Gadsden Alabama Saves Itself, Becomes More Livable

Sometimes reinventing yourself is imperative for the sake of survival

. In 1989, Gadsden, Alabama was named as one of the seven worst places to live in the United States. The river town had previously been the site of heavy industry whose closures caused its near demise.

When the city hit that low point, officials knew something had to be done. Instead of chasing after new industry and manufacturing, they reinvented themselves by focusing on downtown redevelopment and bringing in arts and culture to the residents.

After years of focus and dedicated work toward improving the town, Gadsden was given the top spot in the 2000 City Livability Awards Program proof that reinvention is possible everywhere with the right plan and support from citizens.

Today, Gadsden has about 40,000 residents and the average income is around $25,000. Given these incomes, real estate is also very affordable by national standards. The average price of a house is $85,000 and features three bedrooms and two bathrooms. While garages are not uncommon in Gadsden, the milder southern winters do not make them imperative. However, carports are likely to be found with a large number of homes.

Homes in Gadsden also offer bathrooms tiled in the 50s and 60s styles, eat-in kitchens with big windows that overlook the back yard, moderately sized bedrooms, and if you're lucky a functional barbeque pit for summer cookouts. One house currently on the market in Gadsden even offers wallpaper on the ceiling!

Downtown Gadsden provides entertainment throughout the year, including concerts, painting classes, and "Cruise-In" car and motorcycle shows. The car shows should come as no surprise as Gadsden is in the heart of car-racing country. With the famous Talladega Super Speedway only 20 miles (as the bird flies) south, car racing is a huge part of the Gadsden mentality.

However if nature is more your speed, you can hike and visit the local Noccalula Falls Park. The park was named after a Native American princess who supposedly jumped to her death after being ordered by her father to marry a man someone she did not love and had no intentions of spending her life with. Notwithstanding the sad tale of its name, the beautiful waterfall plunges 90 feet into the Black Creek ravine.

If the South is in your blood and you want to live in a warm climate, buy affordable homes, attend nearby car races, the delve into the mystery of a tragic ending for an American princess, then the revitalized city of Gadsden should top your list of places to go.

Gadsden Alabama Saves Itself, Becomes More Livable

By: Frank Anton

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