Scottsboro is a city that can feel like a getaway. The city sits on the banks of Guntersville Lake, a 75-mile stretch of the Tennessee River, and is overlooked by the tail end of the Appalachian Mountains. Boating and hiking opportunities are numerous, but some residents, like Realtor Pam Baker of South Towne Realtors, enjoy the city’s scenic sunsets as much as any physical activity. “People want to move here for the view,” Baker says. “It’s mountains with nothing but water in front of them.”
The city of close to 16,000 people is the largest in Jackson County and serves as the county seat. Many residents work in the retail trade and manufacturing industries, while others commute around 40 miles to Huntsville.
Scottsboro sits along the Tennessee River and Lake Guntersville.
Downtown Scottsboro features a number of locally owned shops and restaurants, as well as the Jackson County Courthouse.
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Scottsboro Municipal Park has many ways to enjoy the water
Most of the city’s green spaces are for recreation and take advantage of Scottsboro’s location on the water. Other parks have athletic facilities. Scottsboro Municipal Park features boat ramps, fishing piers and spaces for families and friends to gather. Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge is a space to view endangered species of bats and other animals. Goose Pond Colony Resort offers two public 18-hole golf courses and a beach area.
Jackson County Park has a boat launch for pleasure boaters, fishermen, and jet skis.
Jackson County Park has an RV park, water access, cabins for rent, and a large playground.
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Pricier homes on the lake
The median price of a Scottsboro home is around $260,000, slightly above the state median, but lower than nearby Huntsville. Homes are split between the city’s center and the land surrounding Guntersville Lake. New Traditional homes are prevalent, with waterfront homes on the city's southern peninsula being the priciest. Ranch-style homes are also common. Lots and large parcels of land are available for building.
There's a large number of large and expensive homes along the shore shores of Lake Guntersville.
Home styles in Scottsboro vary widely as do their prices and age.
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Historic downtown soda shop and waterfront dining
Southern cuisine and barbecue are staples of the Scottsboro food scene. Several restaurants sit along East Willow Street. Payne’s Soda Shop has served drinks, sandwiches and desserts since 1869. The Docks, on the southern peninsula, is a restaurant that residents can reach by boat. “They have live entertainment and different kinds of food,” Baker says. “I just sit there and enjoy the lake and the wildlife.”
Historic downtown Scottsboro has thrift stores, independent local shops and Hammer's, a department store that's been around since 1942. Nearby is Unclaimed Baggage, the only lost luggage retailer in the country. The store also contains the Found Treasures museum, which is dedicated to the store's wildest discoveries. Publix and big-box retailers are along U.S. Highway 72.
Payne's Soda Shop in downtown Scottsboro has been a local fixture since 1869.
The world famous Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro Alabama features a museum with some of the more unique finds from throughout the years.
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The Square historic district hosts city events
The Square is a historic section of the city’s downtown where the Jackson County courthouse stands. It's the site of events like an annual Christmas Parade and the monthly Trade Days, where local artisans showcase their wares. Nearby are several cultural centers that focus on local history such as the Scottsboro Boys Museum, which is dedicated to nine Black teenagers sentenced for a violent crime they did not commit.
The Jackson County Courthouse sits in the middle of Scottsboro's downtown area called "The Square".
The Scottsboro Boys Museum tells the story of the world famous "Scottsboro Boys" who were convicted of a crime they didn't commit.
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About an hour from Huntsville and Chattanooga
U.S. Highway 72 separates the city’s center from residential areas near the water and takes drivers to Huntsville. Chattanooga is about 60 miles northeast. Huntsville International Airport, around 50 miles away, has nonstop flights to several domestic destinations. Jackson County Rural Public Transportation provides point-to-point rides with at least one day’s notice. The city's Highlands Medical Center is a 170-bed hospital.
Highway 72 runs through Scottsboro and directly connects with Huntsville Alabama and Chattanooga Tennessee.
Huntsville International Airport is the closest Airport to Scottsboro Alabama.
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Scottsboro City Schools earns high marks
Students are served by Scottsboro City Schools, which has an A-minus Niche grade. The district serves nearly 2,500 students across five schools. Thurston T. Nelson Elementary School has an individual A-minus rating.
Full campus of Scottsboro Junior High School in Scottsboro Alabama.
Caldwell Elementary School in Scottsboro Alabama is a public primary school.
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Humid summers and short, wet winters
The city’s violent crime rate has risen in recent years but is below the national average. Its property crime rate has fallen yet remains above the national average.
Scottsboro experiences four seasons, with humid summers and short but wet winters. The city has a relatively high risk of cold waves and a moderate risk of tornadoes, lightning and ice storms.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Tommy Daspit
Video By
Anthony Pesa
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This luxury 3,608 sq/ft Craftsman home sits on 6 private acres with a creek only 6 minutes from Goose Pond Marina! Built in 2025, this home features 12-foot ceilings, recessed lighting, modern fireplace, and custom finishes throughout. The kitchen includes quartz countertops, a large island, gas cooktop, wine cooler, and a spacious butler’s pantry for extra storage and prep space. The primary
Move-in ready and full of charm. This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom (potential 4), 2-bath home features an oversized, light-filled living area with built-ins and a pool table that conveys with the sale. Enjoy basement access from the primary suite, plus 3 acres with a small stable and a partially fenced backyard—perfect for kids and pets. Tucked into a quiet Skyline neighborhood just a very
Brenda Sanchez RafaelMatt Curtis Real Estate, Inc.
Lakefront 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom custom-built home provides abundant privacy and serene surroundings, with stunning lake views perfect for watching beautiful sunrise or sunsets on this Island retreat. Private golf cart path for this property. Designed for luxury and comfort, this property showcases unique architectural details throughout and was crafted with exceptional attention to quality.
Situated within Lakeshore Estates, this beautifully renovated 3-bed, 2-bath ranch on a .45-acre lot offers 1,604 sqft of move-in ready southern charm. Surrounded by fruit trees including; apples, peaches, persimmons and more you can enjoy seasonal harvests on either the front or back porch. Take advantage of the shared lake-access lot to keep cool in Summer. New HVAC Unit, New Concrete Driveway,
Build your dream home on this beautiful 1-acre lot located on George Adams Road in the charming city of Scottsboro. This spacious property offers a peaceful setting with plenty of room for a custom home, garden, workshop, or outdoor living space. Enjoy the convenience of being just minutes from local shopping, dining, schools, and the scenic beauty of Lake Guntersville. With easy access to major
Exquisite waterfront lot ready to build on in a highly sought after neighborhood in Scottsboro, Alabama. Level lot with ability to build a boathouse, underground utilities, curb & gutter. An excellent place to call home or invest in as this neighborhood continues to grow rapidly. 1,800sqft building restriction and 83+/- feet of water frontage!
MAIN CHANNEL LEVEL LOT! Rare find! Beautiful 2007 development of a private gated community in the Promenade Oaks subdivision. Features underground utilities, protected covenants, private boat launch, clubhouse & 2 marinas. Building requirements are min. 1800 sq. ft. with no time frame to start construction. Can build a boathouse with TVA approval. Convenient to Huntsville, Guntersville, &
WATER ACCESS assigned boat slip #63 to easily access for your enjoyment of Lake Guntersville! Cruise the Tennessee River to Chattanooga or fish on beautiful Lake Guntersville. All underground utilities, a clubhouse, and private boat ramp for lot owners are second to none. This island lake community features custom homes with no time frame to start your build of min. 1800 sq. ft. Easy commute to
2.99 Acres with Water Access. Great location to build your dream home within an established, desirable neighborhood. No HOA. Located within city limits close to shopping, dining, recreational activities, and close to public boat launches at Jackson County Park. Preview this lot for your future home build!
Waterfront living on Lake Guntersville! This 3BR/4BA home offers quick access to Scottsboro, Huntsville, and Guntersville. With 10' of water at the pier and a 2-slip enclosed boathouse, it’s ready for lake days. Inside features include a large eat-in kitchen, a vaulted living room with fireplace and lake views, and a private master suite with jetted tub, walk-in shower, and spacious closet. The
Prime commercial land opportunity! This 1.38-acre parcel is strategically located on a busy highway in the heart of a rapidly expanding city. With high visibility and easy access, this property presents endless potential for development. Don't miss the chance to secure a valuable piece of real estate in a thriving area with increasing demand.
250 feet of open shoreline on the Tennessee River with over 2 level acres and a 2-slip boathouse! This 1,396 sq ft home is perfect as a full-time residence, weekend lake getaway, or rental retreat. Enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows in the kitchen, family, and dining rooms with sweeping water views, plus a 12x24 covered porch for relaxing outdoors. Features 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a spacious
Will Consider Reasonable Offers! Rare lakeview lot in Promenade Oaks! Private gated community with boat slip, neighborhood launch, underground utilities, and protective covenants. Min. 1,800 sq. ft. to build with no timeframe to start. Just minutes from Goose Pond golf and Tennessee River access. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Guntersville and surrounding mountains—perfect for your dream home or
Residential lot with a flat terrain and septic tank already in place. Ideal for building your dream home in a peaceful setting. Enjoy the convenience of a level lot with existing septic infrastructure. Don't miss this opportunity to create the perfect home tailored to your needs on this well-positioned property.
Charming 3BR/1BA rental in Scottsboro! This well-maintained home features LVP flooring throughout—no carpet—plus a spacious den with a cozy fireplace. Enjoy abundant natural light from the many windows, a functional layout, and comfortable living spaces. Relax on the inviting front porch or entertain on the back patio overlooking the fenced backyard. Conveniently located near schools, shopping,
Experience Scottsboro living at Willow Creek Apartment Homes. The 3707 S Broad St location in the 35769 neighborhood of Scottsboro has much to offer its residents. The leasing team will assist you in finding the best floor plan for your lifestyle. Contact us or stop by today.
Welcome to Our CommunityOur community offers the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and connection. With a friendly and dedicated staff, you’ll always feel supported and right at home. We are proud of our prime location, giving residents easy access to nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment while still enjoying a peaceful neighborhood setting. We have BRAND NEW PAVED STREETS
Property Id: 2486290Welcome to your dream home at 455 Ruby Johnson Dr in Scottsboro, AL! This charming 4 bedroom, 1 bathroom single-family unit boasts a fenced yard, balcony, and washer/dryer hookups. Enjoy the convenience of a dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven in the spacious kitchen. Hardwood and tile flooring throughout, central air and forced air heating, and a driveway for parking.
Tiny house! Truly tiny living with studio kitchen/living room/dining room all in one room. Kitchen has small refrigerator. Mount on wall for TV. Hardwood floors. Bathroom features full size tub/shower and closet. Mini split wall unit for heating/air. All utilities included in rent. NO PETS.
$400 OFF FIRST MONTH'S RENT!! This beautifully updated 1,862 sq. ft. home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, blending rustic charm with modern finishes in a warm, inviting setting.Spacious open-design den with hardwood floors and vaulted ceiling. Primary suite features cork flooring and a private updated ensuite. Kitchen includes new dishwasher, sink, LED lighting, refrigerator,
Very efficient TINY HOUSE. Living area/kitchen area with refrigerator. Separate bedroom area. Full size bathroom. Mini split wall unit for heating/air. All utilities included in rent. Small pets accepted on a case-by-case basis with pet fees.
Kim GardnerA Better Choice Realty
$1,616 per month
Move-in Special! New Construction Home for Rent! Sign a 13-month lease by 5/15/2026 and receive a...
Sign a 13-month lease by 5/15/2026 and receive a leasing incentive equal to one month’s rent, applied as a credit over 10 months. Market rent is $1,795/month. Any prorated move-in rent is charged at the full market rate. Net rent will be $1,616/month for 10 months, beginning the month after lease start (June-March 2027). Starting April 2027, rent reverts to $1,795/month for the remainder of the
Welcome to one of Scottsboro's most treasured addresses -historic College Avenue. This full-brick charmer is the kind of home that rarely becomes available... and even more rarely offered publicly. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, hardwood flooring, built-ins and fireplace in living room, large formal dining room. This home is filled with character-including picture rail molding that tells the
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