If you’re driving across the Black Warrior River from Tuscaloosa, you’ll hit Northport. It’s a city that often gets lumped in with its more famous neighbor, but Northport has its own distinct vibe, its own history, and—crucially for anyone moving here—its own specific postal logistics. Most people searching for the zip code for Northport AL are looking for 35473. That’s the big one. It covers the vast majority of the city limits, from the historic downtown shops on Main Avenue up to the sprawling residential developments near Clear Creek Colony.
But it’s not always that simple.
Depending on where exactly you stand, you might find yourself drifting into 35475 or even 35476. It’s confusing. Honestly, even locals sometimes get tripped up when they’re living on the "edge" of town where the city lines blur into the unincorporated parts of Tuscaloosa County.
The 35473 Breakdown: More Than Just a Number
The primary zip code for Northport AL is 35473. This is the heartbeat of the community. When you think of Northport—the Kentuck Festival of the Arts, the heritage of the Shirley Place, or grabbing a bite at City Cafe—you’re thinking of 35473.
It’s a massive geographic area. It stretches north toward Lake Tuscaloosa and encompasses a wild mix of environments. You’ve got the old-school, walkable neighborhoods near the river where houses have those deep wrap-around porches. Then, you head north on Highway 43 or Highway 69, and suddenly you’re in the land of suburban cul-de-sacs and strip malls.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) treats 35473 as the main delivery hub for Northport. If you have a business license in the city, this is likely what’s on your letterhead. But here is where it gets weird: 35476 is often used for PO Boxes at the main Northport post office on 30th Avenue. If you see someone with a 35476 address, they aren’t living in a secret part of town; they’re just picking up their mail at the station.
Why the 35475 Confusion Happens
You’ll often see 35475 pop up in searches for Northport. Technically, the USPS associates 35475 with "Tuscaloosa," but because Northport has expanded so aggressively to the north and east, many people with a Northport mailing address actually fall into this zone.
Think about the area around Mitt Lary Road.
It feels like Northport. The kids go to Northport schools. You pay Northport taxes (maybe). But your mail might say 35475. This happens because zip code boundaries were drawn decades ago based on mail carrier routes, not political city limits. The city grew faster than the postal maps could keep up. If you are house hunting, do not rely solely on the zip code to tell you if you're inside the Northport city limits. You could be in 35475 and still be a Northport resident, or you could be in 35473 and be in the county. It's a mess.
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Real-World Delivery Issues
If you're using a GPS or ordering a couch to be delivered to a new build near Highway 69 North, the zip code for Northport AL becomes a point of contention. Some systems won't recognize "Northport, AL 35475" and will insist on "Tuscaloosa, AL 35475." It’s a minor headache, but it can lead to missed packages if the driver thinks they're looking for an address downtown when you're actually ten miles north.
The Economic Reality of 35473
Why does this matter? Money.
Real estate in the 35473 area has seen a massive surge over the last five years. According to local market data and listings from the West Alabama MLS, homes in this zip code are some of the most sought-after in the region. People want the Northport schools—specifically Huntington Place Elementary or Northport Elementary.
- The median home price in 35473 has historically stayed slightly more "approachable" than the high-end pockets of Tuscaloosa, but that gap is closing.
- Property taxes differ significantly if your zip code places you inside the city limits versus the unincorporated county areas.
- Insurance rates can fluctuate based on the distance to the nearest fire hydrant, which varies wildly in the rural stretches of 35473.
Hidden History Tucked in the Envelope
Northport wasn't always this big. Back in the day, it was a small ferry town. The 35473 zip code covers what used to be a completely independent agricultural hub. If you look at the older parts of the 35473 zone, you'll see the history of the "North Port" of the Black Warrior River.
The post office itself has moved around, but it has always been the anchor for the community. In the mid-20th century, Northport fought hard to maintain its identity separate from Tuscaloosa. Keeping its own zip code and its own post office was a big part of that. It’s a point of pride. When you write 35473 on an envelope, you aren't just sending mail; you're acknowledging a city that refused to be swallowed up by its bigger neighbor.
Logistics and the Northport Post Office
If you need to visit the post office for the zip code for Northport AL, you're going to the branch at 1300 30th Ave.
It is busy. Always.
Because 35473 is such a sprawling area, this single location handles a staggering volume of mail. If you're moving here, be aware that the Northport carrier routes are long. Mail delivery in the rural northern parts of the zip code can happen later in the day compared to the urban core.
- Check your specific address on the USPS Look-Up tool to confirm your +4 extension.
- Verify with the Northport Water Office if your address is actually within city limits for trash pickup.
- Don't assume 35473 means you are in the Northport school zone; verify the school district maps separately.
A Note on the 35406 Boundary
Sometimes people think they are in Northport because they live across the river, but they end up with a 35406 zip code. This is the "North of the River" Tuscaloosa area. It’s expensive, it’s prestigious, and it is definitely not Northport. The 35473 boundary generally holds the line once you move west of Rice Mine Road and north of the river banks.
Understanding the "Northport" Mailing Address
Here’s a tip that saves a lot of stress: The USPS "Preferred City Name" for 35473 is Northport. However, for 35475, the preferred name is Tuscaloosa. If you live in a Northport subdivision that falls into 35475, you can usually write "Northport" on your mail and it will get there just fine, but your official tax records will likely say Tuscaloosa.
It’s just how the geography of the South works sometimes. Cities grow, but the federal government's mail routes stay frozen in time.
Actionable Steps for New Residents
If you are currently looking at property or setting up utilities in the zip code for Northport AL, don't just take the listing's word for it. Listings are notoriously inaccurate when it comes to the Northport/Tuscaloosa divide.
First, take the street address and plug it into the Tuscaloosa County Tax Assessor’s website. This will tell you exactly which municipality you owe money to. Second, check the zoning. Northport has specific ordinances that differ from the county. Third, if you are a business owner, ensure your 35473 address is registered correctly with the Alabama Department of Revenue, as the sales tax rates in Northport (9% or 10% depending on exact location and current local legislation) might differ from the surrounding county rates.
Verify your specific trash collection day via the Northport Public Works portal, as the 35473 area is split into multiple quadrants for service. If you are in the more rural parts of 35473, you might actually be responsible for your own private waste contract, despite having a Northport mailing address. Always double-check the "Police Jurisdiction" versus "City Limits"—this is a nuance of Alabama law that affects how much you pay for certain services and who responds when you call 911. Be diligent and look at the maps yourself rather than trusting a general zip code search.