Anniston, AL

Anniston is a city located in the southeastern corner of Alabama. The population was 103,405 as of the 2010 census. Anniston is the county seat of Calhoun County and is home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The history of Anniston can be traced back to 1819 when General James Fannin and his troops camped on land that is now part of downtown Anniston. The city was officially founded in 1872 by Colonel W.S. Arnett and named for General Thomas J. Jackson, who died in battle just two years earlier. The early economy was based on agriculture, but with the arrival of the railroad in 1892, industry began to grow rapidly, leading to the development of cotton mills and other businesses related to transportation and manufacturing. In 1917, during World War I, Anniston became a center for training soldiers for service overseas; more than 50% of all African American troops who served in World War I were from Anniston.

Today, Anniston remains an important economic center with a diversified industrial base that includes automotive manufacturing (Ford Motor Company), aerospace companies (Lockheed Martin), and pharmaceuticals (Bayer). The city has also experienced significant growth in its retail sector over recent years; there are now more than 150 stores within city limits. In addition, there are several large office complexes located within the city limits including Regions Financial Center and Renaissance Square III (formerly known as Renaissance Tower).

Real estate in Anniston is characterized by its moderate price range relative to other cities in Alabama and nationwide; median home prices were $101,000 as of September 2016 according to Zillow data. This makes it an affordable option for buyers looking for suburban living without having to sacrifice quality or amenities. Additionally, because many businesses are headquartered within the city limits or close by, there is strong job growth potential; according to Indeed data from May 2017 , average monthly job growth rates were 2% or higher throughout most sectors including healthcare (+5%), professional services (+4%), technology (+3%), education (+2%) and leisure/hospitality (+1%). This means that there is always demand for new homes and apartments available for sale or lease within Anniston's boundaries - no matter what stage your life may be at!