Scottsboro is a city that can feel like a getaway. The city sits on the banks of Guntersville Lake, a 75-mile stretch of the Tennessee River, and is overlooked by the tail end of the Appalachian Mountains. Boating and hiking opportunities are numerous, but some residents, like Realtor Pam Baker of South Towne Realtors, enjoy the city’s scenic sunsets as much as any physical activity. “People want to move here for the view,” Baker says. “It’s mountains with nothing but water in front of them.”
The city of close to 16,000 people is the largest in Jackson County and serves as the county seat. Many residents work in the retail trade and manufacturing industries, while others commute around 40 miles to Huntsville.
Scottsboro sits along the Tennessee River and Lake Guntersville.
Downtown Scottsboro features a number of locally owned shops and restaurants, as well as the Jackson County Courthouse.
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Scottsboro Municipal Park has many ways to enjoy the water
Most of the city’s green spaces are for recreation and take advantage of Scottsboro’s location on the water. Other parks have athletic facilities. Scottsboro Municipal Park features boat ramps, fishing piers and spaces for families and friends to gather. Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge is a space to view endangered species of bats and other animals. Goose Pond Colony Resort offers two public 18-hole golf courses and a beach area.
Jackson County Park has a boat launch for pleasure boaters, fishermen, and jet skis.
Jackson County Park has an RV park, water access, cabins for rent, and a large playground.
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Pricier homes on the lake
The median price of a Scottsboro home is around $260,000, slightly above the state median, but lower than nearby Huntsville. Homes are split between the city’s center and the land surrounding Guntersville Lake. New Traditional homes are prevalent, with waterfront homes on the city's southern peninsula being the priciest. Ranch-style homes are also common. Lots and large parcels of land are available for building.
There's a large number of large and expensive homes along the shore shores of Lake Guntersville.
Home styles in Scottsboro vary widely as do their prices and age.
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Historic downtown soda shop and waterfront dining
Southern cuisine and barbecue are staples of the Scottsboro food scene. Several restaurants sit along East Willow Street. Payne’s Soda Shop has served drinks, sandwiches and desserts since 1869. The Docks, on the southern peninsula, is a restaurant that residents can reach by boat. “They have live entertainment and different kinds of food,” Baker says. “I just sit there and enjoy the lake and the wildlife.”
Historic downtown Scottsboro has thrift stores, independent local shops and Hammer's, a department store that's been around since 1942. Nearby is Unclaimed Baggage, the only lost luggage retailer in the country. The store also contains the Found Treasures museum, which is dedicated to the store's wildest discoveries. Publix and big-box retailers are along U.S. Highway 72.
Payne's Soda Shop in downtown Scottsboro has been a local fixture since 1869.
The world famous Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro Alabama features a museum with some of the more unique finds from throughout the years.
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The Square historic district hosts city events
The Square is a historic section of the city’s downtown where the Jackson County courthouse stands. It's the site of events like an annual Christmas Parade and the monthly Trade Days, where local artisans showcase their wares.
Nearby are several cultural centers that focus on local history such as the Scottsboro Boys Museum, which is dedicated to nine Black teenagers sentenced for a violent crime they did not commit.
The Jackson County Courthouse sits in the middle of Scottsboro's downtown area called "The Square".
The Scottsboro Boys Museum tells the story of the world famous "Scottsboro Boys" who were convicted of a crime they didn't commit.
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About an hour from Huntsville and Chattanooga
U.S. Highway 72 separates the city’s center from residential areas near the water and takes drivers to Huntsville. Chattanooga is about 60 miles northeast. Huntsville International Airport, around 50 miles away, has nonstop flights to several domestic destinations. Jackson County Rural Public Transportation provides point-to-point rides with at least one day’s notice. The city's Highlands Medical Center is a 170-bed hospital.
Highway 72 runs through Scottsboro and directly connects with Huntsville Alabama and Chattanooga Tennessee.
Huntsville International Airport is the closest Airport to Scottsboro Alabama.
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Scottsboro City Schools earns high marks
Students are served by Scottsboro City Schools, which has an A-minus Niche grade. The district serves nearly 2,500 students across five schools. Thurston T. Nelson Elementary School has an individual A-minus rating.
Full campus of Scottsboro Junior High School in Scottsboro Alabama.
Caldwell Elementary School in Scottsboro Alabama is a public primary school.
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Humid summers and short, wet winters
The city’s violent crime rate has risen in recent years but is below the national average. Its property crime rate has fallen yet remains above the national average.
Scottsboro experiences four seasons, with humid summers and short but wet winters. The city has a relatively high risk of cold waves and a moderate risk of tornadoes, lightning and ice storms.
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