USA Today poll declares Alexander City one of the best Southern small towns in America

Alexander City is the 2nd best Southern small town in the country, according to a poll conducted by USA Today.

Known to locals as “Alex City”— the town which is located right off Highway 280 in Tallapoosa County— was home to Russell Athletic until the 2010s.

Poll Results

In the poll, called the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Alexander City was ranked the second best Southern small town in America, losing to Maysville, Kentucky. The poll was completed using reader suggestions, as well as a panel of travel writers.

Others cities  joining Alexander City on the top 10 list include:

3. West Monroe, Louisiana

4. Abingdon, Virginia

5. Pauls City, Oklahoma 

6. Bryson City, North Carolina

7. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

8. Marfa, Texas

9. St. Augustine, Florida

10. Beaufort, South Carolina

USA Today’s Description of Alex City

A small town with a population of 14,800+ — here is how USA Today described Alexander City in the poll:

“Just north of the sprawling Lake Martin reservoir, Alexander City is a quiet Southern town with plenty of shoreline for a lakeside getaway with family or friends,” the description of the town read. “Swimming, fishing and boating are favorite local pastimes, and local Chimney Rock has become a hot spot for cliff jumping. Main Street also draws in locals and tourists, with boutique shops, restaurants, a summertime farmer’s market, and the Wellborn Muscle Car Museum, home to the nation’s largest high-performance Dodge collection.”

Did USA Today readers  get it right? Let us know by tagging us on social media at @thebamabuzz