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Phenix City, AL

Frequently asked questions

Phenix City, AL

Phenix City is a city in Lee and Russell counties in the U.S. state of Alabama, and the county seat of Russell County.

Phenix City lies immediately west across the Chattahoochee River from Columbus, Georgia and observes Eastern Time on a de facto basis (in contrast to the rest of Alabama, which observes Central Time) due to Phenix City's strong economic ties to Columbus. Most of Phenix City is included in the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area, and the remainder is in Lee County and therefore included in the Auburn, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. The entire city is part of the Columbus-Auburn-Opelika Combined Statistical Area.

In 2007, BusinessWeek named Phenix City the nation's No. 1 Best Affordable Suburb to raise a family. It is home to Chattahoochee Valley Community College, a public, two-year college with an acceptance rate of 100%. Troy University has a satellite campus in Phenix City.

Phenix City, Alabama, strategically located along the Chattahoochee River, boasts diverse major industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The city's economic landscape is also shaped significantly by its proximity to Fort Benning, one of the largest military installations in the United States.

Health and wellness are integral to Phenix City's community fabric. The Crowne Health Care stands as a cornerstone in providing high-quality healthcare services to residents. The city is committed to promoting well-being, offering numerous parks and wellness centers such as the Phenix City Wellness Center, and providing services such as weight management programs, nutritional counseling, and fitness classes. Eufaula Wellness specializes in spa treatments, acupuncture, and holistic wellness programs. Chattahoochee Institute focuses on chiropractic care, sports injury rehabilitation, and wellness coaching. Integrated Wellness Center provides chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, and fitness programs. ChiMed Rehab Phenix City offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and wellness workshops.  

The top sites in Phenix City, AL are Idle Hour Park, Phenix City Amphitheater, and the National Civil War Naval Museum.

Population: 38,817 (2020). ZIP Code: 36867. Area code: 334. Elevation: 243 ft (74 m). Area: 28.25 sq mi (73.17 km2).

FAQs

What is Phenix City, AL famous for?

Phenix City was notorious during the 1940s and 1950s for being a haven for organized crime, prostitution, and gambling. Many of its customers came from the United States Army training center at Fort Benning, Georgia. The leaders of the crime syndicate in Phenix City were Jimmie Matthews and Hoyt Shepherd. Albert Patterson, from Phenix City, was elected to become attorney general of Alabama on a platform of reforming the city but was shot and killed in 1954 outside his office on 5th Ave, north of 14th Street.

Why is Phenix City, AL called Sin City?

Widespread voting fraud maintained the criminal syndicate's control over the city, and it became known as a “sin city.” Local soldiers arriving at Fort Benning for basic training often fell victim to Phenix City's vice trade. One local lawyer James Albert Patterson ran for Alabama’s attorney general to challenge the criminal syndicate that controlled the city. Shot three times on the streets of Phenix City (1954), Patterson's murder investigation exposed the depth of corruption. Marshal law was established in the community and within six months, the city was cleaned up. 

What are the demographics in Phenix City, AL?

As of the census of 2000, there were 28,265 people, 11,517 households, and 7,566 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,149.1 inhabitants per square mile (443.7/km2). There were 13,250 housing units at an average density of 538.7 per square mile (208.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 52.94% White, 44.97% Black or African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.56% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. 

Sources

City of Phenix

Wikipedia

Pacific Islander

Digital Archives

Fort Benning

Idle Hour Park

Phenix City Amphitheater

National Civil War Naval Museum

Phenix City Wellness Center

Eufaula Wellness

Chattahoochee Institute

Integrated Wellness Center

ChiMed Rehab Phenix City 

Crowne Health Care 

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