A rural community in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains
Oxford, an east Alabama town of just over 22,000 residents, is visible from the highest natural point in Alabama. Mount Cheaha looms over the southern reaches of the Appalachian Mountain Range, overlooking the Talladega National Forest and small towns like Oxford. "My family used to picnic in Cheaha State Park every summer," says local Realtor Tayler Drummond of Keller Williams Realty. Drummond, her mother and her grandparents grew up in Oxford. "We would have picnics and hike to the Bald Rock Overlook on Cheaha Mountain. You could look out and see the city."
Beyond the surrounding nature, Oxford offers a historic downtown that the city is actively redeveloping. "It's really grown. We've added lots of shopping and restaurants over the years, but everyone still knows everyone," Drummond says. "It's pretty standard to walk in a store or restaurant and see two or three familiar faces."
Major industries in Calhoun County include manufacturing, and top employers are Honda Manufacturing and the Anniston Army Depot, where ground combat vehicles are produced and repaired.
Feel welcomed when you visit the charming city of Oxford.
Take the Pulpit Rock Trail to the top of Cheaha State Park and see why the people in Oxford love to hike.
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Historic homes along Main Street
The median home price in Oxford is around $220,000, significantly less than the national median. Most properties are single-family homes. The city's oldest houses are clustered downtown, predominantly bungalows dating from the 1930s to the '50s. Ranch-style homes built in the '60s to the '80s are also found across the city. Newer subdivisions are typically concentrated near U.S. Route 78. Many properties across the city sit on at least 5 acres.
Find a charming older home in downtown Oxford.
Ranch style homes are a common theme in Oxford.
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Hiking Cheaha Mountain
Cheaha State Park, about 20 miles south of Oxford, is the oldest park in Alabama and home to the state's tallest mountain, Cheaha Mountain. The park is popular for mountain biking, swimming in Cheaha Lake and rock climbing. According to the Trust for Public Land, 7 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. The city operates two community centers and four public parks, including the 300-plus-acre Choccolocco Park – the city's largest park with sports facilities and a lake. The Cider Ridge Golf Club is a public course that also hosts competitive golf tournaments.
Climbing to the top of Cheaha State Park and viewing their city is a favorite past time for many people that live in Oxford.
Take your kid fishing at Choccolocco Park in Oxford.
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Shows at the Oxford PAC and attending Oxfordfest in October
The Oxford Performing Arts Center (OPAC), located on Historic Main Street Oxford, is a hub of community programs and local performances, with over 100 events each year. "A lot of local kids are involved in the theater," Drummond says. "My mom and I have been to several concerts there, and people come from all over Alabama for a show."
Main Street also has several vintage shops, restaurants and bars. As the city continues with the area's redevelopment, there are plans to add an Alabama Children's Museum and demolish unsafe buildings on East Choccolocco Street. Events include the Second Friday on Main and October's arts and crafts festival, Oxfordfest. "It's [Oxfordfest] is getting bigger and bigger every year," Drummond says. "It has tons of vendors, food, music and games for the kids."
More stores and restaurants are along Highway 78 and off Interstate 20, like Oxford Exchange and Oxford Commons, with a Publix and an Ulta.
Find some delicious new oil at The Main Olive in Oxford.
Shop at numerous name brand stores in Oxford.
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Oxford City Schools earn high remarks on Niche
Niche ranks Oxford City Schools as the best overall district in Calhoun County, giving it an A-minus. The Donoho School, located about 6 miles north in Anniston, offers private school options for kindergarten through 12th-grade students and scores an A. The Ayers Campus of Gadsen State Community College offers various associate degrees and certificate programs.
Oxford City Schools encourage a positive classroom environment for kids to learn in.
Gadsden State Community College is a popular place for adults in Oxford to further their education.
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Hopping on I-20 to reach Birmingham
Interstate 20 cuts through the heart of Oxford and runs west to Birmingham, about 60 miles away. U.S. Route 78 and State Route 21 intersect at the city's heart. The Area Wide Community Transportation System (ACTS) offers fixed-route buses that shuttle across Calhoun County. Regional Medical Center is about 4 miles north in Anniston, and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is about 60 miles west. Atlanta is a 90-mile, straight-shot drive on eastbound I-90.
Hot summer days in Alabama
Oxford's summers are hot, and winters are mild, with temperatures rarely below freezing. According to First Street, the city is at a major risk from heat, and several days throughout the year experience temperatures above 100 degrees.
Decreasing crime in Oxford
According to Crime.Alabama.Gov, an effort between the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the University of Alabama, Oxford had 618 total crimes in 2023, down from 2022.
Written By
Brennen Martin
Photography Contributed By
John Gibbons
Video By
Jarrod Bock
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, plus a versatile bonus roomHighly sought-after Oxford City Schools zoneApprox. 2,300 sq ft with fresh interior paint (2025)New roof (2024) and new HVAC system (installed 2026) for peace of mindNew 6-foot wooden privacy gate (2025)New hardwood flooring in the living room (2023)This move-in-ready home blends modern upgrades with flexible living
Located at the 15th hole at Cider Ridge offers plenty of space and flexibility. Includes open kitchen that overlooks the sunken living room, office/study, and formal dining room. Upstairs, there's a loft area that can be used as a playroom, media room, or extra workspace. The master suite is made up of two combined rooms, allowing for a private office, sitting area, or nursery -- with attic space
Welcome to Oxford’s newest townhomes, now pre-leasing for early Spring 2026. These brand-new 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes are conveniently located just off I-20, offering quick interstate access while still tucked into a quiet residential setting. Designed with modern living in mind, each townhome features a clean, open-concept floor plan that seamlessly connects the living room and kitchen, creating
Find Your Perfect One or Two Bedroom Apartment!Come home to Flats on Main Apartments and discover a relaxing and enjoyable lifestyle! Our one and two-bedroom Oxford apartments for rent offer a fine selection of amenities sure to delight and inspire. When you choose one of our one or two-bedroom floor plans, you'll discover an efficient appliance package, plenty of cabinet space, and stylish
Welcome to one of Oxford’s most convenient and desirable apartment communities — perfectly positioned just minutes from everything the city has to offer. Shopping, dining, schools, medical facilities, and quick highway access are all right at your fingertips, making daily life effortless and efficient. Built in 2024 and designed with modern living in mind, these apartments offer a solid,
Welcome to the charming townhouse located behind Oxford Lake in Oxford, AL! This beautiful home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a one-car garage. The sleek white appliances, ceramic tile, upgraded carpet, and hardwood floors give this townhouse a modern and stylish feel. Enjoy the convenience of walk-in closets, a gas fireplace, double vanity in the master bathroom, and a separate utility
This one level home, with basement, in the heart of Oxford, AL features 1700 sq feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and a spacious livingroom. The large eat in kitchen/dining combo with a beautiful bay window features gas range, side by side fridge, Dishwasher, lots of cabinets, pantry, laundry room with door onto spacious deck. Home has gas central heat, gas hot water. The basement level has a
36 Embecca Landing in Oxford, AL is a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home designed for comfortable, low-maintenance living in a 55+ community. Interiors feature vaulted ceilings, laminate hardwood and ceramic tile flooring, upgraded carpet in select areas, and ceiling fans in the bedrooms and living room. Each bedroom includes a walk-in closet, and a separate closet with full-size washer and dryer connections
Welcome to 283 Ivy Place in Oxford, AL! This charming house offers a convenient one-level layout with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The home features a walk-in shower, mini blinds on all windows, ceramic tile, and laminate hardwood flooring throughout. Enjoy the cozy gas fireplace in the living room, as well as ceiling fans in the bedrooms and living room for added comfort. The stainless appliances
Welcome to this adorable house nestled in the heart of Oxford! Recently updated, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath gem is the perfect investment property or starter home. Step inside to discover the inviting living areas featuring luxury vinyl flooring, offering both elegance and practicality. Outside, you'll find a brand new privacy fence enclosing your private backyard, complete with a storage building
One level 3 bedroom 1 bath home featuring eat-in-kitchen, dining room, living room, den with Decorative fireplace, utility room with hook-ups, single carport and central heat and air. Located directly beside Oxford High and near Quintard Mall. No Section 8. No pets.
Ask about our $500 Amazon Gift Card Promotion!Welcome to Cobblestone Trace, Oxford's Premier 55+ Community, where comfort meets elegance. This stunning home, located in the heart of Oxford, AL, boasts three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining, while the vaulted ceilings add a touch of grandeur to the living space. Each bedroom is
Welcome to Cobblestone Trace, Oxford's Premier 55+ Community! This charming home features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, perfect for those looking to downsize or enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle. The interior boasts laminate hardwood flooring throughout, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The sleek white appliances in the kitchen add a modern touch, while the full-size washer and dryer
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