Alabama Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Enterprise, Alabama

Population: 21,178

Located in Coffee County

The City of Enterprise, Alabama, is truly unique in that it combines the charm of the old South with the progress and forward-thinking of the new South. This blend of tradition and progress makes Enterprise inviting to visitors, as well as to those looking to call Enterprise home.

Situated in southeast Alabama about 180 miles from Birmingham and Mobile respectively, Enterprise is 27 miles due north of the Florida panhandle. Enterprise is just a short drive from the crystal waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, and just a half day¹s drive from Atlanta, New Orleans, Jacksonville, Mobile and Huntsville.

Enterprise is a community of growth and progress, friendly people, a forward thinking government and a pleasant climate. Enterprise is a city where Old South charm combines with New South vitality to make Enterprise a wonderful place to live, learn, work and make a living. Whether you are a visitor, a new resident, or considering relocation or retiring, you will find this city ready to make you feel at home. Enterprise also happens to be rated by Consumer¹s Digest as one of the top 25 best and most affordable retirement sites in the country.

The charm and vitality of Enterprise, combined with the availability and affordability of new and existing homes, make it a great place to call home. The downtown area is the prime location for many of the historic homes in Enterprise. Many of these century-old homes are open to visitors during special occasions, which include the holiday season. And while home values have increased steadily, housing in and around Enterprise is still very affordable. New home construction costs are average when compared nationally, and sale prices of existing homes are even more affordable. Whether you enjoy living in a planned subdivision or a tranquil rural setting, you will find Enterprise provides a variety of options, including quality rental property. Several new housing developments will have amenities, such as lakes, golf courses, two-acres of land, walking trails and neighborhood shops.

In 2008, the Enterprise-Ozark micropolitan area economy was ranked as the second strongest in Alabama, and 79 out of 577 nationally by Policom. The study examimined all aspects of the economy and other quality of life issues. Enterprise is home to a vast array of large and small businesses throughout the city. Major industries include aviation, peanut processing, automotive, textiles, electronics, die-cast metal, truck trailers and poultry processing. The largest single employer in the area is Fort Rucker, Home of Army Aviation. Situated seven miles from Enterprise, Fort Rucker provides training for helicopter pilots. Centers for related aviation research and development are also located on the post. Fort Rucker has a post population of approximately 18,000 and an active duty military strength of 5,000. Fort Rucker has an annual budget of more than $1 billion.

The newest industry in Enterprise is H.S. Alabama Automotive, a tier one supplier for Hyundai Motors. Located in the Yancey Parker Industrial Park, HSAA has just completed a 70,000-square-foot expansion, which will provide even more jobs to the area. The Enterprise plant is the first location in the United States for this South Korean-based company.

The Enterprise City Schools were one of the first to be fully accredited by the Alabama Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Students consistently score above state and national averages on ACT and Stanford Achievement Tests. Tragedy struck on March 1, 2007, in the form of a devastating tornado. Nine people lost their lives, including eight students in the heavily damaged Enterprise High School. Nearby Hillcrest Elementary was also severely damaged. Sadly, both schools had to be leveled. But once again, the citizens of Enterprise demonstrated their ability to overcome hardships. Two new schools will open soon, both larger and more spacious, with state-of-the-art facilities that will help to keep the Enterprise school system among the finest in the state. The recently completed Early Childhood Development Center, the temporary home of Hillcrest Elementary, will then open its doors to pre-schoolers.

The Aviation Division at the Ozark Campus is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. EOCC¹s Aviation Program offers the only comprehensive aviation maintenance training program in the state of Alabama, with instruction in airframe & powerplant (A&P) and avionics. The college is also working with industry partners to implement an associate degree in Simulator Systems Technology.

The largest music festival in the Southeast, and one of the largest in America takes place in Enterprise on the first weekend in June. BamaJam is a 3-day music and arts festival that features over 35 of the biggest names in music, including Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Taylor Swift, Kid Rock, and dozens more who entertain over 200,000 music fans from all 50 states and many foreign countries.

Offering a diverse palette of cultural, recreational and educational activities, Enterprise has shopping and dining available throughout the city and the historic downtown area, plus several shopping centers and other local businesses abound in the surrounding area.

For those who prefer a more relaxing recreational experience, there is the Enterprise Recreational Complex on Highway 167 North. With a lake, walking trails, playgrounds and pavilion/picnic areas, the Enterprise Recreational Complex is a favorite destination for both young and old. The complex also has a four-field complex, a multi-purpose field and an observation bridge on the lake. The Westside Community Park, Daisy Gibson Park and Peavey Park have a total of 37 acres of playground equipment. Enterprise also has tennis courts, playgrounds, a lake, picnic facilities, more than 200 acres of well-planned parks and modern sports fields. Tennis, baseball and softball players will appreciate the modern facilities at Donaldson Park. Included in the park grounds are six tennis courts, two softball fields, a baseball field, batting cages and several practice fields.

For those who love golf, not to worry. Enterprise is home to premier golf courses, including Tartan Pines and Enterprise Country Club. With three of the toughest holes in golf, Tartan Pines, a challenging 18-hole public course, is designed to challenge the seasoned golf pro, but is also enjoyable for any golfer. With its tree-lined fairways, lake views and rolling hills, the Enterprise Country Club provides some of the most challenging golf in the area. Built in 1960, this beautiful course is an 18-hole par 72 that features large and fast greens and uneven topography, making this course simultaneously a challenge and a joy to play.

The Enterprise Police Department is staffed by nearly 80 individuals including 36 patrol officers, 11 investigators, 13 dispatchers, 14 crossing guards, two animal control officers and a park officer, plus various other support staff. The Enterprise Police Department provides progressive and innovative techniques to protect and serve the community. Furthermore, with a Class 3 ISO rating, the Enterprise Fire Department ranks among the top three percent of all fire departments in the country.

Enterprise also offers medical care usually found only in larger cities. A 131-bed acute care hospital provides high-quality medical services. Forty-seven doctors and 15 dentists have practices or offices located throughout the city.

With one foot planted firmly in the past and the other pointed toward the future, Enterprise is a community rich in southern tradition with a plan for future growth. The forward-moving and modern city government calls Enterprise The City of Progress, while others call it The City of Champions. Some folks even call Enterprise The Boll Weevil Capital of the U.S. However, after just a short stay in the warm, friendly and inviting community, any visitor will realize why the people here simply call Enterprise home.

For more information on Enterprise, visit www.southeastalabama.com