If you’ve spent any time looking at real estate in Dallas County, you’ve probably noticed that things move at a different pace in Selma. It’s a city where history isn't just in the books; it’s literally the ground you're walking on. And when you look at a specific spot like 31 Edgewood Dr Selma AL 36701, you aren’t just looking at four walls and a roof. You’re looking at a slice of the Deep South that comes with its own set of rules, quirks, and local charm.
Selma is a place of contrast.
Some people see the aging infrastructure and walk away. Others see the massive oak trees draped in Spanish moss and the sprawling brick ranch-style homes and see a goldmine of untapped potential. This specific address sits in a pocket of the city that feels worlds away from the downtown bustle, yet it’s close enough to grab a biscuit and coffee in five minutes.
The Reality of Living at 31 Edgewood Dr Selma AL 36701
Let’s be real for a second.
Buying property in Alabama right now is a wild ride. While the rest of the country is dealing with prices that make your eyes water, Selma offers something increasingly rare: affordability. But that affordability comes with baggage. You've got to consider the climate, for one. We're talking about humidity that feels like a wet blanket for six months of the year.
The neighborhood around 31 Edgewood Dr Selma AL 36701 is largely residential. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see neighbors on their porches and hear the distant hum of a lawnmower on a Saturday morning. The homes here are often mid-century builds. They have "bones." That's a term realtors love, but in Selma, it actually means something. These houses were built to withstand the heat before central air was a standard feature, often using solid materials that outlast the modern "cookie-cutter" developments you see in the suburbs of Birmingham or Montgomery.
Selma is small.
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With a population hovering around 17,000, everybody knows somebody who knows you. If you move into Edgewood Drive, you’re becoming part of a community that values longevity. People stay here. They put down roots.
Market Trends and What the Numbers Actually Mean
If you look at the Zillow or Redfin data for this area, the numbers can be deceiving. You might see a price tag and think it's a typo. It isn't. The cost of living in Selma is significantly lower than the national average.
However, you have to look at the "Days on Market" metric. Properties in the 36701 zip code sometimes sit longer than they would in a high-growth tech hub. This gives a buyer leverage. You aren't usually in a bidding war against twenty other people. It’s a slower, more deliberate process.
The property at 31 Edgewood Dr Selma AL 36701 sits within a school district that has faced its share of challenges. Local residents often weigh the benefits of the low property taxes against the need for private schooling or supplemental education. It's a trade-off. Honestly, it’s one of those things where you have to decide what your priorities are before you sign the closing papers.
Understanding the 36701 Zip Code
The 36701 area covers a lot of ground. It includes the historic districts, the commercial corridors of Highland Avenue, and the quiet cul-de-sacs like Edgewood.
- Proximity to Nature: You're not far from the Alabama River. Fishing and boating aren't just hobbies here; they’re a way of life.
- The Commute: Forget traffic. Your biggest delay in Selma is likely a slow-moving tractor or a train crossing.
- Infrastructure: It's an older city. Sometimes the pipes are old. Sometimes the power goes out when a summer thunderstorm rolls through. That’s just the Selma experience.
Why People Are Moving Back to Selma
There’s a quiet movement happening. It’s not a massive influx of people, but there’s a steady trickle of folks moving back to places like 31 Edgewood Dr Selma AL 36701.
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Why?
Remote work changed the game. If you can earn a Seattle salary while paying a Selma mortgage, you’re basically winning at life. You get a backyard. You get a house with character. You get a community where you can actually make a difference.
There's also the historical weight. Selma is the site of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. It’s a city that played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. Living here means being a steward of that history. People who move to Edgewood Drive often find themselves getting involved in local preservation or community gardens. It's that kind of place.
The Maintenance Factor
If you’re looking at an older home in this part of Alabama, you need to have a good inspector on speed dial. Termites are a real thing. The Alabama humidity can do a number on wood siding if it isn't maintained.
A lot of the homes in the Edgewood area feature large lots. We're talking half an acre or more. That’s great for privacy, but it’s a lot of grass to cut in 95-degree heat. Most people eventually invest in a riding mower or find a local kid who wants to earn some extra cash.
Navigating the Local Economy
Selma’s economy has historically been tied to agriculture and manufacturing. While things have shifted, those roots are still there. Major employers in the region include International Paper and various healthcare providers.
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When you live at 31 Edgewood Dr Selma AL 36701, your shopping options are a mix of local mainstays and a few big-box retailers. For a major shopping spree, most residents make the 50-minute drive to Montgomery. It’s a straight shot down Highway 80.
One thing most outsiders don't realize? The food scene.
You haven't lived until you've had real Alabama BBQ or a plate of soul food from a kitchen that’s been seasoning its cast iron for forty years. Living in Selma means your Friday nights might be spent at a high school football game followed by a trip to a local diner where the waitress already knows your order.
Actionable Steps for Potential Residents or Investors
If you are seriously looking at 31 Edgewood Dr Selma AL 36701, don't just rely on the photos online.
- Visit at different times. Drive by on a Tuesday morning and a Saturday night. See what the noise levels are like.
- Check the elevation. Selma is near the river. While Edgewood is generally on higher ground, it’s always smart to verify flood zones in Alabama.
- Talk to the neighbors. People in Selma are generally friendly. Ask them how they like the area. They’ll give you the "unfiltered" version that a real estate listing won't.
- Audit the utilities. Check the age of the HVAC system. In the South, a dead air conditioner in July is a legitimate emergency.
- Look into local incentives. Sometimes there are grants or tax breaks for moving into specific historic or revitalizing zones.
The reality of 31 Edgewood Dr Selma AL 36701 is that it represents an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to own a piece of a storied city, to live a slower pace of life, and to build equity in a market that hasn't been completely picked over by corporate investors yet. It requires work. It requires an appreciation for the "rough around the edges" charm of the Black Belt. But for the right person, it’s exactly what home is supposed to feel like.
Take the time to look at the property tax records through the Dallas County courthouse. Ensure there are no outstanding liens. Secure a local lender who understands the Selma market, as they often have better insights into local appraisals than a national "big bank" might. If you're coming from out of state, prepare for a culture shift. Things move slower. Conversations are longer. And honestly? That's exactly why people like it here.