Moving to Owens Cross Roads, Alabama

Owens Cross Roads may be one of the smaller towns in the Huntsville region, but it may not stay that way for long.

As more businesses are rushing to Rocket City, more families are settling down in the city limits of Owens Cross Roads, its quieter, quirkier neighbor. The area continues to receive new acclaim, attracting exciting new construction and growth that are unlikely to slow down anytime soon.

If you’re thinking about moving to this charming town, here’s what you need to know about its people, places, amenities and more.

History

Owens Cross Roads’ history stretches back to the early 1800s when settlers began drifting into the area. The town received its name from Thomas Owens, a Virginia man who became the first to build his home near a prominent intersection.

Officially incorporated in 1967, Owens Cross Roads has since become a popular spot for commuters working out of the nearby cities of Huntsville and Guntersville.

Community

Owens Cross Roads is particularly popular among families and retirees because of its friendly rural-suburban environment. Data from the U.S. Census shows that Owens Cross Roads has a little over 2,000 people, providing a tight-knit community with all of the charms of a small Southern town.

This community may be small, but it has several volunteer groups working to make the area a better place. The city website boasts a homemakers group dedicated to improving the community and a highly-praised volunteer fire department, among other groups serving the area.

Commute

Located at the heart of Madison County, Owens Cross Roads is one of Money Magazine’s 2021 Best Places to Live. And if you’re craving the rush of a big city, the town is only a short drive away from some of Alabama’s most popular metros. Sitting only about 15 miles southeast of Huntsville, Owens Cross Roads is a bustling hub for space, high-tech and defense sectors with growing employment opportunities.

As a result of the town’s convenient location, residents enjoy lower unemployment rates and higher median household incomes than the national average. Residents have easy access to Huntsville’s 25 biotechnology firms, two Boeing facilities, a new Mazda-Toyota manufacturing plant and more.

Housing

The low median rents and housing costs make Owens Cross Roads an affordable alternative to living in downtown Huntsville. Owens Cross Roads has a low crime rate and beautiful houses, making it perfect for families looking for a peaceful place to raise their children.

Education

Locals praise the public schools in Owens Cross Roads for their attentive teachers, caring staff and extensive extracurricular activities. Owens Cross Roads Elementary School and New Hope Elementary, Middle and High Schools consistently test above the national average, so your children will be in good hands.

In the summer, kids keep busy with fun, educational camps like “Power Scholar’s Academy” and “Camp Invention.” The New Hope Community Learning Center additionally offers archery, robotics, tutoring, cooking, theater and other clubs year-round.

Outdoors

Owens Cross Roads is known as one of the prettiest spots in the Huntsville region because of its prime access to parks, walkways and sanctuaries. The area is in the beautiful Tennessee Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and wildlife.

Hitting the trails is easy for Owens Cross Roads residents. The Hays Nature Preserve offers 10 miles of trails and greenways along the Flint River. It’s an important part of the North Alabama birding trail, and it also has spots for fishing and riding horseback.

Recreation

Owens Cross Roads has plentiful opportunities to hike, bike, camp, swim, skate or walk your dog. If you’re interested in getting out on the green, the area is even home to a 54-hole championship golf course.

The town also hosts regular, annual events for the community to gather and celebrate. During the pandemic, the town started putting on a drive-thru Halloween extravaganza for trick or treating and a socially-distanced Christmas parade. Owens Cross Roads also held its first city celebration last year to honor its growth, complete with a bounce house and a variety of food trucks.

Shopping

You can get your shopping fix only 15 minutes away in The Valley Bend at Jones Farm. The shopping center has a wide range of delicious dining options, from fried chicken and burgers to tapas and steakhouses. Visitors can also access a large bookstore, Marshall’s and other clothing and supply stores without leaving the shopping center.

Owens Cross Roads is one of many relocation hotspots in the Huntsville area. Ready to join the area’s growing community? Experience a smoother, easier moving process with Armstrong – Huntsville. Learn more by calling 256.792.6284 or requesting a free quote online.