If you had been renting an apartment in Wetumpka, Alabama, 80 million years ago, you would surely have been quite startled when a 1,000-foot wide meteorite crashed to earth just east of the downtown area. The 4.7-mile-wide impact rim is still visible, and in 2002, Auburn University researchers confirmed the site as an internationally recognized impact crater.
Today, Wetumpka, an Indian word meaning "rumbling waters," is a fast-growing city in central Alabama, about 10 miles north of the state capital of Montgomery
If you had been renting an apartment in Wetumpka, Alabama, 80 million years ago, you would surely have been quite startled when a 1,000-foot wide meteorite crashed to earth just east of the downtown area. The 4.7-mile-wide impact rim is still visible, and in 2002, Auburn University researchers confirmed the site as an internationally recognized impact crater.
Today, Wetumpka, an Indian word meaning "rumbling waters," is a fast-growing city in central Alabama, about 10 miles north of the state capital of Montgomery. Wetumpka covers just over eight square miles and is home to 6,500 residents (according to the 2010 census). Located at the spot where the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains meet the Gulf Coastal plain, Wetumpka is known as "The City of Natural Beauty." Settled in the 1700s, its location on the banks of the Coosa River helped it to prosper as a trading center. Today, the River is used year round for recreation, sporting events, and festivals.
Moving to Wetumpka
As the economic center of Elmore County, Wetumpka is one of the fastest growing areas in the state and its proximity to Montgomery makes it an affordable alternative to living in the state capital. Despite its growth, Wetumpka has managed to retain a sense of small-town southern living. There are many different types of rental apartments available in Wetumpka -- studio apartments, one- to three-bedroom apartments and both unfurnished and furnished apartments.
Before you start looking for apartments for rent in Wetumpka, there are a few things you should have in order. First, you will need to have enough cash to pay your first month's rent as well as a security deposit. You will most likely have to agree to a credit check and you should have the names and contact information for your employer, personal references, and current landlord. You might not be asked for all of this information, but it is best to be prepared.
Wetumpka Neighborhoods
The Coosa River runs through the heart of the City. East and West Wetumpka are connected by the Bibb Graves Bridge, the City's best known landmark.
East Wetumpka: The east side includes the downtown area, the heart of Wetumpka. It is home to quaint shops, historic homes, and restaurants. Try Casa Napoli for Italian food, Our Place Caf̩ for fresh seafood and the Hog Rock B-B-Q for a good old southern meal. The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce offers a downtown walking tour of that will take you past several historic landmarks including a block of buildings constructed in the 1850s. The Wetumpka Depot Playhouse is located on the east side, too. It is a regional community theater presently beginning its 34th season. The Playhouse holds open auditions for each of its productions so dust off your sheet music/tap shoes/Shakespeare and head on over.
West Wetumpka: West Wetumpka, a largely residential area, is also home to many historic buildings from the 1800s.
Blue Ridge, Old Bingham, and New Bingham: These three are residential neighborhoods located in the southern part of the city. They have mainly one-family homes and few apartments for rent.
Living in Wetumpka
Transportation in Wetumpka is mainly by automobile. It is easily accessible by three major traffic arteries: I-65, I-85 and U.S. Highway 231, which passes directly through the city. Wetumpka also has a small municipal airport.
Outdoor recreational activities abound In Wetumpka. As you would expect, its location on the Coosa River makes it perfect for watersports such as canoeing and whitewater rafting. Wetumpka's mild climate means that fishing is good year round. Many of the City's annual festivals take place on or near the river including the Coosa River Whitewater Festival, The Coosa River Challenge, and Christmas on the Coosa, a day long family festival that ends with a boat parade, a Santa ski-in, and fireworks.
Wetumpka has many bike and hiking trails, and several parks that are located along the river in both East and West Wetumpka. Gold Star Park has picnic tables and outdoor cooking facilities. The Wetumpka Riverwalk spans both sides of the River and provides a great place to run or just walk and admire the beautiful scenery.
Other attractions include the Jasmine Hill Gardens, the Poarch Creek Casino, and, of course the Wetumpka crater!
