Why people look at Anniston
Anniston is the county seat of Calhoun County. It sits on the slope of Blue Mountain in the foothills of the Appalachians. It was nicknamed the "Model City" for its careful planning in the late 1800s, and you can still see that history in its older homes and downtown streets. The 2020 census counted 21,564 residents. I'm Ashley Stedham Mitchell, a REALTOR® with ERA King Real Estate. Our office is on Hillyer Robinson Parkway in Anniston, and I help buyers and sellers here and across east Alabama.
Areas in and around Anniston
Downtown and Noble Street: Anniston's original main street is seeing new life as a shopping and dining district, with older homes and historic buildings nearby.
McClellan: most of the former Fort McClellan, which the Army closed in 1999, is now inside Anniston city limits. It has a mix of former military-era buildings and newer development.
Golden Springs and the east side: established residential streets with easy access toward Oxford and I-20.
Saks and the north side: a community along US 431 north of the city. Many addresses here are in the county rather than the city, which can change your taxes, services and school zoning.
Outlying Calhoun County: if you want acreage, land and rural homes are common in communities around Anniston such as Alexandria, Wellington and Choccolocco.
Schools
Inside city limits, public schools are run by Anniston City Schools, including Anniston High School and Anniston Middle School. Many homes just outside the city are zoned to Calhoun County Schools. Private options in Anniston include The Donoho School, Sacred Heart of Jesus School and Faith Christian School. Gadsden State Community College has campuses in Anniston, and Jacksonville State University is about 12 miles north. School zoning goes by address, so always confirm a specific home with the district before you buy.
Commute and getting around
Anniston reaches Interstate 20 at exit 188. By I-20, Birmingham is about 65 miles west and Atlanta about 91 miles east. Amtrak's Crescent line stops in Anniston, and the Anniston Army Depot sits west of town. The Anniston Western Bypass connects I-20 in Oxford north toward McClellan.
Things to do
The Anniston Museum of Natural History and the Berman Museum of World History are both here. The Chief Ladiga Trail, Alabama's first and longest rail trail, starts at the 4th Street Amtrak station in Anniston and runs almost 40 miles to the Georgia line, where it joins Georgia's Silver Comet Trail. Anniston is also home to the Freedom Riders National Monument, which marks an important chapter of civil rights history. Cheaha State Park and the Talladega National Forest are a short drive south.
What to know before you buy or sell
Many Anniston homes are older, so a thorough inspection of the roof, plumbing, electrical and sewer line is worth it. Check flood zones on properties near creeks, and get insurance quotes early. Know whether a home is inside or outside city limits, because that affects taxes, utilities and schools. Prices and inventory change month to month. Rather than guess, I'll pull a current market snapshot for the streets you're considering.
Ready to talk about Anniston?
Whether you're buying your first home, moving to Calhoun County or selling a home you've loved for years, I'll give you straight answers and a plan. Call or text Ashley at (256) 689-2688 or email ashley@eraking.com. Ashley Stedham Mitchell, REALTOR®, ERA King Real Estate, 1530 Hillyer Robinson Pkwy, Anniston, AL 36207. Alabama license 146559.
Frequently asked questions
What county is Anniston, Alabama in?
Anniston is in Calhoun County and is the county seat. It is one of the two principal cities of the Anniston–Oxford metro area.
How far is Anniston from Birmingham and Atlanta?
By Interstate 20, Anniston is about 65 miles east of Birmingham and about 91 miles west of Atlanta.
What school district serves Anniston homes?
Homes inside Anniston city limits are served by Anniston City Schools. Many homes just outside the city are zoned to Calhoun County Schools. Confirm zoning for a specific address with the district.
Can I find land or acreage near Anniston?
Yes. Rural homes and land come up regularly in the communities around Anniston in Calhoun County. Ashley Stedham Mitchell of ERA King can set up a search for acreage and walk the land with you.
Who can help me buy or sell a home in Anniston, AL?
Ashley Stedham Mitchell is a REALTOR® with ERA King Real Estate at 1530 Hillyer Robinson Pkwy in Anniston. Reach her at (256) 689-2688 or ashley@eraking.com.
