gotta-get-to-gadsden

From Big City Buzz to Small Town Ease

Wed, 21 May 2025 18:19:15 GMT

When Jessica Powers moved to Gadsden, Alabama, she expected quiet weekends and the occasional drive out of town to find something fun to do. Coming from Atlanta, she thought she’d miss the buzz of the big city. But it didn’t take long for Gadsden to prove her wrong.

“My husband and I work from home, and we moved here in November of 2022,” Jessica says. She was looking for a more affordable place to live, better quality of life, and to build in-state tuition for her daughter—who later got accepted to the University of Alabama.

What they found was more than just affordability. They found community, charm, and plenty of things to do.

“One of the first things that surprised us was how active the social scene is here,” she says. “Within the first few weeks, we were invited to a Derby party and the Blue Ball on the mountain. Since then, the events just haven’t stopped!”

For Jessica, Gadsden has struck the perfect balance—big enough to have what you need, small enough to feel personal. “We love our neighborhood on Turrentine. It has a historic feel, and everyone is always out walking. I can walk to Johnson’s or downtown, and that walkability is really important to me.”

Jessica and her family didn’t just choose Gadsden for what it offered—they chose it for what it didn’t. “We were done with traffic and tired of worrying about crime. Gadsden is just easier. Life feels more manageable here.”

It’s also well-located. “People don’t realize how perfectly placed Gadsden is. You’ve got Mentone and Noccalula Falls right nearby, and you can take a weekend trip to Orange Beach without thinking twice. Plus, we’re only a short drive from Birmingham and Chattanooga.”

It’s clear that life in Gadsden has exceeded her expectations. So if you’re dreaming of a slower pace without giving up everything you love, maybe it’s time to give Gadsden a look. As Jessica puts it, “You just have to see it for yourself.”

Find Your Community in Gadsden

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:56:09 GMT

Thinking about moving to Gadsden? One of the best ways to feel at home is by jumping into our community events. It’s where you can meet your future friends and really start feeling like you belong. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to when you become a resident:

First Fridays in Downtown Gadsden

Beginning in April, on the first Friday of each month, Broad Street comes alive with classic cars, tasty food stands, and live music. It’s a night when the shops and eateries stay open late, so you can explore downtown and soak up the friendly vibe.

Fishing Tournaments

Got a love for fishing? Join us at the Alabama Bass Federation, Fishers of Men Classic Series, and Neely Henry Bass Club Tournament. It’s a great way to have fun, meet other fishing fans, and maybe even snag some bragging rights along the way.

Vendor Markets

Imagine spending your Saturdays browsing through local crafts, tasting homemade goodies, and picking up some unique finds. Our weekend markets are perfect for a family outing or a solo adventure, and they're a nice way to support local small businesses too.

Taste of the Town Food Truck Festival

Who doesn’t love good food? Swing by City Hall and treat yourself to a lineup of Gadsden’s favorite food trucks. It’s a relaxed day out where you can savor different flavors and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Lookout Mountain Annual Open Hive Field Day

Curious about bees? This event is a must-do. You’ll learn all about beekeeping, from lighting your smoker to finding the queen bee in your own hive. It’s not just educational. It’s hands-on fun for anyone interested in nature.

Concerts at Tillison Bend Campground

Every weekend from March through November, grab your family or friends and head down to Tillison Bend Campground for live music. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a busy week and enjoy some tunes.

Plus, there’s always more on the calendar—from home winemaking classes to trivia nights and walking tours. Gadsden’s full of opportunities to get involved and have some fun. So why wait to live the life you want? Check out our events calendar and start planning your weekends—we can’t wait to welcome you to everything Gadsden has to offer.

Gadsden: A Great Place for Families to Call Home

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:51:57 GMT

Thinking about the best place for your family to put down roots? Gadsden, Alabama, could be just the spot you're looking for. It's a community where families can grow, play, and enjoy life together. So what makes Gadsden a standout choice for families?

Things To Do

Here in Gadsden, there’s no shortage of activities to keep the whole family busy and happy. The Attalla Sports Complex has everything from baseball fields to a gym—perfect for the sports-loving kids and adults alike. For those who prefer nature, the Black Creek Trails offer a range of paths for hiking, biking, and just taking in the fresh air.

The Coosa Boardwalk is ideal for a laid-back day of fishing, picnicking, or cooling off at the splash pad. If climbing is your family’s thing, GadRock provides indoor climbing for all ages and skill levels. Younger kids will have a blast at Imagination Place, where they can explore everything from a mini medical clinic to a pirate ship—all scaled down to kid-size.

For a bit of friendly competition, head over to Noccalula Falls Mini Golf Course. And for indoor fun, The Factory has got you covered with everything from trampolines to laser tag.

Places to Learn

Gadsden isn’t just fun and games! We’ve got plenty of learning opportunities, too. The Coosa Valley Model Railroad Association has an impressive model train setup that’s sure to awe any train enthusiast. The Etowah County Historical Society is packed with local history, perfect for a family day out to learn about our roots.

The Gadsden Museum of Art offers various programs and exhibits that are great for sparking kids’ creativity and curiosity. For a deep dive into local African-American history, the Central-Carver Legacy Museum provides a rich educational experience.

Places to Eat

When you’re tired of doing dishes and it’s time to eat out, Gadsden has restaurants to suit every taste. Bama Bucks is more than just a restaurant—it’s a place to see exotic animals and try some unique dishes. Barone’s Pizza and Arcade is a hit with families, combining good food with fun games. For classic country cooking, Beans and Greens offers an all-you-can-eat buffet that’s sure to fill you up. And that’s just the beginning of all the options!

Where to Shop

Shopping in Gadsden is just as diverse as our dining. Dragon Quills is a great spot for comic book and game enthusiasts, with regular events like board game nights and comic book releases. For collectors, Hobbies and Collectibles has everything from sports cards to memorabilia. And for stylish kids’ clothes and toys, Small Things Market offers a selection of quality, American-made products.

Gadsden isn’t just a place to live. It’s a place to live well. It’s a community where you can watch your family thrive, meet friendly faces, and build a life filled with joy and laughter. So why wait? Come see what Gadsden has in store for your family.

Finding Home in Gadsden, Alabama

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 21:28:47 GMT

When Jazmin Lopez talks about choosing Gadsden as the place to raise her family and jumpstart her business, you can hear the excitement in her voice. After bouncing between Huntsville and Gadsden during her early years, Jazmin and her husband decided in 2012 that Gadsden had just the right mix of small-town warmth and big-city activities to make it their forever home.

Jazmin loves that Gadsden is "small enough to be close-knit but big enough to keep us busy." It’s a place where the beauty of Noccalula Falls meets a bustling community filled with all sorts of things to do—delicious restaurants, local shopping, and endless outdoor adventures. Here, Jazmin found the perfect spot to open her insurance company, the Jazmin Lopez Agency, and to start something quite close to her heart—a Hispanic club that’s now celebrating its second year.

The move back to Gadsden was as smooth as could be, especially with family around and a super welcoming local government. "City Hall had answers to all our questions, making us feel right at home from the start," Jazmin says. This kind of local support is a game-changer, especially when you’re setting up a new life and a new business.

Her kids, Abigail and Josue, are thriving too, participating in all the kid-friendly activities Gadsden has to offer. From soccer and basketball at the new sportsplex—which is a blast, by the way—to climbing at Gadrock, there’s no shortage of fun stuff to keep them active and engaged. "It’s great seeing them so involved in our community," Jazmin says.

Family outings? Gadsden’s got that covered. The Coosa River is their go-to spot for some water fun, and the local dog park is a hit with the kids (and the dogs). Climbing the rock wall at Gadrock is a safe bet for some family adventure, and for a bit of indoor fun, they head to the bowling lanes at The Alley for some friendly competition.

What’s really cool about Gadsden, according to Jazmin, is how easy it is to talk with the city’s leaders. "Having direct access to our government helps us feel connected and heard," she says. Whether it’s sorting out a permit or discussing community projects, the folks at City Hall are just a visit away.

For anyone thinking about a new start, Jazmin wholeheartedly recommends Gadsden. "Now’s the perfect time to buy a house or start your business here!" she says. With the city growing and full of potential, she sees a bright future for both her family and her business.

If you're on the hunt for a place that offers a slice of the good life and plenty of opportunities, check out Gadsden. As Jazmin puts it, "There’s way more to discover here than you might think." For families and entrepreneurs alike, Gadsden isn’t just a place to live—it's a place to thrive.