Prattville, AL: Community Service
Quality of life, resources and overwhelming support make this region the right choice for military families.
Prattville and Autauga County take great pride in supporting military families. With Maxwell Air Force Base located just a short distance away, the area has a strong connection to the military and understands the sacrifices made by those who serve. In addition to resources and services, the region offers military families a host of quality-of-life amenities, including affordable housing options, top-notch schools and plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities.
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The Right Address
Stan Norris, who retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2005 before going to work at Maxwell, chose to settle in Prattville for several reasons, not the least of which was the city’s prime location.
“I’ll give you three reasons why we chose Prattville. First is proximity to Maxwell Air Force Base. It’s a much easier commute than from the east side of Montgomery or further out, and there is a back way to avoid interstates,” Norris says. “The second reason is the small-town feel. There are low crime and good people. Third for us is location again. We’re almost equidistant between kids and grandkids in Illinois and North Carolina as well as our extended families in North and South Carolina. It’s also a good central location that’s close to a host of interesting things to do either south toward the beaches or north to Birmingham.”
The community boasts several organizations and services aimed at supporting military families, such as the Veterans Service Office, which helps connect former military with federal and state benefits, and the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, which helps military families find resources, like child care assistance, career guidance and spouse employment opportunities.
“Some of the attributes that made us swing in favor of Prattville were that it’s a very safe community, which is important for any family, and the fantastic public school system,” says Craig Freeland, safety and security manager at US Foods and U.S. Air Force retired. “The other thing that really grabs you when you get to Prattville as a new person is that people are so friendly, and there is so much to do for families.”
Education, Careers & Opportunity
Prattville, AL’s Foundation for Success
Here, education and community work together to help students.
A Class Act
Autauga County Schools plays a major role in helping military families get acclimated to the community. A little more than 7% of the school district’s student body has military ties. School administration and military program partners work together to meet the unique needs of families in service, and their efforts have won them praise from the Military Child Education Coalition.
“Students from military families have a hard time getting settled. By the time they get settled in one place, they’ve got orders to move somewhere else, so they have a difficult time making contacts and friends in their classes,” says Tim Tidmore, former superintendent of Autauga County Schools. “That’s why we make a conscientious effort to make them feel welcome and to help match up military students with different student groups. We also have military family liaisons that work with the base, and they host different activities throughout the school year, such as cookouts. Prattville and Autauga County are a good place for military families because of our livability and all the things we have to offer both in and out of school.”
A Great Outdoors
Some of those livability factors include a robust menu of entertainment and recreational options.
“We’ve all got our favorite local restaurants, stores and activities, whether it’s golf, art or outdoor activities,” says Norris, who has worked at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill since 2014.
Freeland agrees and says the area’s reputation as a golf hub is one of the reasons keeping him and his family in Prattville.
“One of the biggest attractions for me was golf. Within a 30-mile radius of Prattville, you’re in this mecca of golf. With the [RTJ] trail, we’ve got some of the finest golf in the world.”
Craig Freeland, Safety and Security Manager at US Foods and U.S. Air Force Retired
Hearty Housing
Another benefit of living in Prattville is that it has a plethora of housing options. No matter one’s budget, style or preferred amenities, this thriving city is sure to have a home that fits everyone’s unique tastes. Livability chatted with local Realtor Robin Davies, who gave us some insight into all this area has to offer.
Walkable Neighborhoods
“In Prattville, the downtown area has a mixture of sizes of homes in walking distance to our local downtown shops, library, pool, creek and a little night life,” Davies says.
This area, which has an average real estate price of around $98,500 and a rental price of $2,200, is made up of mostly small apartment buildings and small-to-medium-sized houses of up to four bedrooms. Most of the homes were built between 1940 and 1969.
Suited for Growing Families
“There are several established neighborhoods in Prattville as well as newly constructed neighborhoods available to those looking for family-friendly amenities, such as pools, ponds, fitness and green space for stretching out and playing a little ball,” Davies says.
One in particular is the Wadsworth/Washington Hill neighborhood. This charming area is especially attractive to families because it has a low crime rate, numerous single-family homes, which average around $430,000, and is close to top-performing schools. Plus, the neighborhood is known for its friendly residents and its quaint community feel.
More for Your Money
Silver Hills/Old Farm Lane is an attractive area that offers a wide variety of older and newer housing options, including small and large single-family homes as well as apartments.
“Prattville has anything for anyone, from the patio home life for those looking to retire with less hassle or just don’t want all that yard work to take up time, all the way to those looking for lush pastures for a few cattle, horses or whatever you want to raise on four legs or two.”
Robin Davies, Realtor
New and Modern
The Hedgefield community, which is off Cobbs Ford Road, offers a selection of gorgeous new homes starting around the $240,000 price range. In addition to enjoying modern features, residents living in this area have access to a slew of community amenities. For example, the neighborhood is close to Interstate 65, Daniel Pratt Elementary School, the Willis Bradford Branch YMCA and Prattville’s newest shopping and dining areas.
“Prattville just really has a little something for everyone,” Davies says. “There are all different types of homes, layouts and lots, so anyone can find whatever they are looking for.”
Charlie Moss contributed to this article.
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