Pell City was named after one of the first financial backers, Jonathan H. Pell of the Pell City Iron and Land Company. This goes to show that you can have a town named after you if you do big things!
Founded to produce textiles and to have a hand in various agricultural practices, today the town is home to far more people than it has ever seen before
Pell City was named after one of the first financial backers, Jonathan H. Pell of the Pell City Iron and Land Company. This goes to show that you can have a town named after you if you do big things!
Founded to produce textiles and to have a hand in various agricultural practices, today the town is home to far more people than it has ever seen before. It remains the second county seat of St. Clair County, and the only Alabama county to have two county seats. Pell City has mid-range property values, beautiful natural scenery and many entertainment options, so it's easy to see why so many people love living here. With several higher-level learning institutions around the city, Pell City is largely active during the school year, with its off season taking place around the holidays.
Pell City has just 24 square miles in which to fit all its residents, which means space is limited at the best of times. As a result of a relatively recent influx of individuals, apartments for rent in Pell City go fast. It can be difficult to find one before it's snatched off the market; some rarely stay open for more than a day or two.
Living in the area is affordable. The cost of living is on the lower end of the scale, with a median rent price well below the state average. There is bad news, though: the cost of purchasing a home in the area as opposed to renting has doubled in the past decade. The median cost stands well above that of the state average, making Pell City one of the more expensive places in Alabama to purchase a home (which is still comparatively inexpensive).
How soon should I start looking before I move?
Search for apartments well ahead of your move date. That's always a good idea, and in an area where the property values are rising, it's an even better one. Pell City has quite a few places where someone can look for a place to live, but finding a good, affordable deal is something else altogether. Most apartments in the city do not include anything beyond basic utilities, so finding an all-bills-paid apartment might be difficult. However, if you consult with private landlords, you may be able to reach an agreement that suits both of you.
Starting the search during the off-season is a better choice. During the holidays, fewer people will be trying to find a place to live. Take advantage of this time to get an edge up on the competition; besides, landlords and real estate agents feel more generous during this time of year. It might be beneficial for finding a great deal on a house or apartment.
What do I need to successfully move in?
Make sure you have all the important documents with you: credit history, proof of income, and past rental history. And make sure you have a clear idea of what you're looking for. As mentioned earlier, many apartments go on the market and are rented within a few days. If you find a place that interests you, chances are high that someone else is also looking at it. Make a quick decision and grab the apartment before someone else has the chance.
Pell City isn't divided into too many distinct neighborhoods. The south and east sides of the city are bordered by water, with Logan Martin Lake on the east and Harmon Lake on the south. Property values are higher in this area because of the waterfront. The west side of the city boasts the Saint Clair County Airport, where less-expensive property rentals may be found. There are marked divisions throughout the city where two smaller towns, Eden and Oak Ridge, were merged in 1956. Many homes for rent in the area are older, classic styles that many people love.
Most folks in the area don't rely on public transportation; they prefer to drive or walk anywhere they need to go. For entertainment, most people turn to the nearby lakes for water sports and fishing. You could say that Pell City is a town made up of outdoorsy types, and many residents enjoy basking in the sun.
The several restaurant chains in the area -- such as Zaxby's -- are popular with students at the nearby community college. Residents of Pell City can often be found eating at The Tavern of St. Clair or at any of the other 38 restaurants in the area.
With the balmy climate of the area and clean, fresh air, Pell City provides a welcoming place to call home for everyone.
