Our Selma – The Shangri-la of the South

As large cities sprawl into suburbs that look the same, and much of our world has become too busy and impersonal, Selma is being rediscovered.  Long stressful commutes, crime, poor schools, high prices, taxes, and insurance costs are all making much urban and suburban living less appealing, and when people look for an alternative, it's hard to beat "southern living" in a region known for hospitality and neighborliness.

You can tell when something is real.   A genuine wave hello from across the street, a handshake, or a hug.  Helping a stranger carry her groceries.  A child saying "yes, sir," or "yes ma'am."  Treating others how you would hope to be, and caring for one's neighbors:  these things matter here.  You can sense it in the kindness of people and it warms your heart.  There is a sincerity in Selma that's hard to find today.

Selma is "The Shangri-la of the South."  We're "the perfect spot" for a compelling quality of life, work, family, and living.  If you can't remember the last time you took a deep breath and smiled peacefully, we're the cure.  And if you need a "large city fix" and "big box" retailers, they are as close in driving time as if you live in a suburb, where you have to deal with the traffic driving across town and staring at the bumper of the vehicle ahead of you.

Charlie "The Tin Man" Lucas, former professor at Yale University, and National Public Radio's
Kathryn Tucker Windham, both Selma treasures, and featured in our presentation

So what's keeping you from living in our community, rich with history and future promise, and almost everything in life being improved for you and your family while you spend less, plus have more time for yourself?  We hope you enjoy this presentation of Vaughan RMC, and "Our Selma," which we love.  We're waiting to welcome you.

Greetings from Selected Community Members:

“Selma is a city that is on the move.  It is a place for forward-thinking individuals who are interested in being a part of growth and development.  Being centrally located, there is easy access to areas like Birmingham, Montgomery, universities, and the coast, with the luxury to return home to a retreat of life in a ‘small town.’”  - Mayor George Evans

“I lived in a much larger city before I lived here. I had to drive across town (30 – 45 minutes) to work.  If you are stuck in traffic here it still only takes you 10 minutes to get across town! And I experienced a much higher cost of living than in Selma.”
- Lauri Cothran

“I have many great memories, but one of my favorites was being elected the first woman chair of the Selma/Dallas County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors….And I'm also from New Jersey!  While ‘History lives in Selma (our tourism motto)’ this is also an area that recognizes the importance of moving forward, and welcoming new neighbors from everywhere, and their ideas.” - Kathy Needham

“The cost of living is conducive to a higher standard of living for much less. The education system is equipped to address special needs of over achieving students….There are several private schools if desired.  There are programs to increase adult participation in City activities and development, such as the Leadership Selma/Dallas County.  You and your family will not be bored here.” - Mina Roussell

Selma's Amazing History:

We have a compelling past unlike any city in America.  From a recorded history dating back to French occupation in 1702, we grew into a significant circa-1800 mercantile and trade city. Selma was one of the most powerful Confederate cities and a Civil War armory and outpost – much of Selma was destroyed in one of the final battles of the War Between the States.  Our multi-cultural past includes a 100+ year-old Synagogue and former Jewish mayors.  Geronimo was here.  The highest-ranking US Official in Alabama's History, Vice-President William Rufus King, was one of Selma's founders and is buried in our Live Oak Cemetery.  Our National Voting Rights Museum commemorates the Civil Rights movement.  At the height of the Vietnam War, Craig Field, now our Industrial Park, was the busiest air-traffic port in the nation.

There may be no community in the United States of our size with the number of museums, along with the largest Historical District in its state, with more than 1200 structures on the historic register.

Sturdivant Hall Museum

Circa 1852, called the finest Greek Revival Neo-Classical antebellum mansion in the Southeast
by John Hoban, builder of the White House

"Ecor Bienville" in 1702
(Enlarges image)

Along Highway 80, the Selma to Montgomery National Voting Rights Trail was established by Congress in 1996 to commemorate the events, people, and route of the 1965 Voting Rights March in Alabama. The route is also designated as a National Scenic Byway/All-American Road. The 2007 Lowndes County Interpretive Center is designated as a National Park and is just minutes from Selma.

Community Tours:

Growth Study – Selma and Dallas County:

Jim Hodo, Left, president of local company American Apparel, with Wayne Vardaman, President of the Centre for Commerce and Executive Director of EDA

Urban and suburban escapees are coming to Selma for our idyllic lifestyle, geography, cost–of living, and easy–access to amenities without the big–city problems. Wired for fiber optics, a mature railway, sewer and water, our main industrial park has a 9,000' airstrip for the largest planes – it is a former military air station. Affordable land is another factor for why Selma and Dallas County are "the perfect spot" to live and work, for families as well as for new companies.  If you are considering a career at Vaughan Regional, it’s important to know about our economy – meet Wayne in Growth Study.

Life in Selma:

Grey Youngblood, and son Cal, at the family's 1,500 acre Hunt Club examining the latest catch from the pond, as well as upscale boutique Highland House, and the new $5 million, 43,000 SF YMCA is next to Vaughan RMC. You will be surprised by our bourgeoning arts community, our festivals, and all there is to do, and what’s close by – check out how we live in Life in Selma.

Except where indicated, every photo was taken specifically for this presentation.  Unlike many company websites and recruitment materials, in this presentation there are no "stock" photos or images that aren't authentic.

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