"I was born and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama. I am a country boy and proud of it. To do this project just felt natural." --Lionel Richie (talking about his 'Tuskegee' album)
Tuskegee is familiar to most people because it is the birthplace of Rosa Parks and the city where the World War II Tuskegee Airmen legacy was born. This is an amazing city with a rich history of human success. Located on Interstate 85 and at the southern tip of the Tuskegee National Forest, it is a city that is proud of its heritage. The last U.S. Census reported that 9,865 residents call Tuskegee home, though the Tuskegee Macon County Community Development Corporation will drive that number up! The area is mostly rural, but it's only 40 miles east of Montgomery, the capital of Alabama.
Tuskegee is small and rural, so there are not a lot of local amenities
"I was born and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama. I am a country boy and proud of it. To do this project just felt natural." --Lionel Richie (talking about his 'Tuskegee' album)
Tuskegee is familiar to most people because it is the birthplace of Rosa Parks and the city where the World War II Tuskegee Airmen legacy was born. This is an amazing city with a rich history of human success. Located on Interstate 85 and at the southern tip of the Tuskegee National Forest, it is a city that is proud of its heritage. The last U.S. Census reported that 9,865 residents call Tuskegee home, though the Tuskegee Macon County Community Development Corporation will drive that number up! The area is mostly rural, but it's only 40 miles east of Montgomery, the capital of Alabama.
Moving to Tuskegee
Tuskegee is small and rural, so there are not a lot of local amenities. However, it is easy to access because I-85 runs through the city. Hop on I-85 going south, and you're only 200 miles from Mobile and the Gulf Coast.
Plan Ahead
It often takes more planning to move to a small city than it does a large one. First, you have to find a place to live -- any condo for rent or available apartment is not going to be available for long. Fortunately, Tuskegee is easy to reach, and movers are all too familiar with the city because of the university. You do need to look for an apartment or rental house several weeks ahead of your move.
You need good credit, the ability to pay the first month's rent and a security deposit. Landlords will often require a handful of documents when you apply for a place. This could include anything from copies of your ID and letters of reference to background checks and proof of income. If you're feeling a little woozy with all those apartment options spinning around your head, try an apartments locator on for size. Also, keep in mind that many of the apartment complexes include water in the rent, but house rent in Tuskegee seldom does.
Tuskegee Neighborhoods
The Martin Luther King Highway -- also known as Highway 80 -- cuts through Tuskegee and eventually connects with I-85. It is the main thoroughfare and makes it easy to reach every section of the city.
Martin Luther King Highway: City apartments are clustered on either side of The Martin Luther King Highway. This makes one long apartment rental neighborhood, so to speak. The apartment buildings are mostly on, or several blocks off, the main thoroughfare, so it's a matter of choosing which complex fits your needs rather than choosing an area of the city. There are a few studio apartments for rent among these communities.
City Center: The city center touches the Tuskegee National Forest and is only separated by Lake Tuskegee. If you want an apartment with a view, there are apartments available on City Lake. There are older homes for rent in the area, but the best place to look for a condo for rent is, once again, along Highway 80.
Living in Tuskegee
Okay‰Û_the truth and only the truth. Tuskegee is pretty darn small and does not have a lot of amenities. Remember the stories of the days when you had to make your own fun? That's Tuskegee. It is a rural area, but the lake is nice. Lake Tuskegee is a recreational area owned by the city. The 100-acre lake offers sailing, fishing and water skiing opportunities. The city also hosts holiday events on the lake. There are two other parks in the area, and both have sports courts and places for swimming -- you know, in case you can't hang with the lake crowd.
Many events center around the rich history attached to this city, and there's plenty of history packed into the area. Moton Field is the home of the Tuskegee Airmen, and it has a museum that tells the real story of the World War II heroes that people came to love from the movie made about their story. The Tuskegee Institute, a national historic site, features the George Washington Carver Museum and "The Oaks," which was Booker T. Washington's home (no, you can't live there). Tuskegee University has a long, distinguished history that began 125 years ago and offers plenty of cultural and athletic events that residents enjoy.
Tuskegee is a car-dependent city, so walking is something you do for exercise and not for errand running. Friends hang out together at Busy B's restaurant and P B's Blues Bar or at the park. If quiet living sounds appealing to you, then Tuskegee is going to make you happy. But if life gets too tame and you crave theater or a fancy restaurant, it's an easy drive to Montgomery.
