Living in Prattville, AL: What Buying There Looks Like, From Our Latest Closing

Last week we handed over the keys to a house in Prattville. [ONE OR TWO SENTENCES ABOUT THE BUYERS, ONLY WITH THEIR OK. Example: "They'd been renting for three years and wanted a real backyard for their dog."]

That closing reminded us how often people ask the same question: what's it actually like to live in Prattville, Alabama? Here's the honest answer from two people who show homes there every month.

Why they call it the Fountain City

Prattville sits on artesian wells, which is why you'll see fountains around town. Daniel Pratt built a cotton gin factory here in the 1830s, and the old mill buildings along Autauga Creek are still the heart of downtown. It's the county seat of Autauga County.

Everyday life in Prattville

• Most of the shopping and restaurants are on Cobbs Ford Road, right off I-65.
• Capitol Hill is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, if you play.
• Downtown along the creek has local shops and events throughout the year.
• [ADD ONE LOCAL SPOT YOU TWO ACTUALLY LIKE, AND WHY.]

The drive to Montgomery and Maxwell AFB

Most Prattville neighborhoods are 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Montgomery and Maxwell Air Force Base, depending on traffic. Drive it at rush hour before you commit. I-65 into Montgomery can back up in the mornings.

Moving here on military orders? Read our post "Orders to Maxwell-Gunter? Drive Times, Rent vs. Buy, and What to Know First" on our blog. It walks through the drive from each River Region town.

What's for sale in Prattville

You'll find older neighborhoods with big trees, newer subdivisions with HOAs and amenities, and homes with a few acres on the edges of town. [OPTIONAL: ONE LINE ABOUT THE HOUSE YOU JUST CLOSED ON. Example: "Ours last week was a 3-bedroom in a newer subdivision with a big fenced yard."]

What we check on every Prattville house

• The flood zone map, for anything near a creek or low ground
• HOA fees and rules, before you make an offer, not after
• The age of the roof and the HVAC, the two biggest surprise costs
• The zoned schools for that exact address, confirmed with Autauga County Schools

Quick answers about Prattville

How far is Prattville from Maxwell AFB? For most neighborhoods, about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

What county is Prattville in? Mostly Autauga County, where it's the county seat. A small part of the city reaches into Elmore County.

Why is it called the Fountain City? The town sits on artesian wells, and fountains have been part of it for generations.

What kinds of homes are in Prattville? Older homes on established streets, newer subdivisions with HOAs, and homes with acreage on the edges of town.

Looking in Prattville?

We're Courtney and Chris Lowry, RE/MAX Cornerstone Plus. Text (334) 777-8636 with your budget and your must-haves, or fill out the quick form at driven2moveyou.com. We'll send you homes that fit and our honest take on each one.