West End-Cobb Town is a residential community near the I-20 corridor
East Alabama's West End-Cobb Town is separated from the Interstate 20 corridor by a small but impressive patch of the Appalachian Mountains — a pretty effective sound barrier and a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Just west of Anniston, West End-Cobb Town settles into the northern valley of Coldwater Mountain, offering sweeping views and proximity to miles of trails. "A lot of people spend their Saturdays riding bikes and hiking the Coldwater trails," says local Realtor Rhonda Hood of ERA King Real Estate. She's served homebuyers across the region for nearly five years and used to live in West End-Cobb Town. While the town is mainly residential, nearby highways and busier cities offer access to various shopping, dining and employment opportunities. "You can live in West End-Cobb Town and still work in Anniston, Gadsden or Oxford and have a short drive," Hood says.
Ranch-style homes with views of the mountains
The mountains are fairly visible from West End-Cobb Town's narrow, moderately wooded streets, and most residents can see peaks from their houses. The community is relatively flat at most points, but several lots and streets have slight slopes. The market mainly comprises single-family homes built throughout the 20th century. A few homes were also built in the early 2000s, and while new construction is minimal, it's not uncommon. Housing styles include a mix of cottages and bungalows, but ranch-style homes are most prevalent. A couple of New Traditional homes can be found throughout the community. "It's more affordable than Anniston and Oxford," Hood says. Houses sell from around $15,000 to $250,000, and homes that list for under $100,000 typically need repairs.
Hiking and biking Coldwater Mountain, plus Calhoun County parks
Coldwater Mountain, directly south of West End-Cobb Town, features a network of hiking trails that cut through dense pine woodlands. A designated gravel path off Monsanto Road offers direct access to the trail network, which offers mountain and valley views at several points along the way. Residents also enjoy many of Calhoun County's public parks and natural amenities. Thankful Park is a hub of small events and get-togethers, with plenty of pavilion space and picnic tables. Plus, the park has a sizable grill and a playground for the kids. There are also a few basketball courts, a baseball field and a paved walking path. The development of a community center is underway at Thankful Park, but in the meantime, folks head to the James H. Wiggins Community Center to enjoy an indoor basketball gym and meeting rooms. Outside, next to the center, a small park features a playground, a paved walking path and a pavilion.
Calhoun County Schools, with dual enrollment offered in high school
Calhoun County Schools scores an overall B-plus on Niche and serves over 8,000 students. Pre-kindergarten through sixth-grade students attend Walter Wellborn Elementary, which has a B-minus on Niche, and seventh- through 12th-grade students attend the C-plus-rated Walter Wellborn High. The high school offers dual-enrollment courses with Gadsden State Community College for students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades. Technical and academic scholarships are available to dual-enrolled students. The school also has a robust athletics department, with several sports facilities that Walter Wellborn Youth Sports also uses.
State Route 202 offers a few spots to shop and dine
State Route 202, the community's main artery, features a few churches and businesses. Dollar Tree, Dollar General and Food Outlet are the area's primary sources for groceries, each within a mile of one another. Southern Roots Bar and Grill, one of the few local restaurants, is a popular late-night spot open after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar hosts local musicians and weekly dart and pool tournaments. Residents typically head into the heart of Anniston for additional dining options, and Oxford features supermarkets like Aldi and Publix, which are about 7 miles away. "You're also about 10 to 15 minutes from the Oxford Exchange, which has just about all the shopping you could imagine," Hood says.
Heading into Anniston and hopping on I-20
West End-Cobb Town is car-dependent and bisected by state Route 202, also known as Albert P. Brewer Highway. AR 202 connects residents with Anniston, Interstate 20 and U.S. Route 78. Regional Medical Center in Anniston is one of the nearest hospitals, around 4 miles east, and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is about 58 miles west.
Written By
Brennen Martin
