A sleeper community centered around Fort McClellan
Saks is a quiet, unincorporated community of about 9,500 just north of Anniston. During World War II, the area saw a population and industrial boom when the U.S. Military established a post in the 1940s. “We’re right outside an area that used to be Fort McClellan,” says Michelle Hornsby, a 40-year-resident and farm owner. “There’s not as much traffic here anymore since the base closed in 1999.” Since then, the population has gradually declined, with residents turning to Anniston and Oxford for employment and entertainment. Despite this, residents appreciate the low cost of living in Saks, along with some of the best schools in Calhoun County.
In Saks, Alabama, during World War II, the area experienced a population and industrial boom after the U.S. Military established a post in the 1940s.
Fort McClellan, located near Saks, Alabama, once trained over half a million troops.
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From a former military base to a neighborhood
The median sale price in Saks is about $155,000, which is lower than the state and national medians. Due to the hilly landscape, most homes are split-levels, but buyers also find traditional, Craftsman and ranch-style houses. East of Alabama State Route 21, and just outside of Saks, former Fort McClellan is now a 10,000-acre master-planned community. “McClellan has beautiful housing now,” Hornsby says. “It’s a small, close-knit community, and it's very peaceful here.”
Split-level homes are quite common in Saks, Alabama.
Saks, Alabama, is a treasure trove of charming Craftsman-style homes, celebrated for their unique architectural beauty and craftsmanship.
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County and National Blue Ribbon-winning schools
Part of the Calhoun County Schools system, Saks Elementary has a student-teacher ratio of 15-to-1 and a C-plus rating on Niche. Meanwhile, Saks High was rated a B and named the sixth-best public high school in the county. Private education is also available at The Donoho School, a local academy that was previously named a National Blue Ribbon school.
Saks High School is a highly rated institution within the Alabama school system.
Saks Middle School delivers an exceptional education that sets students up for success.
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Animal adventures at Redbird Willow Farm
The local playground is at LaGarde Park, which also has easy access to the Longleaf Botanical Gardens. The Calhoun County Sports Complex has sports fields for football, baseball and soccer games. There are also local farms that host special events with their animals on the property, including Michelle’s own Redbird Willow Farm. “We’ll have between 100 to 125 animals on our property at any given time,” Michelle says. “We have miniature donkeys, horses, chickens, goats, and cows, but then we’ll also have more unusual animals like a kangaroo, a wallaby, or a capybara.”
Redbird Willow Farm offers goat yoga in Saks, Alabama.
Visit the wallaby at Redbird Willow Farms in Saks, Alabama.
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Community, comedy and Katt Williams
The Saks Community Center hosts local events, while the Anniston Museum features special exhibits and interactive experiences that connect history with nature. Karaoke and open mic nights take place on Fridays and Saturdays at the Happy Hour Comedy Club. Speaking of comedy, the Emmy Award-winning entertainer Katt Williams purchased a set of military barracks from Fort McClellan in 2024 to turn into his own movie studio.
Saks Alabama's Ft. McClellan has sold parts of the base to the famous comedian Kat Williams.
Saks, Alabama, is situated close to the Anniston Museum of Natural History.
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Big box stores and fast food chains
Saks doesn’t have many shopping and dining selections on hand. Most people looking to get out usually drive 10 minutes to take advantage of downtown Anniston’s nightlife. However, Saks makes up for its lack of local retail with a surplus of department stores, from big box chains such as Walmart and Lowe’s to automotive shops such as AutoZone and Tractor Supply. Various fast food restaurants are all lined up the McClellan Shopping Center while thrift stores and antique shops surround Anniston Plaza. Local grocery stores include Aldi, Dollar General and Pic ‘n Sav.
Tractor Supply is conveniently located in Saks for your convenience.
Local big box stores are located right on the Saks border and offer plenty of shopping options.
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Public transit around eastern Alabama
The East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission offers a transit program for communities between Weaver and Hobson City. Saks is covered by the northern and eastern routes, which run from the Calhoun County Health Department on McClellan Boulevard to Walmart by Highway 21. They also offer rides to the Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, which provides 24-hour emergency care. The closest commercial airport is 62 miles west at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
Environmental factors
The southwestern region is most at risk of wildfires due to dry grasslands and dense forestry, while the northwest is most at risk of flooding around Cane Creek. The area has elevated pollution levels due to chemical warfare training that took place at Fort McClellan, though a 2025 report by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry indicates that these exposures pose no serious health risk to the community. According to FBI data, both violent and property crimes for the county are below state and national averages.
Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
Alan Bates
Video By
Brad Davis
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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