Alabaster, Alabama is surrounded by a number of cities and towns that all offer something unique. To the north, one can find Helena, a city known for its historic downtown area, which features a variety of restaurants and shops. The city is also home to the Helena Museum of Natural History, which houses artifacts from the area’s early settlers. Further north is Pelham, which is known for its large retail district and numerous parks. Pelham also hosts an annual music festival that draws in crowds from across the state. To the east lies Montevallo, a college town home to the University of Montevallo and known for its vibrant art scene. Montevallo also has several historic sites including Orr Park and American Village, both of which draw visitors from across Alabama. Heading south one can find Calera, a small town with an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking trails and fishing spots at nearby Lake Mitchell. Calera is also home to Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum which has been used in many films over the years. Lastly to the west lies Columbiana which boasts an impressive selection of antique stores as well as plenty of wineries to explore. Columbiana celebrates its past with several festivals throughout the year as well as an old-fashioned carnival every summer. All in all, these cities and towns make Alabaster’s surroundings diverse and interesting with plenty to explore!
Population of Alabaster, Alabama
The city of Alabaster, Alabama is home to a population of 33,541 people, according to the 2019 United States Census. The population is split among a number of ethnicities and ages. The majority of Alabaster’s population is White (81.9%), followed by African American (14.7%), Hispanic or Latino (2.3%), Asian (1%), and two or more races (0.9%). The median age in the city is 34 years old and the gender ratio is almost equal with 49.6% female and 50.4% male residents.
The city has seen a steady population growth over the past decade, with an increase of 21% since 2010 due to its close proximity to Birmingham and other larger cities in the area. Alabaster also benefits from being located within Shelby County, which has one of the highest median household incomes in Alabama at $76,937 per year as reported by the US Census Bureau in 2018. This high level of income has allowed for an above-average quality of life for many people living in Alabaster, leading to an influx of new residents over the years.
Alabaster’s diverse population brings together a variety of cultures and backgrounds that have shaped the city into what it is today—a vibrant community with plenty to offer both newcomers and longtime residents alike!
Schools and Education in Alabaster, Alabama
Alabaster, Alabama is served by the Shelby County School System, which provides excellent educational opportunities to its students. The district has twelve public schools, including five elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools. The elementary schools provide a comprehensive curriculum for Pre-K through 5th grade students that includes reading, math, science, social studies and physical education. The middle schools offer a variety of elective courses such as art and music as well as core classes like English and history. Lastly, the four high schools in Alabaster offer college-preparatory courses in a wide range of disciplines from math and science to foreign languages and English literature. Check toppharmacyschools for top speech language pathology schools in Alabama.
In addition to these public school options, Alabaster is home to several private educational institutions such as Kingwood Christian School and Cornerstone Christian Academy. These private schools provide an alternative option for parents who want their children to receive a faith-based education.
In terms of higher education opportunities, Alabaster is located near several colleges and universities such as the University of Montevallo (35 minutes away) and Birmingham Southern College (45 minutes away). These colleges provide excellent opportunities for students who are looking to earn a degree or pursue further educational opportunities after completing high school in Alabaster.
Overall, the city of Alabaster offers an impressive selection of educational options for its residents—from quality public school programs all the way up through post-secondary degrees!
Places of Interest in Alabaster, Alabama
Alabaster, Alabama is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions to explore. One popular place to visit is the Alabaster City Park, which features walking trails, picnic areas, a fishing pier, and a playground. The park also hosts several annual events such as the Alabaster Arts Festival and the Alabaster Summer Concert Series.
For history buffs, there’s the Historic Shelby County Courthouse, which was built in 1847 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse offers guided tours that provide an in-depth look at the building’s history and architecture.
Other local attractions include the Alabama Splash Adventure theme park, which has roller coasters and water slides for all ages to enjoy; Oak Mountain State Park for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing; the Pelham Civic Complex for live entertainment; and The Outlet Shops of Grand River for shopping.
Finally, Alabaster also has several restaurants offering an array of cuisines from Mexican to Italian along with plenty of local pubs serving up craft beer. With all these options available, Alabaster is sure to have something for everyone!