Originally known as Coosa Bend, the town was established in 1818 by settlers from Carolina and Georgia well before Alabama became a state. It's was renamed Rainbow City after a stretch of Highway 411 known as Rainbow Drive and incorporated in May, 1950. The town's former mayor, Sue Glidewell, was one of Alabama's first female mayors serving 24 years in the post.
Located about an hour northeast of Birmingham and an hour and a half west of Atlanta, Rainbow City is home to 9,600 Gadsden metro residents
Originally known as Coosa Bend, the town was established in 1818 by settlers from Carolina and Georgia well before Alabama became a state. It's was renamed Rainbow City after a stretch of Highway 411 known as Rainbow Drive and incorporated in May, 1950. The town's former mayor, Sue Glidewell, was one of Alabama's first female mayors serving 24 years in the post.
Located about an hour northeast of Birmingham and an hour and a half west of Atlanta, Rainbow City is home to 9,600 Gadsden metro residents. Situated just southwest of Gadsden, the town is the former home of former Kansas City Chief, Brody Croyle, who attended school here before heading to Tuscaloosa to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Moving to Rainbow City
If you're looking to rent an apartment in Rainbow City, you may find it has the unique distinction of having some of the most expensive real estate in the state. Don't panic too much about price, though, they are still well below the national average for home rentals. The real estate landscape is divided into two main sections, City Central and Sub-rural. Even though the sub-rural area is within the actual city limits, it still provides residents with access to wide open acreage and a relaxed lifestyle. The city still has a vast amount of land deemed purely agricultural.
Housing Options
Most homes in the area are single family homes with attached garages. Most of the homes are modern, having been built since 2000. Many of the older homes have been renovated although it's possible to find several with detached garages. Apartment complexes are somewhat limited but those that are available are newly built.
Renting or Buying
The vast majority of residents purchase their homes with the intent of settling into the community for many years to come. If you are looking at renting, there are options available. More houses exist than luxury apartments or furnished, so your best bet will be to work with a reputable realtor who specializes in rental properties. Also, give yourself plenty of time to find the right place. The safest bet would be to begin your search at least two months prior to your expected move date.
Putting Your Name on the Dotted Line
Rental agreements are fairly standard in this town. You will be required to provide the first and last month's rent as well as a security deposit. In some cases your landlord may request a background check especially if your rental property is near a school or church where children frequent. Pets are generally welcome. Many of the properties come with a fenced in backyard.
Rainbow City Neighborhoods
Even though the town is only 25 square miles, the actual downtown section covers only a very small part of that. You will generally experience country life at its finest complete with deer, wild geese, and the occasional wild turkey. Be prepared for a much more relaxed environment than you would find in a larger city.
City Center: This area is teaming with local businesses as well as the bulk of available apartments. Shopping centers, like the Rainbow Plaza Shopping Center feature plenty of selection to meet all your retail needs. The area is growing to include coffee shops, bookstores, and is the home to the local state-of-the-art library. There's great southern dining here, like Dad's Bar BQ. You can also spend time outside in this part of town, as it's home to Rainbow City Park.
Sub-Rural: Numerous subdivisions including Dogwood Acres, Forest Heights, Grand Park, and Westminster can be found in this area; however, most of the subdivisions in this area are not finished. There are plenty of open lots available for investors or those seeking to build their dream home. You are more likely to pass a combine tractor than a fancy imported sports car.
Living in Rainbow City
Rainbow City is relatively small in terms of size covering only 25 square miles, however, the town is one of the densest populated in the state with over 300 people per square mile. There is never a shortage of sporting activities with football in the fall, baseball in the spring, and soccer throughout spring and fall. Of course, all of that exercise pays off when the town indulges in the annual Alabama Chocolate Festival held in the downtown area every spring. The event features include concerts by local talented artists, arts and crafts, games, and a gluttony of sweet treats featured in the bake off competitions. For all of you chocoholics, this event is a must.
