Why people look at Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a Calhoun County city in a valley between Choccolocco Mountain and smaller ridges to the west. It was founded in 1833 and is home to Jacksonville State University (JSU), founded in 1883 and one of the area's largest employers. The 2020 census counted 14,385 residents, up 14.6% since 2010. I'm Ashley Stedham Mitchell with ERA King Real Estate, and I help buyers, sellers and investors in Jacksonville and across Calhoun County.
Areas in and around Jacksonville
The town square: Jacksonville's historic downtown square, with shops, restaurants and older homes on the surrounding streets.
Near campus: the JSU campus is a few blocks north of the square, so many homes are within easy reach of campus events and Gamecock games.
Residential neighborhoods: established subdivisions spread out from the center of town, with a range of home ages and sizes.
Pleasant Valley and Williams: unincorporated communities northwest of the city, with more rural settings and land.
Outlying land: building lots and acreage come up around Jacksonville for buyers who want to build or have room to spread out.
Schools
Jacksonville City Schools runs public schools inside the city, including Kitty Stone Elementary and Jacksonville High School. The Pleasant Valley area northwest of town is served by Calhoun County Schools, including Pleasant Valley Elementary and Pleasant Valley High. Jacksonville Christian Academy is a private option in the city. School zoning goes by address, so confirm a specific home with the district.
Commute and getting around
Alabama State Route 21 (Pelham Road) runs south to Anniston, about 12 miles away, and on to Oxford and I-20. State Route 204 (Rudy Abbott Highway) also passes through town. The Chief Ladiga Trail runs through Jacksonville on its way between Anniston and the Georgia line, giving you a paved path for walking and biking.
Things to do
JSU brings Gamecock athletics, concerts and campus events. The town square has local shops and restaurants. The Chief Ladiga Trail and the nearby mountains offer plenty of outdoor time, and the Calhoun County Center for the Arts offers classes through the community center.
Buying to live or to invest
Some buyers here want a home for themselves, and others want a rental property. If you're investing, check the city's current rules on rentals before you buy, and plan for upkeep and property management. For any buyer, a full inspection, an early insurance quote and a check of the flood zone and city limits are smart steps. Market conditions change month to month, so I'll pull current numbers for the area you're considering.
Ready to talk about Jacksonville?
Whether you're relocating for a job at JSU, buying your first home or looking at an investment property, I'll help you understand the options. 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
How far is Jacksonville, AL from Anniston?
Jacksonville is about 12 miles north of Anniston, connected by Alabama State Route 21 (Pelham Road).
What school district serves Jacksonville, AL?
Homes inside the city are served by Jacksonville City Schools. The Pleasant Valley area northwest of town is served by Calhoun County Schools. Confirm zoning by address.
Is Jacksonville, AL on the Chief Ladiga Trail?
Yes. The paved Chief Ladiga Trail runs through Jacksonville between Anniston and the Georgia state line, where it connects to the Silver Comet Trail.
Can I buy a rental property near Jacksonville State University?
Yes, investors do buy near JSU. Check the City of Jacksonville's current rental rules first, and ask a local agent such as Ashley Stedham Mitchell of ERA King for recent rents and sales.
Who is a real estate agent for Jacksonville, AL?
Ashley Stedham Mitchell is a REALTOR® with ERA King Real Estate serving Jacksonville and Calhoun County. Call (256) 689-2688 or email ashley@eraking.com.
