The founder of Sun Records, Sam Phillips, resided in the Muscle Shoals area. He wrote in his autobiography that Muscle Shoals had greatly influenced his work with famed musicians such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. Muscle Shoals was confirmed as an addition to the Mississippi Blues Trail on January 6, 2010.
The city of Muscle Shoals is the largest city in Colbert County, Alabama. The city, together with Florence-Muscle Shoals metropolitan area, which includes four cities in Lauderdale and Colbert counties, are commonly referred to as "the Shoals" as in groups of fish. From the 1960s, Muscle Shoals has been recognized for the "Muscle Shoals Sound," whereby the local recording studios produced a series of hit records that greatly influenced the history of popular music. The area enjoys a warm humid temperate climate together with hot summers and no dry season. Average summer highs reach around 90 degrees in July, where winter lows drop down to 32 degrees in January.
Moving to Muscle Shoals
How much will it cost?
Despite its claim to musical fame, the cost of living in Muscle Shoals is a sizable chunk cheaper in comparison to the rest of Alabama and also to the nation as a whole.
When to begin looking
You should allow at least four weeks to find a rental home in Muscle Shoals. There's a relatively high demand for housing, so come prepared to place a deposit on your ideal place to keep it from slipping away into the sultry Alabama air.
What you need
It's wise to have what generally would be regarded as the typical renter's arsenal at your disposal when you're out searching for a rental place. Prospective tenants should be in a position to provide proof of employment and income, references, and also, as mentioned, be able to place a deposit for their choice firmly on the table to ensure they seal the deal with the new landlord.
Neighborhoods in Muscle Shoals
Muscle Shoals offers a healthy choice of rentals styles to prospective tenants, though rental apartments are a bit short in supply. Thus, if you are intent on finding an apt for rent, don't hang about once you do discover something you like. Get the deposit paid right away to secure your spot.
Lewis Street: A nicely affordable area for rental houses is Lewis Street, so if your budget is a little on the thin side, Lewis Street may be right up your street! There are five restaurants within close vicinity, including one for the fish lovers - Swamp John's Catfish. Sounds delightful!
Country Club Lane: As you might guess from the name, this part of Muscle Shoals is situated beside the local golf course -- Cypress Lakes Golf Course to be precise. As such, you can expect wonderful views from every turn. What's more, there are six restaurants and one grocery store close by.
River Point Drive: If you are looking for a home for rent in an exclusive location, then you've just found that location! With spectacular views over a large inland lake on the banks of the Tennessee River, you can let your imagination wander on full throttle! What's more, you can travel on the river by boat to Knoxville or the Gulf of Mexico or to Mississippi -- take your pick. Local amenities are somewhat scant, but then, you've got so much else available to you that you won't mind a little drive for groceries and restaurants.
Victoria Ave: Secluded, yet relatively close to downtown Muscle Shoals, Victoria Ave offers prospective renters the chance for plenty of privacy and isolation. The price for that privacy however, is that there's not much in the way of "easy-access" amenities, with only a single restaurant located within walking distance.
Pasadena Ave: There are a few low-cost month to month rentals in this part of Muscle Shoals. Nevertheless, the lost cost does not mean low value. It's a lovely area, and offers two restaurants within very easy walking distance.
Life in Muscle Shoals
Getting Around
There is no shortage of roads around Muscle Shoals. SR-17 runs as a signed route between Hamilton and Muscle Shoals. Once at Muscle Shoals, the SR-17, SR-13, and U.S.-43 Junction with U.S. Highway 72 as well as a handful of other state routes. SR-17 then travels through Florence towards its terminus at the Tennessee state line. There are five airports in Alabama, one of which is within 30 miles of Muscle Shoals -- Northwest Alabama Regional Airport.
Keeping Busy
How do folks who reside in Muscle Shoals keep themselves busy? Because Muscle Shoals and the surrounding areas are famed for music, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame at Tuscumbia might prove to be a hit with you! It really is a must for every music fan. The Ivy Green -- Home of Helen Keller, also at Tuscumbia, makes for an interesting way to spend a few hours of your day. This house is the birthplace of Helen Keller, the deaf and blind woman who went on to become a successful author and a political activist.
The Natchez Trace Parkway stretches a total of 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, over to Nashville, Tennessee. The park offers plenty to do including biking, hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and there are ranger-led programs too if you're intent on some further education about the area.
Indian Mound and Museum, over in Florence, is situated on the banks of the Tennessee River, and is an example of the type of domiciliary mound used by early Native Americans in the area -- even prior to the time that the Cherokee, Creek, and Chickasaw nations resided here.
How about some of the dining experiences to be found in Muscle Shoals? Champy's Chicken on Second Street serves finger-lickin' good chicken and other American fare. The staff here doesn't skimp on the portion sizes either! Stanfield's Steakhouse Restaurant on River Road, offers massive portions of American-style cuisine. Swamp John's Catfish Restaurant on Woodward Ave, Muscle Shoals, does indeed offer catfish on the menu, together with a variety of other delicious southern food.
You will have no shortage of good food and good music if your apartment search takes you to Muscle Shoals!