Retire in Etowah County, AL | Things to Do & Cost of Living

Etowah

Etowah County boasts an abundance of outdoor activities for those wishing to stay active. Situated along the banks of the Coosa River and only 60 miles from Birmingham, Etowah County is the perfect place to retire. The county is home to the communities of Gadsden, Rainbow City, Glencoe, Southside, Attalla, Hokes Bluff, Sardis City, and Altoona.

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James Martin Wildlife Park

NATURE PARKS & TRAILS

Gadsden and Etowah County is home to numerous outdoor venues for biking, hiking, paddling, climbing, golf, tennis, and more.

Nestled along the banks of the Coosa River, Etowah County is the perfect location for retirees looking to stay active after retirement.

Gadsden's Moragne Park

Noccalula Falls Park

Coosa Landing

Gadsden Tennis Complex

Black Creek Trail System

Hollingsworth Park

Dive Land Park Etowah County

Ferry Park at Hokes Bluff

GadRock Microgym

Horse Pens 40

Twin Bridges Golf Course

Gadsden Country Club

RTJ Golf Trail at Silver Lakes

Links at Briarmeade

Hospital Boulders

FISHING AND CAMPING

The Coosa River and H. Neely Henry Lake are home to some of the best fishing in the South with beautiful mountain views. Spotted bass, crappie, largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish make Gadsden fisheries a year-round playground for fisherman. Creeks along the Coosa are growing in popularity for both kayak and fly fishing.

The lake was formed by the Neely Henry Dam (57 ft high), built in 1966 by Alabama Power Company for hydroelectric power and recreation.

Fishing on Neely Henry Lake

Noccalula Falls Campground at Black Creek Trails

Camping at Noccalula Falls-Black Creek Trails

River Rocks Landing Campground

Little Bridge Marina

Marvelous Quality of Life

I have lived all over the country, and I must say that living in the Gadsden, AL area is the best ever. Beautiful mountains, lakes, and friendly people all add up to a marvelous quality of life!

- Dave Tumlin

Attractions for Senior Living

Etowah County has a wide-range of leisure, cultural, historic, and recreational activities to offer. In addition, the Coosa River and Noccalula Falls combine to give the county abundant natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Noccalula Falls Park

Maraella Winery

Gadsden Museum of Art

Tigers for Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain

Mary G Hardin Center for Cultural Arts

Wills Creek Winery

Back Forty Beer Company

Mountain Top Flea Market

World's Longest Yardsale

Shopping Downtown Gadsden

Excellent Health Facilities

Etowah County is home to excellent health care facilities, with three hospitals serving northeast Alabama. Gadsden is also only 64 miles from the nationally renowned UAB Hospital in Birmingham.

Gadsden Regional Medical Center

Riverview Regional Medical Center

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital

Community Centers

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