Dothan, Alabama

What It Is Like to Retire in Dothan

Known as “The Peanut Capital of the World” and situated in the southeastern corner of Alabama, Dothan, is just west of the Georgia state line and only 16 miles north of Florida. The town, with a population of about 65,000 (2010 census), started out as a producer of turpentine and wood from the surrounding pine forests, and then produced cotton until the early 1900's, at which time the crops were devasted by the boll weevil. Farmers then turned to peanut production, and today about one-quarter of the country's peanut crop is harvested in the area and its success is celebrated each November during The National Peanut Festival. The town has recently been named as one of the “8 Appealing Low-Cost Cities” in Where to Retire Magazine, due to its livabilty with affordable housing, and low taxes.

Pictures in the Public Domain of Looking up Foster St. toward downtown Dothan,courtesy of Wikipedia and Ecjmartin1, and of Wiregrass Museum of Art coutesy of Wikipedia and Suzenr2000.

Where to Retire in Dothan and Home Prices

Zillow reports the median list price of a home to be $127,033 in early 2020, and calls it a "very Hot Market" at this time.

What Is Special about Dothan

Dothan offers a low cost of living, has a regional airport , hospital and a community college.  The town is also home to a symphony orchestra, theaters, and museums. 

What Is Not Special about Dothan

Summers are hot and humid; the crime rate is above the national average; Dothan is isolated and not near a large city, Montgomery is over 100 miles away.

Who Will Like Retirement in Dothan

Retirees who want a mid-sized town that has affordable housing and low taxes, along with offering music, the arts, festivals and plenty of peanuts.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Retail and Manufacturing

Climate and Physical Environment

The average January temperature is about 50 degrees, and the average July temperature is 82 degrees.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Dothan offers a variety of music and the arts.  The Dothan Opera House features theatre performances and concerts, and the Southeast Alabama Community Theater hosts live entertainment and theatrical productions. The Dothan Botanical Gardens boasts 50 acres of gardens and wooded landscapes, and the Wiregrass Museum of Art presents ongoing exhibits. The town also hosts community events throughout the year including a BBQ Festival, The Toadlick Music Festival and The National Peanut Festival which includes concerts, a fair, and a large parade.

Crime

The crime rate in Dothan is a little above the national average with most incidents involving theft.

Medical facilities

Flowers Hospital is located in Dothan.

Transportation

Dothan has a regional airport, a Greyhound Bus station, and a dial-a-ride bus service.  The nearest international airport is in Atlanta over 200 miles away.

Valuable Links

Dothan, Alabama