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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Dayna Layfield,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
Located in Oxford Alabama, this beautiful 2025-built home in The Meadows at McIntosh Trails, this beautiful two-story home offers modern style, comfortable living, and a thoughtfully designed floor plan. The main level features an inviting living area, dining room, half bath, and stylish kitchen complete with stone countertops, an island, stainless appliances, electric stove, built-in microwave,
Welcome Home! This updated 3BR 1.5BA home is ideally located in the Oxford School system, and offers both comfort and convenience. The driveway has new asphalt, and the yard is well maintained. Enjoy easy access to the interstate, shopping, restaurants, and everyday amenities. With thoughtful updates throughout, the home is move-in ready and waiting for its new owners.
Open House on 9/26 1pm-2pm. 3 bedroom, 2 bath four sided brick ranch style home on nearly half an acre in the highly desirable school district. This property offers an excellent opportunity for anyone searching for an Oxford home with room to personalize, update, & build equity or investors. Inside, you'll find hardwood floors, new kitchen cabinets with granite countertops, a newer water heater,
WOW...NEW LISTING in the Oxford School District! This 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has been updated throughout, including a NEW ROOF, updated flooring, fresh paint, updated fixtures and more. The kitchen offers stainless appliances, plenty of cabinet space and an adjoining dining area, while the spacious living room provides great natural light. Downstairs, the finished space with a brick
WOW... New listing in Oxford!! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has a flowing floor plan and a great backyard with room to enjoy. The back porch gives you a nice spot for entertaining or relaxing, and the large yard includes both fenced and unfenced areas—great for pets, a garden, or whatever you have in mind. There’s also a workshop/storage building for added storage or projects. Seller will provide
Welcome home to Sugar Valley Estates — a quiet cul-de-sac setting in the highly sought-after Whiteside School District. This brand new manufactured home sitting on TWO lots offers an open, easy-flowing floor plan ready for your personal touch, with the flexibility to choose a 3 or 4 bedroom layout to fit your household (see photos for options). The large, private lot gives you room to spread out,
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
Left side of duplex with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room/dining room combo, eat-in-kitchen with range, fridge and dishwasher, utility room, lots of closet space throughout home, central heat & air, single carport. Total electric. Storage building is not for tenant use. Owner provides lawncare, but tenant must maintain/weed flower beds. No Section 8. No Pets.
One level, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath home with hard surface flooring throughout, featuring an eat-in kitchen with range and fridge, living room, laundry/storage room with laundry hookups, and carport. Central heat & air. Laundry room/storage is off the carport. Very nice, spacious patio with grill/fireplace. No Section 8. No pets over 50 lbs. and owner must approve all pets.
Split level 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. Main level features open concept with living room adjacent to kitchen/dining/den combo with range, fridge & dishwasher, laundry/storage room, two car carport, large fenced yard, large storage/shop space (this building is a luxury item and comes as is). Total electric. Near I-20 and the Anniston Army Depot. No Section 8. Owner must approve all pets.
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 equipped with ceiling fans for your comfort, and the
Two-story, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath town home located in Cider Ridge community with open concept living room with two story ceiling opening to kitchen with gas range, fridge, dishwasher, granite countertops, pantry, and breakfast area. Upper level has large, primary bedroom with attached bathroom featuring double vanity, walk-in shower, soaker tub, and walk-in closet with custom built-in organization.
Roomy 2BR 2Bath in Heart of Oxford shopping district. For rent OR for sale: This like new 2015 2BR 2Bath 16x60 mobile home isIf you want to lease it the rent is $925 which includes lot rent. Or it can be purchased for $45,775 (financing available). The lot rent is $325 month and it includes grass cutting, trash pick up and outside lighting.Super convenient location near Oxford Exchange,
Ranch-style home on a 2.9-acre lot featuring 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Hardwood flooring throughout. Living room with a decorative fireplace and a formal dining room. The kitchen offers an island, electric cooktop, oven, microwave (Luxury Item) , and a side-by-side stainless steel refrigerator. A laundry room and unfinished basement. Step out from the living room and/or master bedroom onto a
Thank you for your interest in Good Faith Property Management! Visit our website, for additional information. We look forward to serving you!Introducing a stunning, recently renovated gem nestled in a prime location! This remarkable 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers an incredible blend of modern upgrades and convenient proximity to various amenities. Step into a space that has been
Discover this well-appointed 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in a 55+ community in Oxford, AL. The open floor plan creates a welcoming flow between living areas, complemented by vaulted ceilings that add an airy feel. The kitchen features stainless appliances for a modern touch and practical functionality. Designed for low-maintenance living, this residence offers comfortable spaces and sensible finishes
Welcome Home!Don’t miss the opportunity to own this beautiful custom-built 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, perfectly situated in a quiet cul-de-sac. Located on two spacious lots, this property offers an abundance of outdoor space for children to play, entertaining, gardening, or simply enjoying the privacy and room to spread out.Inside, you’ll find four spacious bedrooms and three
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.
