Oxford, Alabama — Choccolocco Park, Oxford Lake, and downtown

Living in Oxford, Alabama

This is home. Oxford is Friday night lights, Saturday tournaments at Choccolocco Park, coffee-and-catch-ups downtown, and mountain sunsets a short drive away. Right off I-20 between Birmingham and Atlanta, it blends big-city convenience with small-town heart.

Downtown Oxford feels like running into everyone you love in one block. The old mill/clock tower anchors Main, murals pop up between brick storefronts, and OPAC keeps the calendar packed. That big OXFORD water tower off I-20? It’s our unofficial welcome sign — the moment you know you’re home. Weeknights look like dinner, a show, then a slow walk past the lights.

Downtown Oxford

Historic storefronts, local eats, murals, and the Oxford Performing Arts Center (OPAC) keep the core buzzing. You’ll spot the old mill/clock tower and the bold OXFORD water tower by the interstate—local icons you can see for miles.

Parks, Sports & Big Outdoors

Choccolocco Park is the tournament magnet—multi-field complexes, lake loop, playgrounds, and a full events calendar. Oxford Lake Park brings lakeside paths, fishing, and the historic Coldwater Covered Bridge for postcard photos.

Choccolocco Park is where Oxford spends its weekends: cleats on the dash, lawn chairs in the trunk, and a lap around the lake between games. Oxford Lake Park is the everyday escape — duck feeds, fishing, and the picture-perfect Coldwater Covered Bridge. Ten minutes gets you to Coldwater Mountain singletrack; twenty lands you on Cheaha boardwalks with sunset views. Creek or ridge, we’ve got both.

Hiking, Trails & River Time

Minutes to Coldwater Mountain singletrack and Cheaha State Park overlooks; close to Choccolocco Creek and regional access to the Coosa River for paddling and fishing. Weekends here look like trail shoes, bikes, kayaks, and sunsets.

Oxford sits between water and ridgeline. Choccolocco Creek is the local favorite for easy paddles and summer cool-downs, while the Coosa opens up full-day floats a short drive away. Trail people love how fast you can bounce from errands to dirt — trailheads, overlooks, and picnic spots are all “grab a coffee and go” close.

Shopping, Dining & Entertainment

Big choices at the Oxford Exchange, local gems downtown, and show nights at OPAC. From brunch to brews, you can keep it casual or dress it up—your call.

Oxford does practical and pretty at the same time. The Oxford Exchange is the errand HQ — big box, boutiques, and a dozen quick bites in one stop. Downtown brings the vibe: chef-driven plates, family staples, coffee shops that remember your order, and late-night treats after OPAC. Dress it up or roll in with cleats — either way, you’re fed and happy.

Events & When to Visit

Mark the calendar: the beloved Oxford Christmas Parade, the drive-through Holiday Light Show at the park, and the fall favorite Oxfordfest downtown—plus tournaments and OPAC headliners all year.

Traditions are kind of our thing. The Oxford Christmas Parade fills Main with marching bands and lights, the drive-through Holiday Light Show turns the park into a sparkle tunnel, and Oxfordfest closes streets for arts, music, and every kind of fair food. Between that and tournaments, there’s always a reason to be out.

Schools & Education

Neighborhood elementaries feed into Oxford Middle and Oxford High—home of the Yellow Jackets. Nearby higher-ed includes Gadsden State (Ayers) and JSU.

Neighborhood elementaries feed into Oxford Middle and Oxford High — where Friday nights light up the town. Programs span career-tech to performing arts, and you’re a short drive from Gadsden State (Ayers) and JSU for the next step.

Homes & Real Estate

First-home friendly, move-up options, new builds near parks, and quiet streets with room to breathe. Strong school spirit and easy access keep Oxford in demand.

You’ve got choices: first homes near schools, classic downtown cottages by the lake, and new builds close to Choccolocco Park. If you want space, the edges of Oxford deliver bigger lots and easy back-road commutes. Demand stays steady thanks to schools, parks, and that I-20 convenience.

Nearby Areas & Commute

On I-20: ~10 minutes to Anniston, 20–25 to Jacksonville/JSU, ~1 hour to Birmingham, ~1.5 hours to Atlanta. Daily errands are minutes; trailheads and water are close.

Oxford sits right on I-20: ~10 minutes to Anniston, 20–25 to Jacksonville/JSU, ~1 hour to Birmingham, and ~1.5 hours to Atlanta. Daily errands are five minutes; trailheads and water are basically next door.

Did You Know? — Oxford Edition

Tournament Town

Choccolocco Park hosts regional tournaments year-round.

Bridge Photo-Op

The historic Coldwater Covered Bridge sits right at Oxford Lake Park.

Stage Lights

OPAC brings touring shows, concerts, and community productions.

Just for Fun

  • Selfie with the OXFORD water tower off I-20.
  • Downtown dinner + OPAC show for an easy date night.
  • Lake loop at sunset with the kids on scooters.
  • Cheaha picnic — Bald Rock boardwalk, minimal hiking, max views.

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