Retirement can be a reward for a lifetime of hard work - a time for checking things off your life's "to do" list, enjoying new experiences, making new friends and spending quality time with the most important person in the world - yourself.
Choosing the right setting for your retirement experience is of utmost importance. Look a little further and see why so many who can choose where they live choose Alexander City and the Lake Martin area.
Life in Alexander City, Alabama. Not only does the area boast breathtaking scenery and friendly people, it affords residents a wide variety of recreational and social opportunities ranging from our four golf courses to our annual jazz festival.
Location, location, location. A good retirement spot should be convenient to many different kinds of locales. Alexander City is three hours drive from the beaches of south Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, and two hours from the mountains of Tennessee. Alexander City is also close to Birmingham, Atlanta, and Montgomery.
Distances (in miles):
| Atlanta |
131 |
| Birmingham |
75 |
| New Orleans |
376 |
| Memphis |
335 |
| Mobile |
234 |
| Montgomery |
50 |
Without a doubt, the crown jewel of Alexander City is beautiful Lake Martin. With 750 miles of wooded shoreline and 44,000 acres of crystal clear water, the lake has made our town an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Whether boating, swimming, fishing, golfing, or camping is your idea of a good time, Alexander City will fit your retirement lifestyle.
RECREATION
GOLF
Willow Point Country Club is considered one of the finest lakeside courses in the country by PGA pros. The Par 72 18-hole private course is located on the edge of beautiful Lake Martin; lessons are available. The first nine holes feature pine trees and woods, with some water hazards and sand traps. The back nine holes showcase Lake Martin on the peninsula portion of the course.
Lakewinds Golf Course is located on County Road 40, east of the River Bridge. The old-fashioned course with circular greens make chipping and putting a challenge. Many of the tough greens are elevated. Lakewinds is a public, par 70, 18-hole course.
Hatchett Creek Golf in Goodwater is a nine-hole par 35 public course. There are two extra greens and extra tees which make the back nine appear different from the front nine. There are a number of hills to make the back nine more difficult.
TENNIS
Central Alabama Community College, located on Cherokee Road, offers an outdoor tennis complex with lighted, recently re-surfaced courts.
PARKS
Wind Creek State Park, located off Highway 128 between Highways 63 and 280, sports one of the largest camp sites in Alabama. Campers, fishermen, and boaters from across the country come to Wind Creek to enjoy water sports on Lake Martin.
Wet boat storage, paved boat ramp access, a marina, a full-service store and bait shop service all boaters. A swimming area and beach with a bathhouse, picnic areas, and hiking trails are available for campers or day-use.
Wind Creek offers 635 campsites on its 1400 acres. For more information contact (256) 329-0845.
Horseshoe Bend Military Park is dedicated to the memory of US soldiers and Creek Nation Indians who died in the battle of Horseshoe Bend on March 27, 1814.
The visitor center and museum depicts the period of battle and explains the equipment used by soldiers and Creek Indians. 2.8 miles of hiking trails cut through the park and meander along the Tallapoosa River. A self-guided tour drives visitors through the battlefield and visitors can often see a variety of wildlife.
The park also offers a picnic area and pavilions with grills, slide presentations and historic re-enactment. A public boat ramp is also available. The park is located between New Site and Dadeville on Highway 49 North.
BOWLING & OTHER AMUSEMENTS
Idle Time Family Center offers bowling, skating and video games for the entire family and is a perfect place to entertain grandchildren.
SHOPPING
Whether you are looking for antiques, home furnishings or just bargain-shopping, Alexander City is perfect for you. Our shops are full of every kind of product imaginable, waiting for your discovery. We have gift stores, furniture shops, mass retailers and everything in between.
LIBRARIES
The Alexander City - Lake Martin area is home to two public libraries. Adelia M. Russell Library is located in historic downtown and named in honor of Mrs. Adelia Russell, a long-time benefactor. Originally organized in 1921, the library has seen many renovations in its building and content, currently holding part of over 35,000 items. From reference materials, to the genealogy room, research is simple. We hold one of the largest collections of audio books and videos in the tri-county area. 2001 saw the addition of the children's library. Mamie's Place, the only stand-alone children's library in the State of Alabama, caters to the youth of our community. Audios and videos supplement the reading and research materials. Computer access, special guests and activities support the Summer Reading Program to round out the complete package. Take time to visit and see what all the fuss is about! Both libraries are open 6 days a week. alexcity@amrlibrary.net 256-329-6796 or 256-234-4644
ATTRACTIONS
DeSoto Caverns in nearby Childersburg, Alabama
Downtown Alexander City - listed on the National Historic Registry
Kowaliga Indian at Kowaliga Point
Lake Martin Amphitheater
Martin Dam between Highways 24 and 50
D.A.R.E. Power Park on Young's Landing
Chimney Rock on Lake Martin
Children's Harbor at Kowaliga Bridge
Camp ASSCA in nearby Jackson's Gap
MEDICAL CARE
Alexander City has a long history of outstanding medical care. The Alexander City Lake Martin area is served by Russell Medical Center, an 80-bed acute care facility. Providing 32 medical specialties and sub-specialties, the hospital has been successful in maintaining its status as the lowest cost provider in Alabama when adjusted for Case Mix index, acuity and average length of stay - while at the same time receiving recognition for some of the most innovative and effective programs in the nation.
Alexander City is home to 64 practicing physicians, so no matter what your need is or may be in the future, look no further than your new home for quality care in a location you are familiar with. The Alexander City area is also served by 5 chiropractors and 9 nursing homes.
The city is committed to total wellness, as evidenced by the Alex City Health Club and the city's Sportsplex. Licensed massage therapists also practice in town to give your body the pampering you deserve.
COMMUNITY OFFERINGS
Alexander City offers many varied community activities of interest to retirees. 25 church denominations are represented in the area including Baptist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Episcopalian, Methodist and Presbyterian.
Volunteer opportunities abound for retirees and citizens of all ages. Ranging from the Chamber of Commerce's Senior Ambassador program to Russell Hospital's Pink Ladies volunteers, finding where you fit into the service community in our area is a breeze.
If a lifetime of learning is your way of life, Alexander City is the place for you. Central Alabama Community College offers credit and non-credit courses for the mature adult, ranging from the short term to semester courses. The Alexander City Parks & Recreation Department also offers courses taught on arts and crafts subjects. Only 30 minutes away, Auburn University also offers all students a variety of educational opportunities.
CLIMATE
Alexander City's climate is mild with moderate temperatures and abundant precipitation. Summers are warm and long, with mild and short winters. The spring and fall seasons offer pleasant temperatures, as well as beautiful scenery. The blooming flowers and budding trees in the spring and the panoramic fall foliage will simply take your breath away. Alexander City averages 45 inches of rainfall per year. The average daily maximum temperature is 79 F; the average daily minimum temperature is 43 F.
