Communities

Located in eastern Montgomery County, the Town of Pike Road is a rapidly growing small town looking to build a solid future on the area’s rich history. With a population of nearly 10,000, Pike Road has experienced phenomenal growth in the past two decades. Town leaders attribute that growth to the excitement and passion inspired by the unique mix of old and new within the town’s boundaries. As the town continues to grow, leadership continues to prioritize the four pillars identified by residents: community planning, public services, quality of life, and public education.

Comprised of more than 70 distinct neighborhoods, Pike Road is home to some of the River Region’s oldest settlements. In an effort to preserve its heritage and plan wisely for the future, Pike Road legally incorporated in 1997, nearly two centuries after the first settlers arrived in the area. The town now contains a mix of beautiful new neighborhoods and lovely historic communities, both of which contribute to the hometown feeling generations seek in moving to the area.

Introduced in 2012, the ENHANCE Initiative aims to ensure Pike Road continues to grow in quality of life. Historically known as a hospitable community, Pike Road has always had a spirit of engaging people. Through the establishment of the ENHANCE Initiative, the town developed a series of volunteer-driven committees focused on keeping agriculture a part of the lifestyle, maintaining the recreational options and providing artistic opportunities for people. The Pike Road Arts Center opened its doors in 2019 to provide a home for the arts, and the new Pike Road Agriculture, Recreation and Performing Arts Park has begun to welcome a variety of community events and activities.

Created with community in mind, the Pike Road Natural Trail is perfect for walkers, runners, and off-road bicyclists. Sections of the Natural Trail currently span Meriwether, Marler and Wallahatchie Roads, and plans are in place for additional trails connecting neighbors across the Town of Pike Road. A trailhead is located on the southern side of Meriwether Road and includes parking, a covered picnic pavilion with charcoal grills, tables and lighting, and a restroom facility. Another trailhead is located at Veterans Park and features access to the mural wall, community ball field, and a public playground. The Town of Pike Road honors America’s veterans with commemorative bricks in the Walk of Honor at the Pike Road Veterans Memorial.

Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone wants residents and others to think of the Town of Pike Road as the River Region’s old-fashioned hometown, where citizen output drives future priorities. “Our town’s motto is ‘Welcome Home’,” shared Stone. “These words exemplify the spirit of this town and the feeling we try to give everyone who comes through the door of Town Hall.”

It all started in 1833, when founder Daniel Pratt arrived on the scene. He established the town of Prattville along the fall line of the Autauga Creek, and shortly after began manufacturing cotton gins. He became the foremost producer of cotton gins in the world, earning Prattville the designation of the “Birthplace of Industry in Alabama.” The city’s people exude that famous “Southern Hospitality”, and despite being named one of the fastest growing areas in the state, Prattville maintains its small-town charm.

Holding on to its heritage, while also focusing on the future, has given Prattville a character all its own. Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr. explained, “Prattville is a city where progress and preservation go hand-in-hand. We are truly a city on the move, and we are proud of our rich history, but look forward to our future as the ‘Hometown of the River Region.’ We are home to the world-class Robert Trent Jones Capitol Hill golf complex. Additionally, we are proud to have Alabama’s first Bass Pro Outdoor World, as well as many other shopping amenities.”

Patty Vanderwal, President of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, shared, “There’s a lot of opportunities here. Our community has the best of both worlds. We have the beauty of nature with the convenience of the city, and small-town closeness with unlimited growth potential.” Vanderwal added that Prattville’s growth can be credited to its community leadership and education system, stating, “We have strong schools in Autauga County, with a good curriculum and other opportunities for our children.”

There are plenty of things to do in Prattville for everyone from the outdoor enthusiast to the golf connoisseur. World-class golf is played in Prattville at the Robert Trent Jones golf courses. Prattville’s Capitol Hill is the crown jewel of the RTJ Golf Trail, and is host to one of the LPGA National Golf Tournaments each fall. Prattville is also home to a number of parks, complete with playgrounds and walking trails. Those with furry friends will love Cooter’s Pond Park— there is fenced-off play area with no leash requirement for dogs and their owners to spend some quality time together.

Prattville shopping mixes modern and historic storefronts, with a vibrant downtown district that is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. Winding through portions of the downtown area is a Creekwalk, nestled along the banks of the Autauga Creek. There are community events happening in the area year-round— Prattville’s annual CityFest is perhaps the most well-known.

“There is no shortage of pride when we talk about Prattville and Autauga County,” Vanderwal remarked. “Combine our rich history, our quality of life, and our focus on the future, and it all adds up to success. We are a community that is moving forward- and the best is yet to come. Our city and county are poised for growth in industry, small business development and tourism.  We are proud of our progress and of our past. We encourage you to join our friendly community and witness the beauty, the history and the people.”

Millbrook is the most accessible and populated city within Elmore County— it consistently ranks among the fastest growing cities in Alabama, and its four-zip code area, including Robinson Springs, Coosada, Deatsville, and Elmore, is home to nearly 35,000. Located just ten miles north of Montgomery, Millbrook’s close proximity to the Montgomery area and nearby Maxwell AFB has not only helped shape the city, but continues to define its growth and opportunities.

Millbrook residents enjoy small city comforts and a sense of community paired with urban conveniences, creating a sought-after and enjoyable way of life. Nearly 80% of households in the city are family households. As more and more people discover the allure of the good life in Millbrook, the community spirit of this close-knit city flourishes. Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley shared, “Millbrook is all about comfort, convenience, and community. Our elected officials understand that our citizens are our best resource.  We want people to move here, stay here, and make Millbrook home.”

The great outdoors plays a prominent role in Millbrook’s quality of life. There are various recreational opportunities within the municipalparks system including city-owned golf course, a unique YMCA, known as the Grandview Y, and the Alabama Nature Center, a crown jewel in Millbrook. Coming soon to Millbrook is the Fields at 17 Springs sports complex that will not only transform the Highway 14 corridor, but position the city as a regional draw and travel destination for youth sports. Other outdoor activities such as fishing and boating can be enjoyed at nearby lakes and waterways, including the Alabama River and scenic Lakes Martin and Jordan.

One of the most significant assets to the Millbrook area is the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF). The AWF offers a top-notch conservation center, the Alabama Nature Center, with miles of diverse nature trails, a pavilion, and educational programs for schools and the public.

Exceptional residential developments, outstanding outdoor and recreational venues, excellent public schools and leadership, quality health care providers and facilities, and positive local government add to the quality of life in the Millbrook area. Mayor Kelley shared, “ Our city administration is working hard to define our destiny by helping to create economic opportunities that make us vibrant and safe. We’re working to bring good shopping, dining, and employment options to the city, and hope to see a number of projects come to fruition in the near future. Check out Millbrook— it just feels like home.” 

 Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians along the Coosa River, Wetumpka is appropriately known as the “City of Natural Beauty.” Thanks to the six-mile stretch of whitewater rapids, well-developed hiking and biking trails, and beautiful lakes, it is a haven for outdoor recreation lovers.

The city s also home to loads of gorgeous architecture that can be seen in its historic courthouse (built 1931), the distinctive Bibb Graves Bridge, and several pre-Civil War antebellum churches. Wetumpka’s bustling downtown district is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis shared, “Downtown Wetumpka has a nice stock of buildings. The downtown business mix includes retail, dining, offices, and services that cater to the local and county market, visitors, downtown-area employees, and businesses revolving around the Elmore County Courthouse.”

Recently, Wetumpka was chosen out of the 2,600 cities to be on the HGTV “Home Town Takeover” series which premiered on
May 2, 2021. The series consisted of six episodes that followed Ben and Erin Napier as they revitalized the town in four months.
They took over the old downtown and brought new life to the historic homes, restaurants, stores, public spaces, and more.

The city’s archaeological significance is staggering— it is the site of the most cataclysmic geological event in the area’s history. Some 83.4 million years ago, a meteor slammed into the shallow sea that once covered this entire region. Today, its remains are showcased in the four-mile wide crater the meteor’s impact left behind, with the city’s downtown cradled in its basin.

Wetumpka (an Indian term meaning “rumbling waters”) is abundant in lore and legend and rich with history. DeSoto’s expeditions traversed the area nearly 500 years ago and found a palisade village built around A.D. 1000. In 1717, the French established Fort Toulouse as a military outpost and trading center, which was the beginning of an important trade hub for the entire area and continues to the present.

On January 19, 2019, an EF-2 tornado significantly damaged areas of downtown Wetumpka. After the storm, citizens of Wetumpka and surrounding areas banded together in an effort to repair the damage and get the city back on its feet— they labelled their project “Wetumpka Strong.” Nearly 800 volunteers showed up the day after the tornado, ready to help in any way possible.

Operated by the Poarch Creek Band of Indians, Wind Creek Casino and Hotel draws in business from tourists and locals alike. In addition to over 2,500 gaming machines spread over 85,00 square feet, the property is home to several restaurants, as well as a 20-story hotel. Wind Creek Casino is currently the largest casino in Alabama and serves as one of the top employers in Elmore County

When it comes to understanding what makes Wetumpka so special, Mayor Willis explained, “Simply put, people love living in Wetumpka for the small town charm it offers and leisurely lifestyle. The abundance of walking trails and recreational biking and hiking trails is ideal for the outdoor enthusiast. Wetumpka’s rich history and preserved sites such as the Elmore County Historical Museum and the Black History Museum attract locals and foreigners. It’s easy to fall in love with Wetumpka because of its diverse events that feature fun for the entire family.”

For those willing to brave the 50-mile commute to Montgomery, Auburn has become an appealing suburb option. The city has maintained a steady growth rate for the past few decades, with a current population of nearly 66,000 residents.

With over 2,000 international students attending Auburn University, and many other foreign nationals living and working in the community, there is a cultured feel to the city. Adjacent to the university, Auburn’s downtown area includes trendy shopping, eclectic coffee shops, quaint restaurants, and exciting nightlife. The draw of a large university brings in large sporting events and other entertainment opportunities throughout the year, with a variety of concerts, plays, and public speakers.

In 2018, the city was listed by Niche among the “Top 10 Best Places to Live in Alabama”, in part because of its schools, parks, and biking trails. Chewacla State Park is one of Auburn’s most prized gems- it’s home to over 30 miles of mountain biking trails, as well as convenient camping facilities and beautiful waterfalls. With more than 44 miles of bike paths, Auburn is one of 150 U.S. cities to be named a Bicycle-Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.

Auburn City Schools is the 6th fastest growing school district in Alabama, and is among the top public school systems in the state. It operates as a K-12 system with more than 8,500 students. With 93% of high school graduates going on to pursue a college education, Auburn City Schools aim to emphasize college and career readiness.

Arts flourish in the “Loveliest Village on the Plains” – Auburn is home to the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, which houses a collection of around 2,000 works of 19th and 20th-century American and European art. The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University opened in August 2019 and provides space for at least 1,200 guests to enjoy musical performances, theatre productions, and more.