Downtown Sheffield, Alabama

Across the bridge, on the other side of the shimmering Singing River, sits a small town that was once the bustling center of the Shoals and hosted some of the greatest names in music history at the famous Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Over the years the downtown has remained quiet—but just recently Montgomery Avenue has been busy opening new boutiques, restaurants, and stores. This up and coming downtown has brand new apartments and is surrounded by gorgeous, established neighborhoods covered with ancient oak trees that hang lazily over streets that run into the bluffs and shores of the sparkling Tennessee River. Sheffield, Alabama is a charming, small town that is on the rise and if you don’t hurry, you might miss out on business and prime real estate opportunities.

 

Amongst the recently opened downtown shops are new favorites like the stylish women’s boutique, The Rak, the delicious restaurant, Rhoda P’s, and the upscale event venue, George’s 217. The Rak is a precious store, in a modern, chic building that sells the cutest and most stylish in women’s clothing. You will be warmly welcomed as you enter into a space that sells everything from lace dresses to fashionable jewelry displayed on an antique radio that croons country hits as you browse the store. Rhoda P’s is bustling with energy and is decorated with hardwood, exposed brick, and modern lighting, welcoming every diner to indulge in the best in southern comfort food. All of these locations sit below upscale, modern apartments that boast wrought iron balconies stationed a few minutes down the road from the river. These three places are just the beginning of a downtown that is thriving and striving to be a place that encourages growth, creativity, and a renewed love for the Sheffield area. 

Other businesses occupying Montgomery include Nan’s, a popular sports bar, Homeside, an adorable lunch and breakfast stop, and the brand new Sheffield Hardware, which sells everything from lawn and garden supplies to paint and home materials. Lola’s gifts and flowers, Ami’s Restaurant, and Zoey Belle’s boutique are also a few of the other shops that line the main street of this small town and are examples of stores that will be the founding businesses of the Sheffield renaissance. Surrounding this downtown rejuvenation are old, patient Victorian homes with white, wrap-around porches—the perfect stage for southern memories made with sweet tea and storytelling. Many of these older homes are for sale and have incredible views of a river busy with boats and fisherman. However, the most shocking thing is how this real estate is incredibly affordable. 

Many of these homes for sale sit within walking distance of the Tennessee River and the newly revamped Riverfront Park. This park sits on the river and is updated with brightly painted playground equipment and covered picnic tables. Parents won’t mind sitting down and enjoying the view as their children jump through the splash park and swing on the monkey bars overlooking a gorgeous body of water. It’s rare that you find affordable homes overlooking such a beautiful river, but that is the case in Sheffield, Alabama. It makes sense as to why homes are selling like hot cakes in this small, southern town. We have the best of everything: safe, shaded neighborhoods lined with large homes in the heart of a growing town— and I wanted to warn you before you missed out on something great.