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GUIDE TO THE SHOALS
We couldn't be more proud to be a custom home builder in the Shoals area. Nestled along the Tennessee River, Florence and the surrounding cities have been described as the "ideal quintessential Southern town." With deep roots in Native American History, music and culture, the Shoals becomes part of all those who visit. Some even claim that our "Singing River" gives this area a soul of its own. Named one of Southern Living's "South's Best Small Towns" and best places to retire, we want everyone to fall as in love with the quad cities as we are! It excites us to welcome clients moving to the Shoals area and help you establish a home and life as part of our community. We can't wait to be neighbors!
If you are relocating to the Shoals area, we'd love to help get you started! This area has so much to offer while still maintaining the "small town" feel. Many of the team members on High Cotton grew up in this area and either chose to never leave or chose to move back because no where else feels quite like home. The Shoals offers year round fun with First Fridays, Helen Keller Festival, Arts Alive, River Arts Festival, Smoke on the Water BBQ Festival, Shoals Spirit of Freedom Celebration, Shoals Fest, Wine Fest, A Dickens Christmas Y'All, Renaissance Faire and W.C. Handy Week, just to name a few! We offer all ranges of shopping options and downtown Florence is even home to the flagship store of designer Billy Reid. As you explore the option of moving to Florence, we encourage you to visit in person; it's hard to explain in words the spirit of community in the Shoals.
A huge perk of living and building in this area of northwest Alabama is that you can find your perfect home place. We offer downtown living, suburban life, acreage, lake homes, wooded areas, and a plethora of neighborhood options. If you would like to explore finding a location to build, please contact us!
To begin, you should understand "the Shoals" is actually four cities spanning across two counties (Lauderdale and Colbert) and is separated by the Tennessee River. Sometimes you'll hear it referred to as the "Quad Cities" Alabama; the four cities are Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. Florence is the largest of the cities with a population of 40,000, followed by Muscle Shoals with 14,000, and Sheffield and Tuscumbia each around 9,000. Each city offers a variety of home locations, schools, libraries, churches and their own unique flare. Here's a map view below of how all the cities intertwine and a few details about each.
FLORENCE​
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Florence is the only city of the four on the north side of the river in Lauderdale County. Florence is home to the University of North Alabama, North Alabama Regional Medical Center, McFarland Park, and historic downtown. Florence offers a variety of shopping with Regency Square Mall and other anchor stores such as Old Navy, Target, Sams Club, Publix, Home Depot and Lowes. Florence has several living options; you can get the downtown urban living feel, suburban life or a lake house in Florence. It also offers a public school system (6a), as well as several private schools including Riverhill, Mars Hill and Shoals Christian.
Muscle Shoals is the largest city on the south side of the Tennesee River in Colbert County. Muscle Shoals offers a regional airport, a great public school system (6a), Covenant Christian private school, and many suburban neighborhood options. Muscle Shoals is home to Fame Recording Studio, Cypress Lakes Golf Course & Tennis Courts and Northwest Shoals Community College. Shopping options include Publix, Walmart and multiple locally owned shops. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the TVA Reservation walking trails and Old Railroad Bridge.
Sheffield is centrally located between Muscle Shoals, Florence and Tuscumbia, offering access to everything in the area. It is home to the world famous Muscle Shoals Sound and The Swampers session musicians. Sheffield lies along Pickwick Lake; Riverfront Park has great fun for the entire family. It includes areas for fishing, boat docking, picnicking, and trail walking, complete with a Kawanas Boundless Playground for the kids. Historic downtown Sheffield is revitalizing with restaurants and locally owned shops. Sheffield has a 2a public school system.
Tuscumbia is the county seat of Colbert County, rich with history dating back to the 1820s. It was the birthplace of Helen Keller and Ivy Green can still be toured. Tuscumbia is home to Spring Park, Spring Creek Golf Course, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Tuscumbia Train Depot and Tennesee Valley Art Center. It also the location for the other area hospital, Helen Keller Hospital. Historic downtown offers a range of shopping and dining experiences. Tuscumbia has a 4a public school system.
Read our fun blog, 8 Reasons to Build a Custom Home in the Shoals.
The Shoals has been featured on Southern Living, HGTV and numerous travel blogs. Read below to find out what all the fuss is about!
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