Discover the Best of All Worlds in This Alabama City
Long for small-town living with big-city amenities? Prattville and Autauga County offer affordability, community and plenty of things to enjoy.
Prattville and Autauga County could be straight out of a Hallmark movie. Residents enjoy the best of small-town living while still having access to big-city amenities.
The region offers a hometown atmosphere where people get to know their neighbors in a community that offers quality schools, an affordable cost of living and countless ways to enjoy the outdoors, making it ideal for young families.
“I love living in Prattville and I’ve raised my family here,” says Kellie Cook, City of Prattville parks and recreation director. “We have slower-paced living and a more tight-knit community, but we’re close to Montgomery if you want to drive to a bigger city, so we have the best of both worlds.”
Thinking about moving to Prattville and Autauga County? Check out these three things that residents love about living here.
Education, Careers & Opportunity
Growth Fuels New Developments in Prattville, AL
Projects help meet the needs of the region, which has become a prime destination.
Growing Economy
Home to the City of Prattville, Autauga County also includes the municipalities of Autaugaville and Billingsley, and the unincorporated area of Pine Level and Marbury, which are flourishing with job opportunities.
In Autaugaville, MRaine Industries LLC, is home to the Eleven86 Real Artesian Water Bottling Plant. They are expanding next year to meet the growing demand of their consumers throughout the Southeast. The Pine Level area is home to Kendrick Farms, Piggly Wiggly and Ellianos Coffee Company.
The corporate headquarters of Central Alabama Electric Cooperative is also in Pine Level. Their broadband subsidiary, Central Access, is creating an all-fiber network providing lighting fast internet access for businesses and homes throughout the county.
“With our high-quality of life, excellent education opportunities and pro-business approach, it’s no wonder why so many continue to make Autauga County their home.”
Kristi Pieper, Autauga County Economic Development Director
“We are excited about the future of Autauga County! Our business partnerships and workforce are strong as evidenced by existing businesses and industries that continue to grow and thrive,” said Kristi Pieper, Autauga County Economic Development Director.
Maxwell Air Force Base is about 10 miles from Prattville, employing about 13,000 military and civilian workers. Other major employers include International Paper, Prattville Baptist Hospital, James Hardie and Kinedyne – to name a few. The state capital, Montgomery, is just a 20-minute drive from Prattville and is home to a Hyundai plant.
Prattville and Autauga County boast an affordable cost of living as one of their best features. According to Zillow, the typical home value in June 2022 was $241,000. Spending less on housing leaves residents more cash to spend on things they love, such as taking advantage of the area’s ample entertainment options.
“The difference between living here versus living in Montgomery is that you get more house for your money,” Cook says. “Plus, in the Parks and Recreation Department, we provide a quality of life for our citizens, whether that’s sports for our children or senior adult programs. We make sure we have something to appeal to everyone that lives here.”
Plenty of Things to Do in Prattville
You’ll never run short of fun activities. Options include shopping in historic downtown Prattville, Premiere Place Shopping Center, Prattville Town Center and High Point Town Center, and exploring the area’s many unique restaurants, such as Uncle Mick’s Cajun Market & Cafe, Kimberlia’s, Cindy’s Cafe and Soul Revival Cookhouse.
Prattville is also a great place for outdoors enthusiasts. It offers beach access within a couple of hours’ drive. Hikers can enjoy the Talladega Range of the Appalachians, located in Montgomery County, which is virtually in Prattville’s backyard.
Did You Know?
Prattville is known as “Fountain City” because early settlers discovered many artesian wells that produce gallons of free-flowing clear water.
Along with these features, which provide ample opportunities to hike, bike and swim, the region has some of the best golf in the Southeast at the top-rated Capitol Hill courses.
Prattville’s standout local parks are a local favorite for strolling the Autauga Creek Walk, which runs along the banks of Autauga Creek, kayaking or canoeing the 13-mile Autauga Creek Canoe Trail and exploring Wilderness Park and its giant 60-foot bamboo forest.
Making Connections
When it comes to having a community connection, Prattville and Autauga County offer residents a small-town feel, but with amenities found in larger cities. The revitalized downtown, the Daniel Pratt Historic District, spans 15 walkable blocks.
Old Prattville includes a collection of remodeled structures from the 1800s that now house several retail shops and other businesses, and the Creative Arts Center and Gallery offers residents plenty of things to see and do.
“People in Prattville love to be able to get out and do things with their families,” says Barbara Simpson, Prattville cultural arts and special events manager.
Prattville’s Creative and Performing Arts Council has four groups: the Prattauga Art Guild, the Prattville Community Chorus, the Prattville Page Turners Book Club and the Prattville Pops.
“We have art shows, book clubs, concerts, performances, art classes, workshops and many community events that are free or low cost because we want to get everyone involved,” Simpson says.
Get to Know Prattville
Want to learn more about living and working in Prattville and Autauga County? Check out the latest edition of Livability Prattville, Alabama.