Phenix City

In the peaceful, unincorporated community of Ladonia, homes sit on acres of green grass, life moves at a slower, laidback pace, and the neighbors are friendly and welcoming. "I grew up around this area and never thought I'd be here as an adult, but I keep coming back again and again," says Realtor Michael Terrell with Keller Williams River Cities. Terrell, a former local business owner, grew up on the Alabama side of the Chattahoochee River and has been selling homes in the Chattahoochee Valley for nearly five years. "I keep coming back because the people are so friendly, taxes are so much lower and you just get more space here. It's the country, but the area is definitely growing more and more." Among swaths of Alabama pines and green farmland, ranch-style homes sit on acreages alongside manufactured home communities on up to a half-acre. Buyers will also find modern farmhouse and contemporary traditional-style residential communities along Whiterock Road and north of Crawford Road. A manufactured home costs between $60,000 and $125,000, and ranch-style homes cost between $155,000 and $300,000. Newer homes cost between $235,000 and $300,000. There are also lots available, ranging from $20,000 to $30,000. "Housing prices used to be lower than in Columbus, but now the prices are pretty equal in square footage," Terrell says. "The biggest benefit of living here is that the taxes are much lower than in Columbus; that's why so many folks choose to live on this side of the river." Realtor Alison Cox, also with Keller Williams River Cities, agrees. "My family is prior military, and the taxes on retirement pay are especially lower, so we, like other families stationed at Fort Moore, chose to move to the Alabama side." Students attend Russell County School District, starting with Ladonia Elementary, which earned an overall B-minus on Niche. Russell County Middle is next, which also earned a B-minus. Students then attend Russell County High, which earned an overall B. The school offers career and technical education pathways, including marketing, finance, and television production options. The community is a short drive from local parks like Lakewood Park. Terrell notes that the park is a popular location for Little League games. The park also has a playground, picnic area and a walking trail that loops around the woods and into the unexpectedly scenic Phenix City Waterfall. The park is adjacent to the Lakewood Golf Course. Another favorite is Moon Lake Park, which features a paved walking trail that loops around Moon Lake. "There are always people out walking, jogging or walking their dogs around the lake," Terrell says. "The park also has a huge Christmas Carnival popular with families." Residents can also go down to the Chattahoochee, known for its whitewater rafting, fishing and floating. There's even a zipline that crosses from Columbus to Phenix City. For racing fans, the East Alabama Motor Speedway is only 4 miles from Ladonia. Highway 80 runs along the north side of Ladonia, offering easy access to Phenix City and Columbus. Along this main artery, there's a Walmart Neighborhood Market, a Winn-Dixie and plenty of local businesses. Highway 80 connects to Columbus, offering easy access to big box shopping centers like Bradley Square Park and Columbus Park Crossing, which are about 9 miles away. Dining options like Grit and Grind Cafe are local favorites--this brunch restaurant features dishes like loaded biscuit sandwiches stuffed with fried catfish or shrimp. Terrell highly recommends the smoked barbecue ribs at beloved 13th Street Barbecue. While Uptown Columbus is a favorite for local events, Terrell mentions that nearby Phenix City also offers its share of events. "The Phenix City Amphitheater is right on the river, with some beautiful views. It regularly has local and big-name bands playing there," Terrell says. "There's also a Craft Beer Fest, and the city participates in the Food Truck Festival, where the Dillingham Bridge closes and trucks stretch from Phenix City to Uptown." Highway 80 is the main artery of the area, but it also connects to Highway 280. Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital is 6 miles away, the Columbus Airport is about 10 miles away and major employer Fort Moore is 20 miles from Ladonia. Residents are about 4 miles from Phenix City, 6 miles from Columbus, and 30 miles from Auburn, which is a great perk for Auburn Tigers fans. "I love that this area is close to Auburn and Opelika, and you can make a day drive to Atlanta or Montgomery," Terrell says. "You can even do an easy long weekend in New Orleans or Destin. Folks don't usually expect how great of a location this area is in."