Tallassee is a historic mill town on the banks of the Tallapoosa
Seated on the banks of the Tallapoosa River, Tallassee takes its name from a Creek word meaning "old town," which is appropriate since the city is nearly 200 years old. The city is centered around the Thurlow Dam, which was originally built for a 19th-century textile mill and currently provides electricity for much of the region. Modern Tallassee is a mostly residential community offering a mix of historic and modern housing. "It's a pretty quiet town, which I think is the point for most people who live there," says local Realtor John Franklin of Lake Homes Realty. "It might not seem like the most convenient location, but it's close to Lake Martin, and you're within commuting distance of both Auburn and Montgomery."
From 100-year-old bungalows to modern mansions
A wide variety of home styles can be found in and around Tallassee, from turn-of-the-century farmhouses, cottages and bungalows to midcentury ranch-style homes to more contemporary two-story homes. While older homes tend to be between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet, more modern builds in the area tend to offer upward of 2,000 square feet, and there are more than a few custom-built mansions tucked away around the city. Consequently, home prices in the area can vary considerably, especially since many homes come with a few acres attached. Homes in Tallassee can list for anywhere from under $200,000 to over $700,000, but most go for between $250,000 and $500,000.
Surrounded by lakes and waterways
A few small city parks and playgrounds can be found around town, along with larger sports complexes devoted to baseball, softball and soccer. Boating and fishing are major local pastimes — understandable since Lake Talisi and the Tallapoosa River are at the heart of the town. Many homes feature backyard docks, and a large number of inland properties have boats parked in their driveways. Public boat ramps can be found around town, including next to the scenic Lake Talisi Riverwalk Trail. "A lot of people like the area because it's close enough to Lake Martin that you can go whenever you want," says Franklin. Located about 10 miles north of Tallassee, the lake is one of the most popular resort areas in central Alabama, offering beaches, boating and golf.
Tallassee City Schools district and recently renovated Tallassee High School
The local public schools are part of the Tallassee City Schools district, which has a B rating on Niche. Tallassee Elementary School and Southside Middle School both have B ratings as well, while Tallassee High School has a B-minus. The high school was recently fully rebuilt, with the new building opening its doors in 2024.
Retail along state Route 14
Most of Tallassee's local retail is concentrated around state Route 14. There are Super Foods supermarkets on the east and west sides of town, along with a Walmart Supercenter to the northwest. Smaller local shops and restaurants can be found scattered around town. Tallassee features a solid dining scene for its size — the city is home to multiple highly rated Mexican and barbecue eateries, along with a selection of chain restaurants.
Getting to Montgomery and Auburn
While east-west state Route 14 is the major commercial road in town, commuters are just as likely to take the north-south state Route 229, which overlaps with 14 along Gilmer Road, south to Interstate 85 — the fastest route from town to Montgomery. It's just under 30 miles from Tallassee to Auburn via 14, and about 35 miles to Montgomery via 229 and the I-85. Both Montgomery and Auburn have regional airports, but locals are just as likely to drive the two hours to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta.
Photography Contributed By
John Gibbons
