In central Alabama's Alexander City, home to the 40,000-acre Lake Martin, water is a way of life. The 14,000-plus "Alex City" residents know all the best spots to swim, cast a line or sunbathe on the shore. "I was born and raised here, so I grew up on the lake," says Realtor Sam Spurlin, co-owner of RE/MAX Around the Lake. "I've always enjoyed boating with my friends and family and love the area's natural beauty." While Lake Martin is a recreational hub, Alex City's historic downtown draws shoppers and diners to locally owned boutiques and restaurants. "Downtown is beautiful," Spurlin says. "And while we don't have a lot of shopping, it has a couple of shops people love to go to."
The Alexander City 2024 Comprehensive Plan outlines the city's goals for the next 10 years, including designating areas for new housing, revitalizing the Avondale Historic District and creating a community town square downtown that would serve as a multiuse space. Alex City is the largest city in Tallapoosa County. Major employers include the Russell Medical Center and Prime Healthcare.
Explore the charming small town of Alexander City.
Enjoy the beauty that the lake lifestyle provides in Alexander City.
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Lakefront living and historic homes downtown
The median home price in Alexander City is around $275,000, about $100,000 less than the national median. Historic houses, including Queen Annes, Colonial Revivals and Craftsmans, are mostly found downtown, while midcentury ranch-style and split-level homes are located across the city. Houses in communities near or on Lake Martin, where many homes have been recently built, can sell for over $1 million.
You can purchase your dream lake house and make memories with family in Alexander City.
Ranch style homes add a cozy option for Alexander City residents.
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Fishing tournaments on Lake Martin and city events
Lake Martin is a focal point for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating and water sports. Many residents who live on the lake have a private dock, but the Alexander City Boat Ramp offers public access. Wind Creek State Park also provides public access to the lake. With Lake Martin's large bass population, fishing tournaments frequently take place throughout the year; the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation Tournament and the Jim Landers Memorial Tournament are among the popular annual events.
The city operates four inland parks and the public Lakewinds Golf Course. The Charles E. Bailey Senior Sportplex is a hub of recreational sports and hosts annual events Oktoberfest and Christmas in the Park. Downtown's Strand Park is one of the sites of the summer Alexander City Jazz Festival, one of the city's biggest events.
Toss a line at the lake in Alexander City and see what you can catch.
Rent a boat and explore the lake at Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City.
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Applied science degrees at CACC
Alexander City Schools scores an overall B on Niche and serves around 3,000 students. Central Alabama Community College (CACC) offers associate's degrees in applied science, including automotive manufacturing, general business and nursing.
Further your education at Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City.
Benjamin Russell High School is a great place to learn.
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Local boutiques downtown and shopping along Highway 280
Downtown Alexander City is a compact, walkable area of brick-clad stores, restaurants and local businesses. There's also a Piggly Wiggly downtown and the Alexander City Farmers Market, open Saturdays from June to September. More restaurants and stores are concentrated along U.S. Highway 280. "We just got a Publix, which is huge," Spurlin says. "Everyone is excited about that; we've been begging for 12 years. We also just got a Chick-fil-A a year or so ago." There is also dining along Lake Martin.
Take a shopping trip and explore the local stores in Alexander City.
Grab a delicious bite to eat at Jake's Restaurant in Alexander City.
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Hot summers and mild winters
Summers are hot in Alexander City, and winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. According to First Street, the city has a major risk from heat. As of December 2024, residents had made public officials aware of their complaints about the city's water quality. Officials say this is partly due to Lake Martin's high temperatures, little rainfall and algae blooms.
Crime statistics for Alexander City are not readily available.
Birmingham about a 70-mile drive
U.S. Highway 280 runs through Alexander City, connecting with Birmingham about 72 miles northwest. State Route 63 and State Route 22 are additional major roadways. Tallapoosa County offers ARISE transit, an on-demand service with limited hours. Russell Medical Center is just south of downtown, and the Montgomery Regional Airport is 60 miles away.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
