A manufacturing hub between the Tennessee River and Bankhead National Forest
Russellville has been a center for Northwest Alabama’s iron and steel industry for nearly 150 years. Home to a 200-acre industrial park, the city “is just a major manufacturing hub in general,” says Kara Shelnutt, the local Main Street Association Manager. G&G Steel, Inc. and Franklin Manufacturing are among the largest local employers. But an easy commute isn’t the only reason folks move to Russellville. “We have tons of outdoor recreation all around us,” Shelnutt says, with the Tennessee River and Bankhead National Forest just a short drive away. “It’s just a really calm, laid-back place without all the busyness of today’s world.”
Downtown Russellville is the cultural center of the town.
Fisherman fish along the shores of Sheffield at Riverfront Park.
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Homes in Downtown Russellville date back to the 1800s
Historic homes around the downtown district date back to the nineteenth century, and newer builds are scattered across the city. Still, midcentury ranch-style homes make up most of the inventory here. The median home price in Russellville is about $210,000, which is on par with the state’s median sale price, according to the Alabama Association of Realtors 2024 Annual Report.
Homes such as this Craftsman home were built in 1921 in Russellville.
Ranch homes are another popular style in the city of Russellville.
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Hiking trails, community sports leagues and fishing on the Tennessee River
Russellville is situated between the Tennessee River and Bankhead National Forest. Over 90 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails wind through Bankhead National Forest. The park’s waterways are popular year-round fishing spots and swimming holes in the summertime. Some of the best bass fishing in Alabama is just north along the Tennessee River. Back in Russellville, City Lake Park has a small fishing pier, a playground and a loop walking trail. It backs up to the Russellville Sports Complex, which has a public pool, outdoor tennis courts and a football field, where the high school and community football teams play. The local baseball and softball leagues compete across town at the John Blackwell Sports Complex. In 2022, the Russellville Splash Pad opened right next door.
City Lake Park has a walking trail for locals to exercise on in Russellville.
The Splash Pad in Russellville is a favorite once the weather heats up.
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Local businesses and community events in Downtown Russellville
Russellville’s recent designation as a Main Street Alabama community helps the city revitalize its downtown historic district. Once a ghost town, Jackson Avenue is slowly coming back to life with shops and restaurants. Historic Roxy Theatre recently reopened and now hosts monthly community events ranging from live music performances to magic shows. Larger annual events, including the Franklin County Watermelon Festival, also occur downtown. There aren’t many shopping and dining options outside the downtown district. But a couple of local restaurants, fast food spots and a Walmart Supercenter border Highway 43.
The Roxy Theater hosts local events and live performances throughout the year in Russellville.
The Grind Cafe and Coffee Shop is the local place to grab a cup of joe in Russellville.
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Russellville City Schools earn an A-minus on Niche
Russellville City Schools serves about 2,600 students and has an overall A-minus on Niche. The district has two elementary schools, one middle school and a high school. In 2023, the U.S. News & World Report ranked Russellville High one of Alabama's top 20 high schools.
Russellville High School
enrolls over 700 students every year.
West Elementary School sits next to Russellville Middle and High schools.
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U.S. Route 43 and State Road 24 meet in Russellville
U.S. Route 43 and State Road 24 intersect at the south end of Russellville. The city’s acute-care hospital borders Highway 43. It offers 24-hour emergency services, including helicopter transit to larger nearby hospitals like the Northwest Alabama Medical Center in Florence. Highway 43 links to Florence and the rest of the Shoals region about 20 miles north. In Muscle Shoals, the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport offers daily direct flights to Charlotte.
Crime and weather in Russellville
Russellville saw a slight decline in property and violent crime between 2020 and 2023, according to the most recently available data on the state’s crime dashboard.
Summers in Russellville are hot and muggy, while winters are typically short and mild. The city’s position in the Tennessee Valley makes it more prone to tornadoes.
Written By
Ryan Horton
Photography Contributed By
Chase Brock
Video By
Tyler Newbold
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jerry Dean,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Russellville, AL sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Russellville, AL over the last 12 months is $140,000, down 32% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious 20+/- acres of fully fenced pasture, conveniently located near Highway 24. This prime land offers easy access to both Decatur and Huntsville. The property comes with no restrictions, providing endless possibilities. Features include a tractor shed, a small shed, a well house, and existing power and water connections. Ideal for farming, building your dream home, or investment
Wooded area but prime Residential vacant land, just waiting for improvement and development. Suitable for single multi-family residence. Land is within City Limit and Mobile Homes are restricted. There is an additional parcel 1.25 acres adjacent to this property. I have both properties listed and the second owner is asking $15,000 for the 1.25 acres.
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Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
