Weaver is a rural community between Anniston and Jacksonville
Weaver's comparably low housing costs draw new homebuyers in from busier northeast Alabama cities like Jacksonville and Anniston. "It's small, quaint and quiet," says local Realtor Taylor McAllister of Keller Williams Realty. She's sold homes across the region for nearly five years and grew up in Calhoun County. "It's a great area for first-time homebuyers because of the affordability. Most houses I've sold in Weaver were either for people purchasing or selling their first home." It's relatively undeveloped commercially, and residents mainly head to nearby cities for shopping or dining. McAllister says it's a tight-knit community, and folks get together at the city's central park and the community trail.
Ranch-style homes on modest lots
Weaver's housing market consists mainly of single-family homes, predominantly brick ranch-style homes built toward the tail-end of the 20th century. Buyers will also find a mix of New Traditional and split-level houses, but McAllister says those are less common. There's minimal new construction in Weaver, and homes usually list from $50,000 to around $360,000. Lots generally measure between a quarter and half-acre, adorned with a couple of mature trees. "Most homes in Weaver are in neighborhoods on small lots," McAllister says. "There are some homes with acreage, but they don't sell often. It's rare to see them on the market." The community's backroads are narrow without central paint lines, connected to homes by sun-bleached driveways that lead to single-car garages and carports. Weaver's overall CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Weaver High School's award-winning band
The Calhoun County School District scores an overall B-plus on Niche and serves just over 8,000 students. Pre-kindergarten through sixth-grade students attend the B-rated Weaver Elementary School, and seventh through 12th-grade students attend Weaver High School, which has a B-minus. The high school features several student clubs and extracurricular activities, including an award-winning band. The school's marching band won the 3A State Championship in 2022 and earned the Outstanding Music Performance Award.
Community recreation at the Elwell Park
Elwell Park is a hub of community recreation at the city's heart. It sprawls across 10 acres and features a playground and splash pad for the kids, as well as a basketball court, disc golf course and skate park. The park also features several pavilions with picnic tables and grills, where locals gather for small get-togethers and celebrations. A portion of the nearly 40-mile Chief Ladiga Trail cuts through Elwell Park and runs south toward Anniston. It's a popular biking trail, but locals also enjoy casual strolls or jogs. The county runs a couple of youth sports leagues that play at the Calhoun County Sports Complex located just south of Weaver. With its five diamonds, the complex hosts frequent baseball and softball tournaments.
Heading into Jacksonville or Anniston for shopping and dining
Aside from a Dollar General and a few gas stations with attached convenience markets, Weaver has minimal commercial infrastructure; locals mainly head to Anniston or Jacksonville to shop or dine. McLellan Boulevard has several stores and restaurants, including Walmart Supercenter and Tractor Supply, which are 3 miles south in Anniston. Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant offers combination plates and mixed dishes. Top O' the River is a popular seafood spot known for its riverboat special, a half-pound catfish filet with several sides. There's also a Walmart in Jacksonville, where steak houses and coffee shops are available downtown.
Navigating Calhoun County
Residents depend on cars to get around. State Route 21 connects residents with Jacksonville, about 7 miles north, and Anniston, about 7 miles south. Locals also have access to U.S. Route 431. Interstate 20 is accessible about 10 miles south, running west toward Birmingham and east toward Atlanta. The Regional Medical Center at Anniston is one of the nearest medical facilities, about 7 miles away. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is around 66 miles away.
Written By
Brennen Martin
