Community support fuels Winfield
Winfield is a quiet town with a strong sense of community in Northwest Alabama. "If the town didn't work together, none of us would make it," says Gina Bryant, a resident and Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. "The department shares facilities with the high school, and the school shares its amenities with us. It's a great working relationship." She adds that local churches have offered gyms to help run city programs. The area is small and rural, but the region is slowly growing in population. "The area is about to boom, and people are building homes like wildfire. Our school system is a big draw to Winfield," Bryant says. According to the U.S. Census, housing vacancies in the area declined almost 25% between 2010 and 2020.
Ivan K. Hill Park blends recreation with community services
Ivan K. Hill Park is the city's primary green space and favorite outdoor gathering spot. There are tennis courts, sporting fields and a disc golf course. "We offer a senior center, and they do meals, games and fellowship from Monday through Friday," Bryant says. "They also deliver 80 homebound meals daily for people who can't get out of the house. The center has trips, too; they have a lot of fun!" Bryant says the city hosts adaptive athletics leagues for residents, which pair high school coaches and varsity players with participants for basketball and football programs. The Parks and Recreation Department was recently awarded a $100,000 grant for Ivan K Hill Park upgrades. West Alabama Speedway, on County Road 49, has weekly dirt track racing events.
A range of homes styles and weather history
Brick ranch styles from the 20th century are the most common in Winfield, but some homes from the 1990s have colonial influences. There are also New Traditional houses built in the 2000s. Some properties have barns, basements and storm cellars. Buyers will also find available wooded lots and mountainside parcels suitable for homesteading. Fixer-uppers can range from $40,000 to $80,000. Residences under 2,500 square feet can cost between $90,000 and $300,000. Larger homes typically range from just under $200,000 to $550,000.
Marion County properties are at risk of flooding and wind damage, especially during severe storms and hurricanes. The region also has a history of tornadoes.
A-rated school district serves local students
Winfield City Schools is among the top districts in the state, earning an overall A rating from Niche. Winfield Elementary has an A rating, while Winfield Middle receives an A-minus. Winfield City High has a B-plus. High schoolers may attend the Winfield City Career & Technical Academy located off Post Lane. The academy provides multiple program options, including cosmetology, finance, general agriculture and health sciences.
Businesses downtown and along U.S. 43
The town center contains brick buildings occupied by clothing boutiques, shops and restaurants. There is also a Walmart Super Center along U.S. 43. Chain restaurants and locally owned eateries are near the area's highways. Community favorites include City Diner, Cajun Connection and Cardinal Drive In. The Winfield Main Street organization restored the Pastime Theatre & Civic Center. Today, the landmark building features concerts from local and national artists.
Mule Day parade and contests highlight community traditions
]The community hosts events during the year, including a Christmas Parade and a celebration on Veterans Day. However, Mule Day has been an ongoing annual event for decades. The gathering features a parade with mules and miniature horses hitched to carts, as well as antique tractors and music bands. "This year, for Mule Day, we'll have a living history," Bryant says. "All the stations are about the founding of the city. There's also a theater company in town that will bring local historic characters to life." Residents also participate in a car show and mule judging contest.
Churches and clinics in a growing community
Winfield and the surrounding area have multiple houses of worship. Bryant says congregations like Glory Baptist Church and Winfield First Baptist are major contributors to sporting leagues and community events. The Northwest Regional Health in Winfield has been a part of the area for over 50 years; North Mississippi Health Services recently agreed to manage the medical center in early 2025. Locals commute on U.S. 43 and Interstate 22. "We have the interstate that came through [during the 2010s] that connects Birmingham to Memphis," Bryant says. Drivers reach downtown Birmingham in about 70 miles.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
