Rainbow City

Rainbow City

Located in Etowah County

$272,262 Average Value
$136 Average Price per Sq Ft
25 Homes For Sale

A colorful city along the Coosa River

Rainbow City's colorful name comes from the four-lane highway that runs through it, Rainbow Drive. The growing city of roughly 10,000 sits along the Coosa River south of Gadsden in Northeast Alabama. Residents live in Rainbow City for its suburban character and well-maintained housing. “It’s growing quickly right now,” says Scott Hindsman, the owner of Impact Realty, originally from the area. “They’ve got leadership with a great vision. They’re working to attract industry and new retail.”

Rainbow Drive is a four lane highway that is the main economic corridor of Rainbow City, Alabama.
Rainbow Drive is a four lane highway that is the main economic corridor of Rainbow City, Alabama.
The Coosa River is the main natural feature of Rainbow City and is a source of economic and recreational benifits.
The Coosa River is the main natural feature of Rainbow City and is a source of economic and recreational benifits.
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Rainbow City's suburban housing

The median home price in Rainbow City is roughly $260,000, higher than Gadsden but similar to Southside, opposite Rainbow City across the Coosa River. Properties closer to the city's center often feature a more suburban style, as ranch or new traditional homes sit on smaller lots with neighbors nearby. In the more rural areas, larger Craftsman or Colonial-influenced houses generally have more expansive lots, sometimes fronting the river.

Ranch style homes are one of the most common styles in Rainbow City, Alabama.
Ranch style homes are one of the most common styles in Rainbow City, Alabama.
Most of the newer construction homes in Rainbow City are in the New Traditional Style.
Most of the newer construction homes in Rainbow City are in the New Traditional Style.
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Recreation on the Coosa River

Residents of Rainbow City can utilize the Coosa River for recreation. Rainbow Landing offers a boat slip, a fishing pier and pavilions for picnics. “The Coosa River is really a recreational piece of water,” Hindsman says. “There’s boating and skiing. The area has attracted a few big fishing tournaments. Rainbow City has several boat slips.” Rainbow City Park has a small playground and courts for pickleball and tennis. Along Rainbow Drive, the Vivian Lee Maddox Sports Complex has five baseball fields, four multipurpose fields for soccer or lacrosse and a walking path.

Vivian Lee Maddox Sports Complex in Rainbow City, Alabama has several baseball diamonds and soccer fields.
Vivian Lee Maddox Sports Complex in Rainbow City, Alabama has several baseball diamonds and soccer fields.
Rainbow Landing provides a great place for residents of Rainbow City to fish in the Coosa River or launch their boats.
Rainbow Landing provides a great place for residents of Rainbow City to fish in the Coosa River or launch their boats.
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Jobs in nearby Gadsden

Rainbow City sits directly south of Gadsden. The area was once a hub for manufacturing, and while some of these jobs have left, the industry is still one of the largest employers for Rainbow City residents. The two medical centers in Gadsden are also significant employers. Residents in Rainbow City typically drive to their destinations, with Interstates 59 and 759 nearby. I-59 leads nearly 60 miles to Birmingham, which has the nearest commercial airport. Travelers will often drive 120 miles to the Atlanta airport, as it offers over 200 direct flights.

Gadsden Medical Center is the closest hospital for the residents of Rainbow City.
Gadsden Medical Center is the closest hospital for the residents of Rainbow City.
Interstate 59 connects Rainbow City to Huntsville, Birmingham, and Chattanooga.
Interstate 59 connects Rainbow City to Huntsville, Birmingham, and Chattanooga.
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Education at Etowah County Schools

Students in Rainbow City can attend school in the Etowah County Schools district, which receives a B grade from Niche. The city is zoned to John S. Jones Elementary, which gets an A, and Rainbow Middle School and Southside High School, each receiving a B. Westbrook Christian School is a private option within the city and earns a B grade for its K-12 education.

John S. Jones Elementary serves the grades of kindergarten through 5th for students in Rainbow City, Alabama.
John S. Jones Elementary serves the grades of kindergarten through 5th for students in Rainbow City, Alabama.
Full campus of Rainbow City Middle School, a public secondary school in Rainbow City, Alabama.
Full campus of Rainbow City Middle School, a public secondary school in Rainbow City, Alabama.
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Shopping and dining on Rainbow Drive

The intersection of Rainbow Drive and Grand Avenue is the center of Rainbow City, with shopping centers like Rainbow Crossing and The Village. Rainbow Drive offers more fast-food restaurants and grocery stores throughout the rest of the city, especially driving towards Gadsden.

There are several national chain restaurants long Rainbow Highway in Rainbow City, Alabama.
There are several national chain restaurants long Rainbow Highway in Rainbow City, Alabama.
Publix is the main grocery store for the citizens of Rainbow City, Alabama.
Publix is the main grocery store for the citizens of Rainbow City, Alabama.
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The Rainbow City Farmers Market and other events

While residents often head into Gadsden for community gatherings, Rainbow City has its own events. The Rainbow City Farmers Market is held on Monday and Wednesday mornings during the warmer months and is well attended by locals.

Crime rates and climate

According to FBI data, the Rainbow City Police Department reports lower rates of violent crimes and property crimes than the national and state figures. Both rates have been steady over the past five years.

Like the rest of the Deep South, Rainbow City experiences hot, humid summers and cool winters. During summer, severe storms are more common, and the heat index can reach more than 100 degrees.

Brendan Doyle
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Tommy Daspit
Photography Contributed By
Tommy Daspit
Drew Webster
Video By
Drew Webster

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brent Gulledge, an experienced agent in this area.

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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

Rainbow City Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$274,450
Median Sale Price
$247,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$259,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
93
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-$2
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$136

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
25
Months of Supply
3.20

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Rainbow City Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
9,874
Median Age
43
Population under 18
23.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$54,769
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,625

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89.7%
College Graduates
29.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.6%
% Population in Labor Force
58.4%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
57''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
1''
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.
Rainbow City
Brent Gulledge
EXIT Realty Crossroads