Just 35 minutes South of Huntsville, Guntersville is at the head of the 69,000 acre Lake Guntersville, created by the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1939. The lake enjoys 950 miles of winding shoreline, and is touted by ESPN and other fishing aficionados as the Best Bass Fishing in the country. ESPN hosts a minimum of 2 of their BASSMASTERs tournaments on the lake annually, and dedicates an hour of airtime each year to representing the lake and its best fishing spots.
Because a certain water depth must be maintained for river navigation, Guntersville is one of the most stable TVA reservoirs, fluctuating only two feet between its normal minimum pool in the winter and maximum pool in the summer. While most of the Southeastern lakes have been ravaged by recent droughts, Lake Guntersville has remained steady and accessible regardless of weather impacts, under the watchful eye of TVA.
The town was originally settled in the mid 1800s, but grew in popularity in the early 1940s with the opening of the Lake and becoming a favorite spot to watch boat races.
In the past 4 years, Guntersville has enjoyed double-digit tourism growth, while maintaining a fairly consistent population, estimated at 8000.
Other Quick Lake Guntersville Facts:
Guntersville was chosen by Relocate America in their list of “The 100 Best Places to Live in America”.
Taxes
| Retail Sales Tax | 8%, with an exemption for prescription drugs |
| Property Tax Estate TaxInheritance Tax | $43/$1000 in assessed value, owner occupied is assessed at 10% of market value, homestead exemption of $4,000 on assessed valueNoneNone |
Miles from Guntersville
| Atlanta, GA | 165 miles east |
| Birmingham, AL | 70 miles southwest |
| Charlotte, NC | 376 miles northeast |
| Chicago, IL | 620 miles northwest |
| Huntsville, AL | 35 minutes/30 miles north |
| Nashville, TN | 150 miles north |
| Orlando, FL | 593 miles southeast |
| Washington, DC | 714 miles northeast |
Climate
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Average Temperature January: 34.4 F July: 77.2 FAverage Annual Rainfall: 47.13 in. |
Abbreviated History of Guntersville
http://www.lakeguntersville.org/pages.asp?p=4
Recreation
Golf
The Guntersville area provides golfers of all skill levels with majestic and formidable courses on which to hone their skills. Course designers have taken advantage of the region’s rolling hills and natural waterways to create some of the State’s most breathtaking and, at times, heartbreaking holes. The famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail calls the area home.
Lake Guntersville State Park Golf Course
Fishing
Whether you’re looking to hook into a world‐class bass or simply spend a lazy afternoon catching crappie under the dock, Lake Guntersville provides plenty of options and opportunities. Home to some of the best sport fishing in the country and host to national fishing tournaments, including the Bassmaster Top 150 Tournament, and Bassmaster Invitational, the lake is sure to satisfy anglers of all skill levels.
Hunting
Outdoor enthusiasts have long enjoyed the challenge of hunting in the area. Permit‐public land as well as privately owned and leased land is home to whitetail deer, mourning doves, turkey, quail, rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, and opossum. Gun and bow hunters, as well as trappers, will be richly rewarded in the region’s numerous wildlife management area refuges.
Boating
Lake Guntersville’s length and width make it an ideal venue for boating, waterskiing, sailing, and houseboat cruising. In fact, water‐skiers can glide along for miles without having to turn around.
A dozen public marinas and nearly 70 other launches throughout the region provide ample opportunity for canoe, kayak, powerboat, and sail boat enthusiasts to enjoy the water and the scenery.
Hiking/Camping
Tucked in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Guntersville area gives outdoor enthusiasts the chance to hike, bike, and camp in some of the South’s most beautiful woodlands.
- Cheaha Mountain
- Talladega National Forest
- Lake Guntersville State Park
Cultural Activities
In addition to its natural scenic beauty, the Guntersville area offers many attractions to keep locals and tourists busy.
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center
- The Whole Backstage Theatre
- Nature Center at the Huntsville Botanical Garden
- Carnegie Visual Arts Center
- Alabama Ballet Summer Residency at Gorham’s Bluff
- Alabama Music Hall of Fame
- Guntersville Chamber of Commerce List of Attractions
Access To Services
Healthcare
The Guntersville area epitomizes world‐class healthcare with a local touch. Over 750 physicians practice in the region, giving it the highest physician per person ratio in the state.
- Huntsville Regional Medical Campus of the University of Alabama School of Medicine
- Baptist DeKalb
- Huntsville Hospital
- Jackson County Hospital
Transportation
- Huntsville International Airport
- Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport
- Birmingham International Airport
Real Estate Opportunities
Single family homes average $124,720 in 2007 (away from water)
Condominiums – Lighthouse Pointe lakefront resort and condominiums – fully managed resort-style community, the only lakefront resort-style community in Guntersville. Wet slips, dry boat storage, clubhouse, fitness, walking trails. 2 bedroom condominiums start at $285,000.
Home sites – Cherokee Ridge, Lindsey Harbor
