Nestled in the idyllic upper northwest corner of the state, the University of North Alabama’s hometown is a focal point of civic pride. Florence, alongside its three neighboring cities, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals, collectively make up the region known worldwide as The Shoals.

Boasting a rich cultural history, stunning outdoor recreational opportunities, and a lower economic cost of living compared to nearby metros, the greater Shoals region is bound to be a welcoming, beautiful, and entertaining home away from home for on-campus students during their time at UNA.

Beaming with “Southern Hospitality,” Florence and its neighbors still set themselves apart from the wider Southern United States with their unique social landscape that welcomes all.

As an excellent example of “little big towns,” the Quad Cities of the Shoals each contain multiple cultural hotspots that you’d expect in larger metros, all with a quaint and welcoming community.

From a historic musical legacy, traditional culinary staples alongside a melting pot of different cuisines to a diverse populace, the Shoals has a bevy of cultural touchstones that make this region a special place to be.  

Although it may not have the shine of New York City, Los Angeles, or the “Music City” that is Nashville, the Shoals of Alabama does possess a colorful, essential musical heritage that is celebrated to this day.  

W.C. Handy, often regarded as the “Father of the Blues,” was born in Florence in 1873, as well as the famed record producer who discovered Elvis Pressley, the “Father of Rock n’ Roll” Sam Phillips, in 1923.

Not only just the birthplace of famed figures, the region birthed a distinct style of music birthed in the 60’s known as “the Muscle Shoals Sound.”

Thanks to legendary music producer Rick Hall and the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (affectionally called “The Swampers”) at FAME Studios, Northwest Alabama turned out hit after hit record from artists such as Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, Otis Redding, the Osmonds, and countless others.

In 1969, The Swampers would form their own enterprise- Muscle Shoals Sound Studio- in Sheffield and carve out a similarly iconic legacy with records from some of their previous clients alongside The Rolling Stones, Duane Allman, Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Seger, and more.

Both studios are still active today, and area musicians spanning countless genres frequently perform live all over the Shoals at events such as the annual W.C. Handy Musical Festival celebration.  

Don’t get us wrong; the Shoals have all the staples you could think of for Southern cuisine. With mouth-watering pit BBQ, fried catfish, crawfish boils, and classic soul food hallmarks like fried green tomatoes, you’ll be sure to fall in love with southern cooking.

But we also put our own spin on things! We’re known for our distinct white BBQ sauce with mayonnaise, and Staggs Grocery in the Sweetwater district famously makes chocolate gravy you’ll have to wake up early for. Believe us; it’s entirely worth it!

We also have variety! Downtown Florence hosts plentiful small-town delights like coffee shops, bakeries, and an iconic ice cream shop in Trowbridges, alongside acclaimed, intimate restaurants spanning from Thai, Mexican, and elevated New American, amongst others.

One of the best facilitators of our easy pace of life has to do with our significantly lower cost of living compared to other cities of the region.

On average, Shoals residents benefit from a 36% lower cost of housing compared to the national average, in addition to 22% lower healthcare costs, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index.

Even though we love the Shoals, it’s not the only option for leisure and entertainment opportunities available for your time at UNA.

The Shoals are uniquely positioned in the corner of Alabama, approximately 20 miles east of Mississippi and south of Tennessee, so day trips to other state attractions are a common phenomenon for residents.

Furthermore, the largest and fastest-growing city in Alabama, Huntsville, is just an hour and a half drive east of Florence, Birmingham two hours south, and a two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Nashville.