Originally known as “Girard,” Phenix City has a long history that’s intimately tied to nearby Columbus, Georgia. After serving as a sleepy farming community and trade depot for much of the 19th century, Phenix City was the site of the last proper battle of the Civil War. Although it wasn’t completely destroyed, the rebuilding process took many years. By the early 20th century, Phenix City had grown into a small but important industrial center as well as a bedroom community for Columbus. These days, it serves as a trade hub for eastern Alabama and an important node in the Southeast’s transportation network.

Geography

Phenix City is located on the west bank of the Chattahoochee River in east-central Alabama. Although most of the city is located in Russell County, a small section of it extends northward into Lee County. To the west, Phenix City is bordered by a semi-rural landscape of farmsteads and forest. To the east, it’s bounded by the much larger city of Columbus, Georgia. In addition to U.S. Highway 80, the area’s major transportation thoroughfares include U.S. Highway 431 and Alabama Highway 8. The city’s downtown area contains several well-preserved structures from the 19th century.

Population and Demographics

According to the most recently available Census figures, Phenix City has a population of just under 40,000. Most of its residents are middle-class professionals who work for local financial, legal and medical firms or commute to nearby Columbus for jobs in that city’s burgeoning service industry. A fair number of Phenix City residents hold jobs with the U.S. military or its contractors, as well. Despite the city’s southerly location and mild climate, it has yet to emerge as a major destination for retirees or northern snowbirds.

Things to Do in Phenix City, Alabama

Phenix City has plenty of engaging points of interest. As the site for much of the filming of The Phenix City Story, the city’s downtown core remains popular with film buffs and history fans alike. To the north, Standing Boy Creek State Park offers top-notch swimming, boating and fishing on the Chattahoochee River. Nearby Green Island Country Club attracts golfers of all skill levels with its well-kept greens and challenging lies. For outdoorsy locals, Tuskegee National Forest offers a full suite of hiking, camping, bird-watching and other popular outdoor activities. Military families enjoy deep discounts on services in and around the campus of nearby Fort Benning.

Climate and Weather

Phenix City has a subtropical climate that’s known for long, hot summers and cool, rainy winters. Due to its southerly latitude and relatively low elevation, the city doesn’t experience regular snowfall or ice accumulations. However, it’s prone to severe thunderstorms and heavy rains throughout the year. In the summer, long periods of hot, sticky weather are quite normal. During the early fall, the potential for tropical storm activity increases markedly. Fortunately, Phenix City isn’t as vulnerable as Alabama’s coastal cities.

Air Conditioning Repair in Phenix City, Alabama

Watley Heating & Air Conditioning is committed to connecting Phenix City’s residents and business owners with great deals on air conditioning service, repair and maintenance throughout the year. The company employs a dedicated crew of NATE-certified technicians and friendly support staff members who understand the modern HVAC industry through and through. These Alabama-licensed professionals are capable of performing routine maintenance and cleaning jobs as well as time-sensitive installations and retrofits that require meticulous attention to detail. What’s more, Watley’s team members remain on call on a 24-hour basis to address unexpected emergencies and minimize equipment downtime.

Watley Heating & Air Conditioning works with major manufacturers like Bryant to supply Phenix City with dependable, affordable heating and air conditioning system. The company’s centrally located showroom boasts top-tier zone systems, central air conditioning units, furnaces, heat pumps, water heaters and dehumidifiers. It’s also Phenix City’s top source of whole-house air quality equipment. Residents and business owners who require on-demand financing for their purchases can count on Watley to accommodate their needs, and the company’s long-term warranties provide much-needed peace of mind for years on end. With Watley, Phenix City keeps comfortable in any weather.