Homes for Sale in Gurley, Alabama; Your Complete 2025 Guide to Living, Buying & Investing

Looking for a small‑town atmosphere with real potential? Gurley, Alabama, offers a serene backdrop to build a life while keeping you close to Huntsville’s economic engine. In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn about Gurley’s history, housing, schools, job scene, outdoor life, and real estate tips.

Read on: Things to do in Shelfield, Alabama

Where Is Gurley and Why It Matters

Gurley is a town of just under 900 people in eastern Madison County, about 16 miles east of downtown Huntsville. Gurley offers peaceful mountain living with quick access to Huntsville. It's great for families, retirees, and remote workers. Though it feels rural, it’s part of the thriving Huntsville-Decatur metro area.

A Rich History That Shapes Community

Founded in the 1830s by John Gurley, the town developed around a railroad water stop in 1857. Gurley became an official town in 1891, thriving on cedar, barrel, pencil, and bucket production. Its historic center features vintage Craftsman and Victorian homes, many listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These homes reflect the town’s deep roots, strong pride, and classic architectural charm that continue to attract new residents.

Demographic Snapshot

Gurley’s estimated population of 856 residents has grown gradually (0.35% annually). The demographic breakdown is roughly 83% White, 7% Black, and 10% other or mixed. Households tend to be mid-age (42 median) with a median income of around $74,300; this mix results in multigenerational family ties, local church networks, and a homey atmosphere.

Read: Capitalization Rate

Gurley, Alabama Housing Market & What to Expect

A market in balance

• Median sold price hovers around $335,000, though recent luxury sales reached $600,000+
• A large home was reported sold at $554,900 in early 2025
• Small, older homes often list for $120,000–$260,000 in the historic town center
• Average time on market: 52 days, but new construction may sell within 3–4 weeks

Home types permit choice

• Historic bungalows and ranches (2–3 bedrooms, older footprint)
• New construction subdivisions (Craftsman-style homes on modern lots)
• Estate-style homes on acreage (quiet privacy and rural charm)
• Custom builds on raw lots around town

Overall, Gurley offers more bang for your buck than nearby Madison/ Huntsville without sacrificing quality.

Read on: Foreclosure

Neighborhoods & Subdivisions

Most lots exceed 0.3–2 acres, allowing room for gardening, recreation, and creative uses. Historic zones offer smaller lots with easy access to shops, schools, and churches.

Read: North Alabama's booming neighbourhoods

Local Schools & Education

Gurley belongs to Madison County Schools:

• Madison County Elementary (K-8) supports most local children 
• Madison County High School, grades 9–12, 460 students 
• Graduation rates around 95%, strong athletics program

Nearby Randolph School, Huntsville private schools, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) offer additional choices. Families appreciate high academic quality, small class sizes, and supportive communities.

Commuting & Transportation

• Main routes: U.S. Route 72 to Huntsville (16 min) and Interstate access (10 miles west)
• Commuters average 23 minutes to Huntsville; most drive solo, while 12% carpool, and 4% work from home
• Limited transit: Madison County TRAM offers weekday rideshare service

A standard Gurley commute is manageable; cows seen grazing outside your window are not uncommon.

Also read: Rent increase notice

Employment & Telework

Local jobs are limited; most residents work in education, healthcare, and public administration (40%). Huntsville-area employers include:

• Redstone Arsenal military/defense
• Research Park Boeing, Dynetics, Raytheon
• University & biotech firms-UAH, HudsonAlpha
• Mazda-Toyota (plant 30 min southeast)

A growing number of residents work remotely or run small businesses out of home labs or studios. Gigabit internet is becoming available in new subdivisions.

Recreation and Local Life

Gurley is all about outdoor spaces:

• Charles Stone Park: trails, playground, community events
• Kayaking, fishing, and hiking at Cathedral Caverns State Park (16 mi)
• Lost Sink Trail: beautiful farmland and wildlife
• Annual 4th of July picnic, church yard sales, My Brothers Coffee meetup

Seasonal gatherings promote bonding and preserve the village feel.

Read: Things to consider when choosing a leasing-only service in North Alabama

Healthcare & Wellness

• Mad City Urgent Care (10 min) provides quick care for minor emergencies
• Madison Hospital offers full ER and inpatient care in nearby Madison (20 min)
• Specialists and dentists are within a 20–30 minute drive

Expect an ongoing integration of local care providers as the community expands.

Shopping and Dining

Gurley offers small-town essentials:

• Gurley Café & Grill: local favorites for breakfast & lunch
• Pat’s Cleaners, two auto mechanics, and a Dollar General
• Madison provides Publix, Harris Teeter, Starbucks, and golf courses (15 min)
• Huntsville’s Bridge Street Town Centre: boutiques, theatre, major chains (25 min)

You get local convenience and big-city choice within easy reach.

Faith, Civic Life & Culture

Gurley is anchored by:

• Gurley Baptist, Gurley Methodist, New Friendship Baptist
• American Legion and Lions Club sponsor community events
• Fire & Police Departments staffed by residents
• The Gurley Lodge #521 F & AM is a local meeting hub

Weekly and seasonal gatherings build cohesion, strengthened by village pageantry.

Read on: Insurance for apartment owners

Weekend Getaways and Natural Spaces in Gurley

Nature seekers love Gurley:

• Walls of Jericho (Back Door Trail for waterfalls, 30 min)
• Monte Sano State Park, including mountain biking and hiking (20 min)
• Cathedral Caverns offers caving, lodging, and year-round programming
• Lake Guntersville offers boating and fishing (45 min)

Outdoor lovers have easy access to birdwatching, biking, and family adventures in all seasons.

Cost of Living Breakdown

You get lower taxes and housing costs. Residents enjoy savings and real quality-of-life gains.

Investing in Gurley Real Estate

Benefits

• High demand for $150K–$300K homes for rentals, flips, and long-term hold
• Strong year-over-year price gains (11.1% in 2023)
• Low entry cost, stable appreciation potential
• An untapped market of remote/hybrid workers seeking smaller-town living

Risks & Considerations

• Smaller size limits economic diversity
• Long-term growth tied to Huntsville region health
• Less downtown commercial demand keeps business involvement cautious

Moving Guide & Timeline

3–6 Months Prior

• Explore online listings, history of homes
• Reach out to local agents (e.g., Keller Williams, RealtySouth)

2 Months Prior

• Tour neighborhoods (day and night)
• Pre-approval for financing

1 Month Prior

• Contract review, finalize closing
• Set up utilities, internet

Move-in Week

• Transfer mail, register a vehicle, and join Facebook community groups

1–2 Months Post-Move

• Volunteer at a park event or a city meeting
• Meet neighbors at Charles Stone Park

What Lies Ahead for Gurley?

Future growth will be cautious and thoughtful:

• Possible new schools or expansions
• More custom-built homes and services
• Enhanced broadband coverage for hybrid work
• Continued community events and volunteer-driven development

As Huntsville grows, Gurley benefits without losing its small-town charm.

Final Take: Who Should Live in Gurley?

Gurley suits those seeking:

• Heritage charm or modern craft designs
• Relative affordability in an improving housing market
• Small-town living with big-city reach
• Families need strong schools and a friendly pace
• Investors seeking rental opportunities in Redstone-influenced change zones

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 Ready to Explore Life in Gurley?

Whether you're searching for your dream home, planning your retirement, or looking for the next great investment opportunity, Gurley, Alabama, offers the perfect blend of charm, community, and convenience.

 📩 Need help managing your rental? Ask about our Gurley property management services

Let’s find your perfect home—and protect your investment from day one.

FAQs for Home Seekers

1. Is Gurley growing quickly?

No, it’s slowly expanding, ensuring no fast sprawl.

2. Can you find work in the town?

Limited. Most jobs are in Huntsville, or locals work remotely.

3. Is there any public transportation?

Public transit in Gurley is limited. TRAM runs only on weekdays, so most residents drive.

4. Is groundwater/flooding a concern?

Low risk, most homes are on well-drained hillsides.