Historic Neighborhoods in Huntsville, AL: Old Town, Twickenham, Five Points and Merrimack Mill Village

Huntsville has four historic neighborhoods that buyers ask about most: Twickenham, Old Town, Five Points and Merrimack Mill Village. Each one has older homes, a clear local story and its own feel. Twickenham has the oldest homes. Old Town is known for Victorian houses. Five Points is a quiet bungalow neighborhood close to downtown. Merrimack Mill Village is a former mill village with rows of small historic homes.

I am Donalta Hall with The Hall Team at eXp Realty. Many people move here and fall for an older home. Here is what each neighborhood is like, based on city and local sources, so you can decide where to look first.

What are the oldest neighborhoods in Huntsville?

Twickenham is the oldest of the four. It was the first historic preservation district in Huntsville, set up in 1972. Old Town became a local historic district in 1974. Five Points was founded in 1892. Merrimack Mill Village grew around a cotton mill that began running in 1900.

What is it like to live in Twickenham?

Twickenham is a quiet, shaded part of town with moderate hills. It covers 13 blocks between downtown and Maple Hill Cemetery. The name comes from the original name of the town, from 1810.

Most homes here were built between 1814 and 1870. You will see Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne styles. The City of Huntsville says the district has more than 65 antebellum homes. That is the largest group of homes from before the Civil War in the state.

This is a good fit if you want grand older homes and a short trip to downtown.

What is Old Town like?

Old Town sits near Five Points and next to Twickenham. You can walk to downtown and the Huntsville Depot from here. It has sidewalks and mostly flat streets, so it is an easy place to walk.

It became a local historic district in 1974 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Most homes were built between 1880 and 1929. They include Queen Anne, Second Empire and Eastlake Victorian homes, plus Colonial Revival and Craftsman styles. The City says it is the only complete part of Huntsville with true Victorian character.

If you love detailed porches and old world charm, Old Town is worth a visit.

What is Five Points like?

Five Points was founded in 1892 as a neighborhood for families. It sits about a mile from downtown and about half a mile from the base of Monte Sano. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in August 2012.

The homes date from the late 1890s to the early 1900s. Many are California Bungalows. You will also find Queen Anne and other modest Victorian styles. The streets are shaded by trees, and the neighborhood association is active. Each year the Huntsville Pilgrimage Association gives home tours here.

Five Points feels like a small neighborhood inside the city. Buyers who want character, but not a grand mansion, often like it.

What is Merrimack Mill Village?

Merrimack Mill Village is a mill village. The Merrimack Manufacturing Company built it around its cotton mill, which began running in 1900. The company built about 279 mill houses between 1900 and 1937. That includes 96 Type L houses, which Wikipedia describes as the largest collection of that type in the South.

The homes include Bungalow, American Craftsman and Colonial Revival styles. There are also shotgun houses and duplexes. The streets follow a grid, with a Y shaped street that leads toward the old mill. The mill closed in 1989 and was taken down in 1992.

What should I know before I buy in a historic district?

Older homes are lovely, and they need extra care. Here is what we walk our buyers through:

• Ask the City of Huntsville historic preservation office what rules apply to a home before you make an offer. In a local historic district, changes to the outside of a home may need review.
• Get a full inspection. Older homes can have older wiring, plumbing and roofs.
• Talk to a lender early. Daniel Hall, our mortgage specialist, can help you plan your budget.
• Plan your repair budget. Older homes often need updates after you move in.

If you are not sure what you want yet, book a call with The Hall Team. We will talk about your budget, your timeline and which neighborhood fits your life.

Are you moving to Huntsville from out of town?

Many of our buyers are relocating. You do not have to choose a neighborhood before you arrive. We can help you compare areas, tour by video and plan a visit. If you need a place to stay while you search, Hall & Co Residences offers temporary and corporate housing. Start with our Huntsville relocation page or read our guide to buying your first home in Huntsville.

Frequently asked questions

Which Huntsville neighborhood has the oldest homes?

Twickenham. Most of its homes were built between 1814 and 1870, and it holds more than 65 homes from before the Civil War, according to the City of Huntsville.

Can I walk to downtown from Old Town?

Yes. Old Town is close to downtown and the Huntsville Depot, and residents can walk there.

Is Five Points a historic district?

Yes. Five Points was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in August 2012.

What kind of homes are in Merrimack Mill Village?

Mostly small mill houses built between 1900 and 1937, in Bungalow, Craftsman and Colonial Revival styles, plus shotgun houses and duplexes.

Do historic district rules limit what I can change?

They can. In a local historic district, changes to the outside of a home may need review. Check with the City of Huntsville historic preservation office before you buy.

How do I start looking at historic homes in Huntsville?

Call The Hall Team at 256 870 3778 or book a consultation. We will show you homes that fit your budget and your plans.