Middle School enrolls over 600 students every year.
Muscle Shoals High School is home to the Trojans.
Muscle Shoals High School is home to the Trojans.
Muscle Shoals Career Academy enrolls around 500 students every year.
Muscle Shoals Career Academy enrolls around 500 students every year.
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Avalon Avenue is the main commercial corridor

Muscle Shoals doesn't have a downtown district, but Avalon Avenue is the city's main commercial corridor. Local barbeque joints and southern-style restaurants are scattered between big box stores and strip malls. Other local restaurants, national retailers and fast-food chains dot U.S. Highway 72. Many residents head to Florence for more dining options.

Locals come to Donna & Friends every Tuesday for live karaoke in Muscle Shoals.
Locals come to Donna & Friends every Tuesday for live karaoke in Muscle Shoals.
Locals can grab a cocktail and dinner with friends at Southern Grocery in The Shoals.
Locals can grab a cocktail and dinner with friends at Southern Grocery in The Shoals.
Locals have been shopping at The Village Shoppe for over 50 years in Muscle Shoals.
Locals have been shopping at The Village Shoppe for over 50 years in Muscle Shoals.
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Singing River Bridge links to Florence

Muscle Shoals is car-dependent, though rides can be scheduled through the Dial-A-Ride program for a fee and there are some bicycle lanes along some major streets. Singing River Bridge connects to Florence, on the other side of the Tennessee River. Huntsville is about 75 miles away via U.S. Route 72, and Nashville is about 135 miles north. On the far east end of Muscle Shoals, the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport offers daily direct flights to Charlotte.

Crime and weather in Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals has a year-round climate typical for the South, with hot, muggy summers and short, mild winters.

Recent crime data for Muscle Shoals is not readily available.

Ryan Horton
Written By
Ryan Horton
Chase Brock
Photography Contributed By
Chase Brock
Dan Mack
Video By
Dan Mack

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
4,870
Number of Homes for Sale
68
Median Year Built
1977
Months of Supply
2.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,045
Above the national average
1,931
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,107

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 2
    Open Sat 2PM - 4PM

    208 Wynchase Dr E, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

    $429,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,213 Sq Ft
    • 208 Wynchase Dr E
    • New 14 days ago

    Welcome to this stunning brick home in a desirable Wynchase community. With its open concept layout, stylish flooring and modern conveniences, this 2023 home offers the perfect blend of comfort and contemporary design. You will enjoy the spacious living and dining area that make everyday living and entertaining effortless. The kitchen is a true show piece, featuring granite counter tops, a large

    Michael Hoehn American Realty Company LLC

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  • Sunday, May 3
    Open Sun 2PM - 4PM

    196 Beardsley Ct, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

    $999,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 4,200 Sq Ft
    • 196 Beardsley Ct
    • New 15 days ago

    Enjoy stunning water views, spacious living areas, and a great location on Wilson Lake! Offering over 4200+/- square feet, easy access to the water, an infrared sauna, two newer HVAC units, Culligan whole house water system, large master suite, wooden shutters on all windows, storm shelter in garage, built in fire pit, sprinkler system, plus more! Please ask for a complete list of updates...

    Pam Minetree The Agency on Pine

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$1,050
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,050
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$1,500

Weather

Annual Precipitation
54''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

30 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

20 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Muscle Shoals