Valley Grande is a quiet, rural community just north of Selma
Deep in the pastoral landscapes of northern Dallas County, Valley Grande’s small, quietly settled community enjoys quintessential country living. Between wide, undisturbed patches of forests and winding backroads are sprawling farms with grazing cattle and roaming horses. Though farms and large private properties take up a decent amount of space, hundreds of sturdy, well-established homes support a population of nearly 4,000. Residents get together at the community’s central park or one of the many local churches, including Valley Grande Baptist Church. The community’s limited commercial activity mainly drives residents south to Selma for goods and nights out.
Ranch-style homes on a few acres of wooded land
Valley Grande’s outstretched country roads weave through and around massive tracts of farmland and undeveloped grassy areas. Most of the community’s streets are either fairly shaded by towering trees or sun-bleached from consistent exposure. Stores are few and far between, and most houses are spread out on large, tree-dense lots. Most residents own their homes, and the market primarily consists of single-family houses. Buyers will find a mix of housing styles, predominantly including ranch-style homes. There’s also a decent number of custom-built homes across the community. Most homes sit on at least an acre of land, but quite a few properties in Valley Grande cover over five acres. Many buyers look to the area for its land, and most active listings are undeveloped plots; a few measure over 100 acres and are likely to be picked up by farmers. The median sale price for a home in Valley Grande is around $172,000.
The community is served by Dallas County Schools
Dallas County Schools scores an overall C on Niche and serves just over 2,300 students. Valley Grande Elementary School and William R. Martin Middle School neighbor one another at the community’s heart and receive Cs on Niche. Dallas County High School’s media center is a hub of student collaboration, serving as a center of class presentations, quiet recreation and group activities. Niche gives the high school an overall C-plus.
A day at Valley Grande City Park
Valley Grande City Park, the community’s only public park, is a hub of outdoor recreation. The moderately wooded park is peppered with towering pines that partially shade a paved walking path, occasionally sprinkling it with fallen pinecones. The park additionally features fitness stations, a playground for the kids and plenty of green space. The park also stages several local events and holiday celebrations, including the Fourth of July Extravaganza. Neighboring the city park is the Valley Grande Sportsplex, where locals get together for recreational sports. The sportsplex features a few baseball fields adorned with tall stadium lights and steel bleachers. Locals also enjoy a day on the green at Valley Grande Golf Course, anchored by a clubhouse with a snack bar and pro shop.
A few shopping and dining options along Route 22
Valley Grande’s commercial activity is limited to a couple of businesses along Alabama State Route 22. A small strip of businesses just off Route 22, near the Pineview Memorial Cemetery, features a few spots to eat. Valle Grande Mexican Grill offers traditional Mexican fare, including enchiladas, fajitas and tacos. Plus, the menu includes sizable margaritas. In the same small shopping center, Savory Edge offers paninis and sandwiches with a few soup and salad options. The restaurant’s “sweet treats” menu includes milkshakes, brownies and banana splits. Valley Grande Grocery offers essentials, drinks and snacks, but locals mainly head to Dave’s Market for grocery shopping. There’s also a Dollar General off Route 22. Big-box stores, like Walmart Supercenter, are available in Selma.
Navigating Dallas County
Residents primarily use cars to get around Valley Grande, and Alabama State Routes 22, 14 and 219 are primary thoroughfares. Selma is about 8 miles south of the community’s heart, and Montgomery is about 60 miles east. Vaughan Regional Medical Center, located in northwest Selma, is the closest medical facility and emergency room. Montgomery Regional Airport is about a 50-mile trip.
Written By
Brennen Martin
