The Bassmaster Classic pro bass fishing competition was held on Lake Guntersville in 2014 and in several other years. The winner of this tournament can claim him or herself as the world champion of bass fishing. ESPN covers this event, a major spectacle for bass anglers.
Located along the shore of Lake Guntersville and close to the trails and trees of Guntersville State Park, the small town of Guntersville, AL has a population of just over 8,100 residents and is just over an hour from downtown Birmingham.
Moving to Town
Depending on which neighborhood you choose -- the Route 431 area is one good example -- there are often vacancies available, whether you're looking for studio apartments for rent or a duplex for rent. You should be able to find a rental property in Guntersville, AL in under a month, but take your time and read the local paper, "The Advertiser-Gleam," check online listings and, of course, search through the community yourself to find the right place for you to call home.
When to Look
Vacancies are available year-round in this community close to the lake, but summer months may be a little more challenging as vacationers do come to town for short-term rentals close to the state park.
What to Bring
By all means, bring your fishing gear and get ready for the joys of living near a large and lovely lake. But also bring what landlords require even in this small town -- access to a credit report or a copy of yours, your identification, employer information and past rental information. With these items in hand, you should be able to sign the lease and enjoy that blue water quickly.
Neighborhoods in Guntersville
This is a town that's all about the water -- 69,000 acres of it, which much of the community can view every day. Check out these three main neighborhoods to see where you should anchor your next home.
Route 431 / Drive In Road: This is a suburban neighborhood by density, and you can find many a home for rent in this location, or a one-bedroom apartment if that's what you'd prefer. A mix of owners and renters live in single-family homes and apartment complexes here. Most homes are somewhat older, built between 1940 and 1999. Vacancies are often available here, and commuters average about a fifteen minute drive to work.
Guntersville City Center: Many shops and cafes and the Guntersville Museum are located in this suburban downtown, where single family homes, mobile homes, and duplexes house a mix of owners and renters. The Rock House is a favorite among the cafes located in this part of town.
Lakeview / Crossroads: Small streams dot this suburban neighborhood primarily comprised of single-family residences including mobile homes. As is true elsewhere in town, you're close to that lake -- prepare to dive on in. You'll find many vacancies in this area, too. Speaking of cafes, check out Top of the River for great catfish. Wintzell's Oyster House is also a popular hangout here.
Life in Guntersville
North Alabama has a sparkling blue lake, and that's Lake Guntersville. The town, perched around it, has plenty of outdoor activities that make this a beautiful place to live. Like to fish? Get in the water! Swim? Boat? Hike with a water view? Bass fishermen flock here, but so do families, outdoor lovers, and arts lovers too. That's right, here in the mountains you'll find The Whole Backstage, a regional theater and a renowned company that involves the community in its thespian antics. So bring your inner actor and explore the modern theater located inside a registered historic structure.
Founded by John Gunter, great grandfather of American humorist Will Rogers, the town celebrates Will Rogers and its heritage -- it began around a salt mine -- with a large festival every July.
The lake that residents love and visitors hate to leave is maintained by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Weather is mild here, you won't need to shovel snow in the winter time, but all four seasons are found, with warm often humid summers and pretty fall foliage.
