From Big City Buzz to Small Town Ease

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.”