Sumiton is a small rural community with access to Birmingham
Known as “The Friendly City,” Sumiton is a rural community split between Walker and Jefferson counties. It sits about 25 miles from Birmingham, setting up convenient commuting opportunities, and has lower housing prices than many suburban communities closer to the big city. Sumiton has restaurants, parks and festivals, and also shares a culture with neighboring Dora. Realtor Andrea Rouse of Re/Max Advantage, who grew up in the region, says locals often think of the two cities as one area, one that carries a small-town charm.
Ranch-style and traditional homes on big lots for below-median prices
Sumiton housing options include ranch-style houses and larger traditional and New Traditional homes. Most houses are single-story and sit on lots of a quarter-acre or more. The median sale price is about $240,000, well below the national median. "Homes in the Jefferson County part of town can be more expensive,” Rouse says. Yards often feature few plants besides a bush or a small tree, and fences are typically chain-link. Residential roads curve through the city. The car-dependent community’s narrow asphalt streets are lined with mature trees and usually lack sidewalks. Mailboxes often sit on metal posts.
Southern and Mexican cuisine, a bakery and Little Giant Farm Market
Los Reyes serves authentic Mexican cuisine. Frostings Bakery has a rotating menu of sweets like cupcakes, plus a grab-and-go section with sandwiches and sides. The Bevill Cafe has Southern-inspired classics and daily specials. The city has a Walmart Supercenter and a Dollar General. Little Giant Farm Market has fruit, vegetables, nuts and flowers for sale.
The area is split between two school systems
Most students are served by Walker County Schools, which earns a B-minus Niche grade. The district has more than 7,000 students across 23 schools. Sumiton Elementary/Middle School, for kindergarten through eighth grade, holds a C Niche score. Some children in the southeast part of the region are zoned for Jefferson County Schools, which earns a B Niche rating. The county has about 35,000 students across 62 schools. Nearby, Corner High School gets a B from Niche. The city is also home to Bevill State Community College’s Sumiton campus. Rouse, a Bevill State graduate, says it is a popular choice with area students.
Golf, youth sports and a walking and biking trail with lights
Sumiton Park has baseball diamonds and a playground. The city also operates a football field off Bryan Road. The Sumiton Senior Center hosts games and other activities. Just across Highway 78 is Horse Creek Golf Course, a public facility with 18 holes and a driving range. A few miles away, Horse Creek Trail offers 2.5 miles of walking and biking trails with lights.
The Sumiton Public Library has computers and runs reading programs for kids and adults each summer. The community is close to the East Walker Church of Christ, which supports local organizations and often holds free meals for its members on Sunday nights.
The Frog Festival comes to town each fall
Sumiton hosts the Frog Festival each fall. Food and art vendors have wares for sale, and bands perform live music. The event has a mascot named Ribbit, who hops around taking pictures with attendees.
Close to Highway 78 with some effects from inclement weather
Highway 78 separates Sumiton from Dora. Birmingham is around 25 miles southeast, and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is close to a 30-mile drive. Tornadoes and hurricanes can affect Sumiton. “When you’re in Alabama, you’re always concerned with severe weather,” Rouse says. “But it’s not any worse here than in other parts of the state.”
