Union Springs is a rural town with history and a love for hunting
Union Springs is a small town in southeast Alabama primarily desired for its rural landscapes and large hunting community. “It’s very rural and quaint,” says local Realtor Jacob Walker at Mossy Oak Properties Alabama Land Crafters. He’s sold homes across the region for over eight years and resides in Bullock County. “It’s a small town with a couple of nice restaurants and grocery stores and one of the greatest hunting communities in the south.” The community’s architecture spotlights its deep-rooted history; nearly 50 buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic homes eye-catching architecture
Much of the housing stock in Union Springs is historic; many homes date back to the mid-to-late 19th and early 20th centuries, and several are on the National Register. Historic homes include a mix of Queen Anne, Neoclassical Revival and Italianate architecture. “There’s a lot of charm with these older houses,” Walker says. There is also a good mix of mid-20th-century ranch-style homes, cottages and bungalows across the community. Walker says there’s “hardly any new construction.” Much of the draw to Union Springs is in the land, and several properties on the community’s outskirts cover a couple of acres. Over 100 homes sit on at least 10 acres. The median housing price is around $199,000, and a home on a 19-acre lot recently sold for $430,000.
Bullock County High offers a robust list of student clubs
Bullock County Schools scores an overall C-minus on Niche and serves over 1,300 students. Union Springs Elementary School and South Highlands Middle score a C-minus, and Bullock County High School has a C. The high school offers various clubs and extracurricular activities, from the book club and photography to Future Teachers of Alabama and the Community Youth Board.
The field trial capital of the world
Union Springs is best known as the field trial capital of the world. From October through March, folks gather at local hunting preserves like Sedgefields Lakes Plantation to watch field trials – a competitive event where bird dogs find hidden quail for hunters. The community holds several championships annually. “Thousands of people will come to watch,” Walker says. Outside of the field trials, Bullock County has a massive hunting population. Hunting preserves pepper the outskirts of Union Springs, including Great Southern Outdoors Wildlife Plantation. Hunters keep an eye out mainly for whitetail deer and wild turkey. Locals also enjoy fishing along the Conecuh River. The town also features several public parks, including Newton Park, which has a paved walking path, covered picnic tables and a playground for the kids.
Downtown features small businesses in historic buildings
Many of the buildings in downtown Union Springs are historic; they’re kept alive by local organizations and small businesses. And many are painted with murals. The century-old Gothic arches and stained glass of the Red Door Theater regularly invite locals for theatrical productions, and Main Drug Store's building was originally constructed in 1867. Several stores and locally owned restaurants are available just outside downtown, predominantly along Conecuh Avenue. “You can get your basics in Union Springs,” Walker says. “There are two grocery stores, a couple of dollar stores and a drug store. If you really want to go out for a nice dinner, there are three major cities within 30 or 40 miles.” Piggly Wiggly serves as the community’s main grocery store. Las Portales Mexican Restaurant and Bacon N’ Burgers are popular spots for dinner.
Navigating Bullock County
Union Springs is a car-dependent community intersected by U.S. Routes 29 and 82. Commuters also have access to State Highways 223 and 110. The community is about 45 miles southeast of Montgomery, 35 miles northeast of Troy and 40 miles southwest of Auburn. Bullock County Hospital serves as the primary medical facility.
Written By
Brennen Martin
