Thinking about moving to Montgomery, Alabama? Or maybe you’ve lived here for years and still feel like you haven’t uncovered all its hidden gems?
Montgomery is a city where history meets modern charm, outdoor adventure blends with cultural vibrancy, and locals hold onto secrets that make life here even better.
One of Montgomery’s most sought-after neighborhoods, New Park, offers residents the best of both worlds– a peaceful, community-driven atmosphere just minutes from the city’s top attractions. With beautiful new homes and scenic outdoor spaces, New Park is the perfect place to enjoy everything Montgomery has to offer while having a welcoming neighborhood to call home.
Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, foodie, or simply looking for insider knowledge, this guide will help you experience Montgomery like a true local– and show you why so many people are choosing New Park as their next home.
Things to Do in Montgomery: Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
Montgomery’s History is Everywhere- Even in Unexpected Places
Founded in 1819, Montgomery became Alabama’s capital in 1846, placing it at the center of both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. While visitors often head straight to the Alabama State Capitol or the Rosa Parks Museum, locals know history is woven into the city itself.
Historic Sites You Might Miss:
- Winter Building: The telegram that started the Civil War was sent from this downtown building in 1861, leading to the first shots at Fort Sumter.
- Montgomery Fair Department Store: Rosa Parks worked here as a seamstress before making history in 1955. Today, an open-air park with a replica façade honors her legacy. Locals love grabbing a coffee from Prevail Union next door and reflecting on history.
- Mount Zion A.M.E. Zion Church: The birthplace of the Montgomery Improvement Association, which led the Bus Boycott. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was elected its first president here.
- Holt Street Baptist Church: The first mass meeting of the Montgomery Bus Boycott took place here in 1955, where Dr. King delivered one of his earliest major speeches.
- Freedom Rides Museum: Originally a Greyhound bus station, this site preserves the story of the Freedom Riders, who were attacked here in 1961 while protesting segregation.
- National Memorial for Peace and Justice: This memorial is an immersive and emotional journey through America’s painful past. Many visitors come for the memorial but don’t make it to the Legacy Museum– its companion site just a few blocks away.
- Wright Brothers Flying School Marker: In 1910, the Wright brothers opened their first civilian flight school in Montgomery, on what later became Maxwell Air Force Base. Visit Wright Brothers Park along the Alabama River to see the historical marker.
- Lucas Tavern: Once the final stop on the stagecoach route to Montgomery, this 19th-century tavern hosted the Marquis de Lafayette in 1825. Now part of Old Alabama Town, a collection of restored historic buildings.
- Oakwood Cemetery: More than just the final resting place of Hank Williams, this cemetery also holds RAF and French Air Force pilots’ graves from WWI, as well as the graves of four governors of Alabama.
- Steiner-Lobman Building & Mysterious Casket: Built in 1891, this downtown building has a casket-shaped object on its roof. No one knows why, but theories range from an advertising stunt to a hidden water cistern.
- Moon Tree: A loblolly pine on the Alabama State Capitol Grounds grew from a seed that traveled to the moon on Apollo 14. There’s no sign explaining it– you just have to know where to look!
Located in East Montgomery, New Park is a peaceful, modern neighborhood just 10-15 minutes away from the city’s most significant historic sites. Whether you’re exploring the landmarks of the Civil Rights Movement, strolling through historic downtown, or learning about Montgomery’s role in aviation, you’re never far from the history that shaped the nation.
Outdoor Adventures You Didn’t Know Existed
Montgomery may not have mountains or beaches (though we’re centrally located within a few hours’ drive of both), but locals know it’s packed with outdoor gems.
Top Outdoor Spots Locals Love:
- River Region Trails Project: A 30-mile trail system in development that will connect downtown to east Montgomery with paved paths for biking, running, and walking.
- Montgomery Whitewater: One of the state’s most unique attractions, offering world-class rafting, kayaking, and adventure courses.
- Blount Cultural Park: 77 acres of gardens, ponds, and trails, plus the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
- Lagoon Park: A favorite for golf, tennis, and secluded hiking trails.
- Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum: The Montgomery Zoo is one of the city’s top attractions, but locals know it offers up-close encounters unlike larger zoos. Spanning 40 acres, it brings you within feet of giraffes, big cats, and other wildlife in open-air exhibits. A hidden gem is the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, where visitors can touch real furs, antlers, and natural materials.
Best Places to Explore on Foot or Bike
Montgomery is becoming more pedestrian-friendly thanks to its growing network of walking and biking trails. Here are some of the best local-approved routes:
- Shady Street Trailhead and Park: A hidden urban oasis north of downtown. A planned expansion will connect it to Riverfront Park.
- Old Cloverdale Urban Trail: A two-mile loop through one of Montgomery’s most picturesque historic neighborhoods, featuring bike lanes, shaded streets, and charming local businesses.
- Young Meadows Park Trail: A newly completed pedestrian corridor linking Blount Cultural Park and Woodmere Park.
- Riverfront Greenway: Once completed, this multi-use trail will stretch from Maxwell Air Force Base to Shady Street Trailhead, passing Montgomery Whitewater, Wright Brothers Park, and EAT South Urban Farm.
- New Park’s Chastain Lake Walking Path: Residents of New Park enjoy exclusive access to a scenic one-mile walking path encircling Chastain Lake, offering peaceful waterfront views, shaded spots to relax, and a beautifully maintained route perfect for a morning jog or evening stroll.
Local Tip: Plan your trail visits around Montgomery’s weather– mornings are best for outdoor activities before the heat sets in.
Living in New Park means having some of Montgomery’s best outdoor destinations just minutes away. You don’t have to go far to enjoy Montgomery’s growing network of trails, parks, and outdoor recreation– it’s all right outside your door.
Shopping Like a Local: Where to Find Hidden Treasures
Forget the big-box stores– Montgomery has some of the best antique shops, artisan boutiques, and farmers markets in Alabama.
Whether you’re upgrading to a larger home or buying your first home, having a pre-approval letter in hand ensures you’re ready to move quickly when you find the perfect home.
Antique & Vintage Shopping
- Eastbrook Flea Market & Antique Mall: This massive antique wonderland features over 300 vendors across multiple floors. From furniture and artwork to vintage clothing, books, and rare collectibles, this spot is a must-visit for treasure hunters. Expect to spend hours browsing!
- Montgomery Antiques & Interiors: This upscale antique shop offers fine furniture, rare collectibles, and elegant home décor.
- Pickwick Antiques: Specializing in European and Southern antiques, Pickwick is known for its refined, museum-quality pieces.
- Amy’s Antique & Flea Mall: With over 80 vendors in a sprawling 20,000-square-foot space, Amy’s is a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles.
- Rescued Relics: Operated by the Landmarks Foundation, this non-profit salvage warehouse specializes in pre-1960s building materials, offering vintage doors, mantels, windows, sinks, balustrades, light fixtures, and more. All proceeds go toward preserving Old Alabama Town and Montgomery’s historic structures.
Locally Crafted & Curated: Montgomery’s Best Indie Shops
- Southern Art & Makers Collective: This artisan shop features work from local artists and makers, including handcrafted jewelry, pottery, paintings, and home décor. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift (or something special for yourself), this is the place to find it.
- NewSouth Bookstore: An independent bookstore in the heart of downtown Montgomery, NewSouth specializes in Southern history, culture, civil rights, politics, and literary fiction. With both new and used books, it’s the perfect place to browse for rare titles, signed editions, and books you won’t find at big-box stores.
- Goat Hill Museum Store: Located inside the Alabama State Capitol, this shop is a must-visit for Alabama-made gifts, specialty food items, unique souvenirs, and even holiday ornaments.
Farmers Markets & Fresh Local Finds
- Montgomery Curb Market: This indoor farmers market has been a staple for locals since 1929. Here, you’ll find seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, homemade jams, and baked goods. Many of the vendors are generational farmers, so you’re getting the best of local agriculture.
- SweetCreek Farm Market: Tucked along the outskirts of East Montgomery, this farm-to-table gem offers everything from fresh-picked produce to homemade ice cream. Beyond the market and café, visitors can explore the fields, visit the goats and chickens, or relax in the kids’ play area.
- Montgomery State Farmers Market: Located at 1655 Federal Drive, this state-run market offers a selection of fresh local fruits, vegetables, and specialty foods.
- Peppertree Steaks & Wines: This is a go-to for high-quality meats, fine wines, and gourmet goods. If you’re planning a backyard BBQ or looking for the best steak in town, this is where the locals shop.
- Filet & Vine: A Montgomery institution since 1997, Filet & Vine is part specialty market, part deli, part bottle shop.
Living Like a Local: Montgomery’s Best-Kept Secrets & Insider Tips
Want to navigate Montgomery like a pro? Whether you’re a new resident or a long-time local, these insider tips will help you make the most of the city
- Parking is free downtown after 5 PM and on weekends. No need to worry about feeding the meter– just park and enjoy!
- Meat-and-threes are a Montgomery staple. New to the concept? Order fried chicken, mac and cheese, turnip greens, and cornbread at Martha’s Place or Martin’s, and you’ll be eating like a true local.
- Publix BOGO sales? You don’t have to buy two! Each item rings up at half-price, so you can stock up without overbuying.
- Best coffee shops for working or studying? Prevail Union and Hilltop Public House both have fast Wi-Fi, great vibes, and expertly brewed coffee.
- Beat the heat indoors! Let kids burn off energy at Fun City or MMFA ArtWorks, a hands-on children’s art experience at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
- Want to trace your family history? You can research your Alabama roots for free in the Alabama Department of Archives and History’s Research Room.
- The Montgomery Humane Society offers gift-wrapping services at Christmas to raise money for animals in need.
What You Should Know Before Moving to Montgomery
- You’ll need a car! Public transportation is limited, and most residents drive everywhere. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available but not as widespread as in larger cities.
- Summers are hot and humid. Expect high temperatures and intense humidity from at least May through September. A cooling towel, a good fan, and a reliable AC unit are must-haves. Fall and spring are more comfortable, but summer heat can be brutal.
- Tornado season is real. Montgomery and the surrounding River Region experience severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the spring and fall. Have a weather alert app downloaded, know where your nearest storm shelter is, and sign up for local emergency alerts.
- The cost of living is low. Compared to other major Southern cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, and Nashville, Montgomery offers more house for your money, lower property taxes, and an affordable overall cost of living.
- Day trips are easy. Montgomery is centrally located in Alabama, making it a great home base for weekend trips to Birmingham, Atlanta, Gulf Shores, and even Nashville or New Orleans.
Where Locals Are Moving Next
If you’re moving to Montgomery or looking for a fresh start, New Park is one of the most sought-after communities. With modern homes, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a strong sense of community, it’s a top choice for homebuyers of all lifestyles.
Why Homebuyers Love New Park
- Schools Nearby: Families love the convenience of Wilson Elementary School, Johnnie Carr Middle School, and Park Crossing High School, all just minutes away. Several private school options are a short drive away.
- Modern Homes: Built by some of Montgomery’s best homebuilders, New Park offers spacious layouts, modern features, and premium finishes. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, growing family, or downsizing, there’s a home to fit your needs.
- Community-Centered Lifestyle: More than just a neighborhood, New Park is designed for connection. Residents enjoy amenities like a walking path, a playground, and a private community pool, making it perfect for families and outdoor lovers.
- Prime Location in East Montgomery: New Park offers easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Ready to find your dream home? Check out our new homes for sale and schedule a tour to see why so many people are choosing New Park as their next home!
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