Carved out of the rich, green forests that line the Chattahoochee River is Valley, a fast-growing city on the cusp of the Auburn-Opelika area. The community of over 10,000 residents combines four former textile mill villages: Shawmut, River View, Fairfax and Langdale. According to Valley resident and Realtor Marilyn Pittman with Affinity Real Estate, Valley has been building out the community with new construction and businesses. But “if you want to slow down, then you can come this way,” Pittman says. “I grew up in Opelika, and it’s nice because I can still go to church, or my doctor or shopping there but then come back to the Valley where it’s quiet.”
The Chattahoochee River is a vital lifeline for the city of Valley, enriching its landscape and supporting the well-being of its community along the eastern borders.
The Shawmut Historic District in the valley proudly showcases a stunning blend of Mid-Century homes and historic industrial buildings
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A former mill town close to major manufacturers
The textile mills that first brought people to Valley have closed, but America's only Kia manufacturing plant on the Georgia side of the Chattahoochee means many locals still work in manufacturing. Valley’s other major industries include education, healthcare and retail. Locals also commute to work in the larger cities nearby, LaGrange, Auburn and Columbus.
The Kia manufacturing plant near Valley, Alabama, plays a vital role in the local economy, providing employment opportunities for hundreds of individuals within a 40-mile radius.
Valley residents flock to LaGrange for premier shopping, exceptional dining, and vibrant entertainment options.
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Homes are more affordable in Valley
Valley is a collection of several villages, each with quiet residential areas. Most homes here were built between the mid-to-late 20th century and feature large, shady yards. New construction on the western edges of the city offers more contemporary options at a slightly higher price point. The median sale price in Valley is $225,000, less than the national average. “Homes are more affordable here than they are closer to Auburn and Opelika, and that brings quite a bit of people,” Pittman says.
Valley, Alabama, stands out with its striking array of Mid-Century homes, which enrich the neighborhood's character and charm.
In Valley, Alabama, mid-to-late 20th century homes present an exceptional opportunity, often priced around $225,000.
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Close to Auburn University
Students may attend Chambers County Schools, which earns an overall C-plus grade on Niche. The school district participates in ACCESS Distance Learning (Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide). This initiative provides opportunities for Chambers County and beyond students to attend Advanced Placement and college credit classes via distance learning to make advanced education accessible to all. Valley is about 25 miles from Auburn University. This renowned university is known for its rigorous academic program and the beloved Auburn Tigers football team. Fans of the team can easily commute to Jordan-Hare Stadium on game days.
Valley High School boasts an overall Niche Score of C+, reflecting its commitment to providing a solid educational experience.
Residents of the Valley attend football games at Auburn University's Jordan-Hare Stadium in downtown Auburn.
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Valley offers outdoor spaces close to the Chattahoochee
Between city parks and access to the Chattahoochee, there's a lot to do outdoors in Valley. The Valley Sportsplex has athletic fields and sports courts, Valley City Park has a small playground and various trails connect to the larger Rails to Trails system. This nationwide program converts old railroad tracks into functional walking trails. Nearby public boat ramps give anglers easy access to fishing on the Chattahoochee River, Lake Harding and West Point Lake.
Valley Sportsplex proudly boasts five state-of-the-art baseball fields, providing an exceptional venue for players and enthusiasts alike.
Discover the exceptional Valley's RiverView Boat Ramp, where ample parking awaits you, along with a charming pavilion perfect for your picnics.
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Christmas in the Valley brings residents together
Valley has clusters of small commercial areas surrounding Highway 29, offering grocery stores, small businesses, churches and restaurants. For more big box retail, shopping malls and dining, many residents may choose to travel outside Valley., to Lanett, West Point and beyond. “It’s a growing area, and more and more restaurants are being built, so we’re getting there. But if you want more, you can always go towards Auburn and Opelika,” Pittman says. Valley is busy with community events. From May to September, the Historic Langdale Mill Farmers Market draws residents across the area. The market takes place every Friday and features local produce, baked goods and dairy products. Holiday events are special to the area, including the Christmas in the Valley celebration, the Valley Wide Christmas Parade and a traditional Christmas Merry Go Round that’s been open every season since 1956.
For over 50 years, Givorns Foods has been a trusted staple for the residents of Chambers County, consistently delivering quality and service that the community can rely on.
Valley boasts a richly diverse and vibrant religious community that fosters unity and understanding among its members.
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Close to Interstate 85
Interstate 85 passes through Valley, providing access to nearby communities like Atlanta and Montgomery. The community is halfway between these two cities and central to many other major Southern communities. Public transit is not available, but residents can call ALTrans, which provides on-demand transportation for rural Alabama residents. Valley has urgent and primary care centers, but the closest hospital is East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, 22 miles away. The nearest airport is Auburn University Regional, 23 miles away. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is 75 miles away.
Crime and weather in Valley
Summers are humid along the Chattahoochee River. But as long and hot as summers are, the winters are short and mild. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing, though rain is frequent.
According to state figures, reported crime in Valley has remained steady from 2020 to 2023.
Written By
Micaela Green
Photography Contributed By
Isaiah Buchanan
Video By
Christian Gortler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Howard Jefferson,
an experienced agent in this area.
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