Thorsby has Scandinavian roots and small-town charm
The community of Thorsby offers classic Southern suburbia in central Alabama. Founded as a Scandinavian settlement in 1865, it features fertile soil that quickly attracted farmers to the region, and it has retained much of its quiet character ever since. "It's a small town off the highway, and very rural," says Realtor Darlene Rice with Exit Royal Realty. "It's just a place where the people are nice, and it's desirable for buyers wanting to move away from the city." Even as it grows, Thorsby's history is still seen in the town's historic buildings, such as the old Norwegian Lutheran Church. Thorsby also holds an annual Swedish Festival that features a craft fair, a pageant, an auto show, and a mix of Scandinavian and Southern food vendors. One of Thorsby's perks is that it's equidistant from Birmingham and Montgomery, making it suitable for commuters and residents seeking access to more dining and retail.
Housing ranges from mobile homes to farmland
Thorsby features modest homes on small lots shaded with oak and pine trees. The streets are quiet, and moving outward from downtown, lots transition from semi-rural suburbia to farmland and forests. New construction is limited, and buyers are more likely to find renovated homes or houses waiting for restoration. "There's a mixture of all kinds of homes there," Rice says. "They range from mobile homes to larger single-family homes to farmland." Most residences are manufactured homes, with prices ranging from $55,000 to $200,000, and ranch-style houses run between $130,000 and $300,000. More spacious New Traditional homes sell for between $200,000 and $500,000 on the outskirts of town.
Thorsby High School serves kindergarten through 12th grade
Chilton County Schools serves students in Thorsby, who can attend the community's sole institution: Thorsby High School. It has kindergarten through 12th grade and a preschool program. Niche rates the school with an overall B-plus and ranks it as the top elementary school in Chilton County. Thorsby High offers students several extracurricular options, including Scholar's Bowl, theater club and yearbook.
Wood Park is a green space with community events
Thorsby sits about 20 miles from the Coosa River, where locals go fishing, boating and kayaking. Several parks and marinas dot the riverbanks, such as Higgins Ferry Park, which has a boat launch and picnic area. The scenic stretch of the river is adjacent to the Coosa Wildlife Management Area, a nature preserve. There are forested areas and grassy marshes for nature walks, bird-watching and fishing, as well as a boat ramp and a public shooting range. In town, there are a few athletic fields and green spaces such as Wood Park, which has a playground, a picnic area and a quarter-mile walking path. It's also home to events like Christmas in the Park, an annual tree-lighting ceremony with caroling and a parade. About 4 miles away, Jemison City Park offers tennis and pickleball courts, in addition to its playground and ballfields.
Popular eateries and small businesses in Thorsby's town center
A modest town center along the main road features churches, small businesses and restaurants. The Farm House Cafe is a popular local spot, with a menu and buffet offering comfort foods like chicken pot pie and smothered pork chops. Nearby, Thorsby Dari Delite is a place to get an ice cream cone or their special hot hamburger, an open-faced burger topped with gravy, cheese and onions. Grocery options include Dollar General and Thorsby Local Market, a butcher shop. Farmers can visit Garrison Farm and Home Center, the local feed and supply store. "People may go into Clanton or farther for their shopping," Rice says. Jemison, 4 miles away, has Piggly Wiggly, and Clanton, 7 miles away, has Walmart and other big-box stores.
Thorsby's location offers easy access to cities and airports
Highway 31 runs through Thorsby, connecting the car-dependent community to larger towns nearby. Interstate 65 is about 10 miles away, making Thorsby about 45 miles from both Montgomery and Birmingham. As a result, Thorsby is also equidistant to two airports, Montgomery Regional and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International. The nearest hospital is the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) St. Vincent's Chilton.
