Living in Dothan, AL
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Schools and More

Thinking of moving to Dothan, AL? Explore our complete guide to living in Dothan, covering local cost of living, top-ranked schools, job growth and the best neighborhood amenities.

Known as the “Peanut Capital of the World,” Dothan is among the largest of the cities featured in the ranking of the Best Small Towns in America. This southeastern Alabama city is the main economic, healthcare and commercial hub of the Wiregrass region. With a population of just over 71,000, Dothan offers an affordable lifestyle (the median home value is $193,914!) and big-city conveniences. This sweet Southern city sits in gentle rolling hills and exudes Southern hospitality. Living in Dothan appeals to medical professionals, growing families and retirees alike. People seeking a city with top-tier schools, local culture and reliable amenities without the congestion or higher price tags of larger metros are flocking to Dothan.

Top Reasons to Move to Dothan, AL:

• Top-Tier Education and Training: Education takes center stage in Dothan. Students benefit from advanced academic tracks, strong athletic programs and great facilities through the Dothan City Schools district and a strong network of private prep schools. The city is also a major higher-education hub, home to Troy University’s Dothan Campus, Fortis College and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), which trains the region’s next generation of physicians.
• An Economic Engine: As the regional hub for a three-state area (Alabama, Georgia and Florida), Dothan has a booming economy known for its medical and industrial sectors. With major facilities like Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital, residents have access to advanced specialized care and medical careers right in their own backyard. Plus, all of this industry has created an environment where local businesses thrive.
• Peanut Capital Pride: People are nuts about living in Dothan, and it’s easy to see why. Dothan celebrates its unique moniker as the “Peanut Capital of the World” every fall at the National Peanut Festival, complete with parades, concerts and carnival rides that draw more than 200,000 visitors from all over. The historic downtown district is known for its color and culture thanks to the famous Wiregrass Murals – massive pieces of public art that tell local stories. Local dining is always in season, with favorites like Hunt’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar and Fire Stone Wood Fired Grill.
• Plenty of Parks: With 15 neighborhood parks, 17 playgrounds and more than two dozen miles of trails, outdoor recreation is a part of life in Dothan. Explore the 50-acre Dothan Botanical Gardens, hike the Forever Wild Trails or take the kids to Water World Park during the dog days of summer. Westgate Recreation Center provides additional fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, softball complexes and miles of paved walking trails.
• Connected Regional Transportation: Don’t worry about navigating around town in Dothan. The city makes commuting simple with the Ross Clark Circle bypass, an efficient loop that routes daily traffic around the city. Dothan sits at the junction of Highway 231, Highway 84 and Highway 431, giving residents easy access to Dothan Regional Airport, quick trips into nearby Georgia and a straight two-hour drive to Panama City Beach for weekend getaways.