"Looking for someone to save you / Looking for someone to rave about you / Go back to Greenville just go on back to Greenville," -- Lucinda Williams, "Greenville"
Greenville is not just famous for being mentioned frequently in Williams's country song. It is also the county seat of Butler County and stands close to Fort Dale, a central fortification during the United States's involvement in the Creek War. These days, Greenville has a population of over 8,000 inhabitants -- as of the 2010 census -- and is one of the most urban neighborhoods for a good few miles in any direction. It covers an area of just about 22 square miles, the vast majority of which is land -- handy if you plan to move there. There are plenty of opportunities for folks seeking rental housing, and it is a good place to begin an apartment search if you're looking for a residence anywhere in the southern half of Alabama.
One of the great things about Greenville, and cities in Alabama generally, is that the cost of living tends to be lower than elsewhere in the country
"Looking for someone to save you / Looking for someone to rave about you / Go back to Greenville just go on back to Greenville," -- Lucinda Williams, "Greenville"
Greenville is not just famous for being mentioned frequently in Williams's country song. It is also the county seat of Butler County and stands close to Fort Dale, a central fortification during the United States's involvement in the Creek War. These days, Greenville has a population of over 8,000 inhabitants -- as of the 2010 census -- and is one of the most urban neighborhoods for a good few miles in any direction. It covers an area of just about 22 square miles, the vast majority of which is land -- handy if you plan to move there. There are plenty of opportunities for folks seeking rental housing, and it is a good place to begin an apartment search if you're looking for a residence anywhere in the southern half of Alabama.
One of the great things about Greenville, and cities in Alabama generally, is that the cost of living tends to be lower than elsewhere in the country. You should notice the difference following your first grocery shopping trip. The city has some varied accommodations, so you ought to be able to find the right thing for your needs at a budget that suits your income. There are condos for rent, as well as apartments, within the city limits. If you're seeking luxury apartments in Greenville, then it is a good idea to center your search around Glendale Avenue, since most of them are in this area. You can find it easily enough from the Greenville Bypass, which runs alongside the city's airport.
Southern Alabama really does have four distinct seasons, despite it not always feeling like that. Most renters are looking to move in springtime, when temperatures are not getting past the mid-60s. So, if you want to get ahead of the game, start your apartment search in February or even late January. If you leave things until May, then pollen may become an issue for you if you suffer from allergies. If you do move in summer, then use sunscreen and take your time. Keep hydrated and do as much as you can before the sun gets high. If you move in winter, then you'll probably be fine. However, cold snaps do unexpectedly occur, so you really have to be prepared for all types of weather.
Nearly all of the city's demarcation lies between Interstate 65 and US Route 31, so it does not have clearly defined neighborhoods as such. However, Greenville is roughly split in half by Fort Dale Road, which runs north-westwards to the attractive Sherling Lake Park, where you can pitch a tent, enjoy nature trails or park an RV.
East Of Fort Dale Road: Most of the accommodations here are houses with neatly trimmed lawns out front. The houses tend to be set back from the road and from one another. A good place to start an apartment search is around Beeland Park, off East Commerce Street.
West Of Fort Dale Road: The railroad cuts through this side of town, wending its way to Montgomery. There are some shops and commercial outlets centered on West Commercial Street, beyond the railroad bridge. There's also a Walmart Supercenter on Willow Lane, just on the other side of the Interstate.
Greenville might look surprisingly familiar for newcomers looking for a place to live. This is because it was used as a location for the 2002 movie, Sweet Home Alabama. The downtown area has many historic buildings, and although you can find rental housing here, most of it is located in the suburbs. In terms of culture, the city boasts the Ritz Theater, a place for both community events, as well as performances of plays and concerts. If you prefer sports, then check out the golf course on the road that heads to Sherling Lake Park. During fall, Greenville plays host to an Old Time Farm Day, which features tractor races. You know you're in Alabama when you've seen one of those.
