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Eufaula, Alabama
Antebellum Architecture, a Mellow Lifestyle, a Reasonable Cost of Living and a Lake Culture are Reasons Why a Eufaula, Alabama Retirement Beckons
Nestled in the southeastern corner of Alabama, along the Chattahoochee River and overlooking a 45,000-acre reservoir, historic Eufaula (population 13,000) is an undiscovered gem. In 1816, this quiet hamlet was settled on rich, fertile land that once belonged to the Creek Indians, and it became a prosperous trading center before the Civil War. When the War came, Eufaula was spared, and today its bounty of ornate antebellum homes lend an aura of elegance. Combined with a soothing lake culture and an easy pace, it is easy to see why many people choose Eufaula for retirement. Thirty-seven percent of locals are age 45 or better.
Walter F. George Reservoir, south and east of town and navigable to the Intracoastal Waterway, is known as Lake Eufaula by residents and as the "Big Bass Capital of the World" by others. With 640 miles of shoreline, the lake is the recreation center in the area and draws water skiers, boaters, picnickers, sailors, and of course, fishermen and women. It is also true that alligators enjoy the lake.
Nearby Lake Point State Park provides even more recreation venues, including tennis courts, picnic areas, rental cabins and hiking trails. Birders and hikers also enjoy the 11,000-acre Eufaula Wildlife Refuge, home to several endangered bird species and located on both sides of the Chattahoochee River. For golfers, Eufaula has three courses, one private (Eufaula Country Club) and two public.
In 1834, Eufaula's four main downtown streets were named Livingston, Orange, Randolph and Eufaula, creating the acronym LORE, and today the Seth Lore and Irwin Historic District has more than 700 structures on the National Register of Historic Places. Included are the 1884 Shorter Mansion, an outstanding example of Neoclassical Revival architecture, and the 1854 Creek Revival Couric-Smith house (which once belonged to TV personality Katie Couric's great-grandfather).
A favorite historic building is the Old City Jail, which was originally divided into two cells - one for men and one for, yes, "women and lunatics." Each year the Eufaula Heritage Association sponsors the town's biggest event, the Eufaula Pilgrimage and Antique Show, and a tour of the town's oldest and most impressive homes.
The Medical Center Barbour (MCB) is licensed for 74 beds and is Eufaula's primary medical facility. It has a 24-hour emergency department, surgical services, acute care services, an ICU and a cardiopulmonary department. MCB also manages two independent living facilities.
The Eufaula Senior Center is operated by the Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging (SARCOA) and services include scheduled transportation, recreation activities, health workshops, potlucks, holiday events and home delivered meals. The Eufaula Community Center is a popular gathering spot for many retirees as well. It sports racquetball courts, a swimming pool, an exercise room, walking and running tracks and meeting rooms.
The 117 year old Eufaula Carnegie Library, with its gabled portico and stained glass windows, offers public Internet access and is a relaxing place to spend an afternoon.
Eufaula is off the beaten path and has the ambiance that only an authentic, small Southern town can have. Moss draped trees line quiet streets. Stately neighborhoods with elegant pre-Civil War mansions evoke an earlier era. Springtime dogwoods, magnolias and azaleas paint open spaces and parks in pink and white. Homemade sweet tea is sipped on front porches. Time flattens during languid summer days. Residents help out a neighbor when needed, and old fashioned values are cherished and preserved.
The climate is sub-tropical with hot summers (temperatures in the 90s), mild winters (temperatures in the 40s, 50s and 60s) and plenty of rain (nearly 70 inches per year). The average relative humidity is 72%. The chance of a tornado is significantly above the national average as well.
Shopping is a bit limited, and dining options consist primarily of family-style restaurants, fast food joints and cafes. At least 67 churches are here (most are Baptist). There is no public transportation. Wallace Community College offers vocational subjects.
There are a few drawbacks to retirement in Eufaula. Cultural amenities are not the town's strongest suit. Getting here takes a little time and patience (the closest interstate highway is 50 miles away and the closest sizeable city, Dothan, is 45 miles away). Summer weather is sticky (some might say oppressive). The population is declining rather than growing, and the poverty rate is above the national average.
For those seeking a quiet, Southern retirement, however, Eufaula entices. In many ways, time here seems to have stood still, and life carries on at a leisurely pace. And to many people, this is exactly what retirement is supposed to be.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Maybe | Is Alabama Tax-Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Eufaula has an easygoing vibe, lake recreation and reasonable costs, but the declining population and above average povery rate should be considered if considering retirement here.
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