The Edmund Pettus Bridge leads across the Alabama River to the historic city of Selma. The bridge and the town still look much like they did 60 years ago on the “Bloody Sunday” of March 9, 1965, when civil rights activists bravely marched across the bridge and into a waiting crowd of police officers with billy clubs and tear gas. While Selma's place in the Civil Rights Movement caused an economic boom in the 20th century, the city's population now stands at 16,200, down significantly from 25 years ago. Realtor and lifelong resident Helene Felton says the drop is largely due to a devastating tornado that destroyed many homes in 2023. But the city and its people are resilient. “One of the things I love about Selma is that because of our history, people from all walks of life can come here and feel a sense of belonging, even with the challenges we’ve faced. It’s a small, quiet area, and we’re still recovering — but just come see it, we’re still here."
Riverfront Park in Selma stands out, beautifully situated along the majestic Alabama River.
The Edmund Pettus Bridge stands as a powerful emblem of Selma's profound Civil Rights legacy, symbolizing the courage and determination that shaped the fight for justice and equality.
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Civil rights tourism, one of Selma's main industries
While many residents work at major employers such as International Paper and Bush Hog, an agricultural equipment manufacturer, the city’s main source of income is Civil Rights tourism. Local landmarks like the National Voting Rights Museum and Brown Chapel AME Church attract visitors and are a visible link to an important part of the past for the city and its residents. Other major industry sectors include healthcare and tourism.
Brown Chapel AME Church is located in the heart of Selma and plays a significant role in its rich civil rights history.
As she stands before her photograph captured during the historic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, this courageous foot soldier shares her powerful story at the Voting Rights Museum in Selma, embodying the spirit of resilience and the fight for justice.
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Selma's historic district looks at the past while building promises the future
The median sales price in Selma is $120,950, significantly lower than the national number. The city’s historic district branches out from Broad Street, where homes built as early as the 1850s sit among the Spanish moss-draped trees. More recent builds stretch out into the northern and western sides of town. And there is a plan to build 450 new housing units. “We used to be one of the largest historic districts in the nation before the tornado,” Felton says. “But we still have plenty of beautiful historic buildings. Like my father would say, ‘Selma was here before us, it’s still here now, and it’ll be here long after us.’”
Numerous homes in Selma have undergone impressive renovations, transforming them into stunning, fresh spaces that enhance the community's appeal.
The homes in Selma showcase stunning architecture that captivates the eye and enriches the community..
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Agriscience classes at Selma City Schools
The city is served by Selma City Schools, which rate a C-minus on Niche. The school system offers career and college readiness programs for high school students, with options such as agriscience, drafting design, health science and business management. There are also several faith-based private schools in the city, including the B-plus rated Morgan Academy.
Selma High School stands out as an exemplary institution, renowned for its exceptional academic programs and commitment to student success.
Morgan Academy stands out as Selma's premier private school, renowned for its exceptional educational standards and nurturing environment.
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Civil Rights Memorial Park pays homage to activists
There are over 20 parks around the city, including the Historic Riverfront Park, which overlooks the Alabama River and is the first step in the city’s waterfront expansion. Civil Rights Memorial Park is a community-funded sculpture garden memorializing those who fought for African American rights and equality, such as John Lewis, whom Felton’s mother marched with.
Discover the powerful story of Selma at the Civil Rights Memorial Park, where a multitude of informative placards brings to life the profound history of the Civil Rights movement in this iconic city.
Selma's Riverfront Park is an ideal destination for families, offering a vibrant green space where children can play and explore.
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Selma plans a retail expansion
Most of the city’s business is centered around Broad Street. West Highland Avenue is another area in town with small businesses, grocery stores and restaurants. Due to storm damage, the city plans to expand the River Walk area and build two large retail developments: Selma Crossing and Selma Grove. For now, many residents travel to neighboring Montgomery for shopping malls and big-box retail.
Experience the tranquil charm of Reflections Coffee Shop, where you can unwind while enjoying the stunning views of the Alabama River in Selma.
Discover the unparalleled shopping experience at Queen City Market, the leading furniture store in downtown Selma.
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Major cities are close to Selma
State Route 22 and U.S. Route 80 connect Selma to Montgomery and Interstate 65 in the east, and Birmingham and I-20 in the north. “We’re right in the center of the state — you can get to any nearby major city in a couple of hours,” Felton says. The city doesn’t have a bus system but does have an on-call transit system. Vaughn Medical Center is the city’s hospital. Selma doesn’t have an airport, but Montgomery Regional Airport is 50 miles away and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is 95 miles away.
Weather and crime in Selma
Located in central Alabama, Selma’s summers are long and hot, and the winters are short and cool, with temperatures rarely below freezing.
According to the University of Alabama and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s most recent statistics, there were 417 reported cases of crime in 2023. This included 119 instances of violent crime and 270 instances of property crime.
Written By
Micaela Green
Photography Contributed By
Alan Bates
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Norman Schlemmer,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Selma, AL sell after 163 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Selma, AL over the last 12 months is $130,000, up 41% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained, move-in ready property that offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and everyday convenience. From the moment you step inside, you'll appreciate the fresh, modern feel created by new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and beautifully updated tile bathrooms. Designed with both family living and entertaining in mind, this home features 3 spacious
Own a Piece of Selma History!Step into the charm and character of historic Selma with this spacious early-1900s home offering more than 2,700 square feet of living space and endless potential. Whether you’re looking for a home with timeless character or an investment opportunity in a historic community, this property is ready for your vision.A newer roof, replaced less than three
Step into the potential of this 4-bedroom, 3-full-bath home featuring a welcoming eat-in kitchen and a comfortable family den perfect for everyday living. Outside, you’ll appreciate the carport and spacious parking area, offering convenience for multiple vehicles. This property also includes two apartment-style structures in the backyard, ideal for rental income, guest housing, or investment
Welcome home to this beautifully updated and spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick ranch located on a desirable corner lot in the West Selma area. This move-in-ready home offers the perfect blend of modern updates and timeless charm. The inviting living room features a vaulted ceiling and a cozy fireplace, creating a bright, open gathering space that's perfect for family and friends.Inside,
Great Investment Opportunity! 1.75 Acres with 6 Mobile Home Lots (separately metered for power and water). Two lots are occupied and are paying lot rent. Four more lots to put your own mobile homes or rent them for lot rent. Call for details.
Cute Cottage with More Space Than Meets the Eye! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath cottage may look cozy from the outside, but step inside and you’ll find approximately 1,500 square feet of comfortable living space. The home features new flooring throughout, a new roof installed in 2023, and a fairly new HVAC system and water heater, giving you several important updates already in place. The
Welcome to this inviting 4-bedroom, 2-bath brick ranch that’s ready for you to move right in! You’ll love the freshly painted exterior and interior, giving the home a clean, cheerful feel from the moment you arrive. Inside, new flooring adds warmth and comfort throughout, while the brand-new second bathroom brings a modern touch. A split floor plan adds privacy with the main bed and bath
Great opportunity in Selma! Conveniently located just minutes from downtown, this full-brick, 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers incredible potential and solid bones. Inside, you will find beautiful hardwood floors, a bright living room, a formal dining room, and an open-concept flow leading into the den and eat-in kitchen. Situated on a decent-sized lot in close proximity to local public schools,
Welcome home to this stunning two-story brick beauty featuring 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths with room for everyone! The main bedroom is on the first floor for easy living, while three bedrooms upstairs include one with its own ensuite.A versatile in-law suite with a kitchenette is currently set up as a home office—ideal for guests, multigenerational living, or working from home. Cozy up by
Welcome to Addison Way Apartments in Selma, Alabama, located at 1300 Cloverdale Rd, Selma, AL 36703!Here, comfort and modern convenience meet in a well-maintained community designed for your lifestyle. Spacious layouts are thoughtfully crafted so you can make the space your own.Inside your home, you’ll find newly renovated interiors with LVP flooring, granite countertops, and
Property Id: 1622333 Welcome to your new home in Selma, AL! This stunning 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom multi-family unit boasts modern amenities such as a refrigerator, oven, washer, dryer, central air, hardwood floors, and a fireplace. Enjoy the convenience of included utilities and security features like an alarm system and security cameras. With a spacious carport and driveway, this property is
Property Id: 1622611 Welcome to your new home at 723 Arsenal Place in Selma, AL! This beautiful unit features top-of-the-line amenities such as a dishwasher, washer/dryer, and central air. Enjoy the convenience of on-site laundry, garage parking, and a fenced yard. Utilities included in the rent. No pets allowed. Don't miss out on this opportunity - schedule a viewing today!
Property Id: 2318982 Welcome to this delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home located at 112 Furniss Ave, Selma, AL. Boasting 1,700 square feet of living space, this charming residence, built in 1920, seamlessly blends historical character with modern amenities. Enjoy the warmth of hardwood and laminate flooring throughout, as well as a cozy fireplace that adds a touch of elegance
Quiet 3 Bed, 2 BathMultiple Units Available!We have multiple 3-bedroom, 2-bath units available. The location is nestled in a quiet, tree-lined community perfect for those who value privacy and comfort.Property Highlights:ZERO APPLICATION FEESSpacious 3 bed / 2 bath layoutOpen-concept living and dining areaFull kitchen with ample cabinet spaceWASHER AND DRYER HOOKUPSWhy You'll Love It Here:Tucked
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