uscaloosa
County can be characterized as an international community enhanced by
our manageable size (pop. 160,000), southern charm and warm, hometown
hospitality. In fact, our exceptional quality of life is consistently
recognized by Money magazine in its annual list of the country's best
places to live. Quiet residential neighborhoods offering affordable
housing, quality schools, attractive shopping areas, and recreational
opportunities are more than a way of life - Tuscaloosa is a special
place to call home.
Proclaimed as the "Capstone of Education," Tuscaloosa County offers public and private educational facilities that produce excellence through a positive learning environment.
Tuscaloosa County benefits from the location of the nationally-recognized University of Alabama; Shelton State Community College, one of the largest community colleges in the state; and Stillman College, a private liberal arts college.
The community is served by two public schools systems: the Tuscaloosa City School System and the Tuscaloosa County School System. Both systems are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Alabama Department of Education. Offering a varied curriculum for students K-12, the school systems strive to prepare students to become lifelong learners.
Numerous private schools, from religious-based to college-preparatory, provide additional educational choices for residents.
DCH Regional Medical Center, the State's fourth largest hospital with 658 beds, provides full-service, acute medical care for the entire West Alabama region. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation.
Tuscaloosa County reflects the best of all worlds in the cultural universe. Arts and crafts events as well as museums and exhibits are accessible year-round. Efforts are continuously made by the Arts Council of Tuscaloosa and other organizations to bring new and exciting cultural opportunities to our community.
Warner Collection- One of the finest collections of art in the United States, located in Gulf States Paper Corporation international headquarters.
Garland Art Gallery- 19th and 20th century art, including works from Picasso and Ansel Adams, showcased at the Garland Art Gallery on The University of Alabama campus.
Children's Hands-On Museum- A unique facility designed to inspire and engage children (and visitors of all ages) through interactive displays and collections.
Paul W. Bryant Museum- Highlights the history of Crimson Tide football at the University of Alabama and its significance throughout the region.
Kentuck Festival of the Arts- One of the South's major arts and crafts festivals that attracts over 23,000 visitors and over 200 artisans and craftsmen from across the United States.
International CityFest- An annual celebration that highlights the international attractions of the community and features headlining musical acts.
Sakura Festival- Celebrated in the Spring, this week-long event embodies our friendly ties with Japan and Tuscaloosa's sister city, Narashino City.
The Frank Moody Music Building- Patterned after the Vienna Philharmonic and home to the Tuscaloosa Symphony.
Old Towne Northport- Voted as one of the "Top 100 Small Art Communities in the U.S.," historic downtown Northport boasts a collection of art galleries, museums and quaint restaurants.
NorthRiver Yacht Club- A private facility that features a premier golf course designed by Gary Player. The Club represents an architectural vision and houses works of art from the Warner Collection.
Opportunities abound as you explore the many parks and recreational facilities in Tuscaloosa County. The community offers four private and five public golf courses, four recreational lakes, three rivers, 150 campsites and six miles of hiking trails.
Tuscaloosa County has two state parks within its boundaries. Tannehill State Park and Lake Lurleen State Park offer camping, fishing and miles of hiking opportunities. Lake Tuscaloosa and the Black Warrior River are a boating, fishing and skiing paradise.
The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority and the YMCA provide organized sports activities for all age groups at several different sports complexes. From tennis to softball to leisurely strolls, Tuscaloosa has something to offer the sports enthusiast.
From new homes and garden homes to condominiums and country estates, the Tuscaloosa County real estate market has that "just right" home for all lifestyles. Numerous new apartment and apartment home developments are currently under construction. The average rental rate for an existing two bedroom/one bath apartment is between $375-$450 a month.
Tuscaloosa County enjoys a moderate climate with an average growing season of 210 days. The mean average temperature is 63.4 degrees Fahrenheit (17.4 degrees Centigrade) with an annual average rainfall of 52.46 inches (133 cm).