The Edmund Pettus Bridge leads across the Alabama River to the historic city of Selma. The bridge and the town still look much like they did 60 years ago on the “Bloody Sunday” of March 9, 1965, when civil rights activists bravely marched across the bridge and into a waiting crowd of police officers with billy clubs and tear gas. While Selma's place in the Civil Rights Movement caused an economic boom in the 20th century, the city's population now stands at 16,200, down significantly from 25 years ago. Realtor and lifelong resident Helene Felton says the drop is largely due to a devastating tornado that destroyed many homes in 2023. But the city and its people are resilient. “One of the things I love about Selma is that because of our history, people from all walks of life can come here and feel a sense of belonging, even with the challenges we’ve faced. It’s a small, quiet area, and we’re still recovering — but just come see it, we’re still here."
Riverfront Park in Selma stands out, beautifully situated along the majestic Alabama River.
The Edmund Pettus Bridge stands as a powerful emblem of Selma's profound Civil Rights legacy, symbolizing the courage and determination that shaped the fight for justice and equality.
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Civil rights tourism, one of Selma's main industries
While many residents work at major employers such as International Paper and Bush Hog, an agricultural equipment manufacturer, the city’s main source of income is Civil Rights tourism. Local landmarks like the National Voting Rights Museum and Brown Chapel AME Church attract visitors and are a visible link to an important part of the past for the city and its residents. Other major industry sectors include healthcare and tourism.
Brown Chapel AME Church is located in the heart of Selma and plays a significant role in its rich civil rights history.
As she stands before her photograph captured during the historic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, this courageous foot soldier shares her powerful story at the Voting Rights Museum in Selma, embodying the spirit of resilience and the fight for justice.
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Selma's historic district looks at the past while building promises the future
The median sales price in Selma is $120,950, significantly lower than the national number. The city’s historic district branches out from Broad Street, where homes built as early as the 1850s sit among the Spanish moss-draped trees. More recent builds stretch out into the northern and western sides of town. And there is a plan to build 450 new housing units. “We used to be one of the largest historic districts in the nation before the tornado,” Felton says. “But we still have plenty of beautiful historic buildings. Like my father would say, ‘Selma was here before us, it’s still here now, and it’ll be here long after us.’”
Numerous homes in Selma have undergone impressive renovations, transforming them into stunning, fresh spaces that enhance the community's appeal.
The homes in Selma showcase stunning architecture that captivates the eye and enriches the community..
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Agriscience classes at Selma City Schools
The city is served by Selma City Schools, which rate a C-minus on Niche. The school system offers career and college readiness programs for high school students, with options such as agriscience, drafting design, health science and business management. There are also several faith-based private schools in the city, including the B-plus rated Morgan Academy.
Selma High School stands out as an exemplary institution, renowned for its exceptional academic programs and commitment to student success.
Morgan Academy stands out as Selma's premier private school, renowned for its exceptional educational standards and nurturing environment.
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Civil Rights Memorial Park pays homage to activists
There are over 20 parks around the city, including the Historic Riverfront Park, which overlooks the Alabama River and is the first step in the city’s waterfront expansion. Civil Rights Memorial Park is a community-funded sculpture garden memorializing those who fought for African American rights and equality, such as John Lewis, whom Felton’s mother marched with.
Discover the powerful story of Selma at the Civil Rights Memorial Park, where a multitude of informative placards brings to life the profound history of the Civil Rights movement in this iconic city.
Selma's Riverfront Park is an ideal destination for families, offering a vibrant green space where children can play and explore.
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Selma plans a retail expansion
Most of the city’s business is centered around Broad Street. West Highland Avenue is another area in town with small businesses, grocery stores and restaurants. Due to storm damage, the city plans to expand the River Walk area and build two large retail developments: Selma Crossing and Selma Grove. For now, many residents travel to neighboring Montgomery for shopping malls and big-box retail.
Experience the tranquil charm of Reflections Coffee Shop, where you can unwind while enjoying the stunning views of the Alabama River in Selma.
Discover the unparalleled shopping experience at Queen City Market, the leading furniture store in downtown Selma.
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Major cities are close to Selma
State Route 22 and U.S. Route 80 connect Selma to Montgomery and Interstate 65 in the east, and Birmingham and I-20 in the north. “We’re right in the center of the state — you can get to any nearby major city in a couple of hours,” Felton says. The city doesn’t have a bus system but does have an on-call transit system. Vaughn Medical Center is the city’s hospital. Selma doesn’t have an airport, but Montgomery Regional Airport is 50 miles away and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is 95 miles away.
Weather and crime in Selma
Located in central Alabama, Selma’s summers are long and hot, and the winters are short and cool, with temperatures rarely below freezing.
According to the University of Alabama and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s most recent statistics, there were 417 reported cases of crime in 2023. This included 119 instances of violent crime and 270 instances of property crime.
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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.
