For Caroline and Chase Barnes, moving back to Tuscaloosa was about more than returning home. It was about creating the life they wanted for their future family.

In fact, Caroline had one condition before agreeing to move back.
"I told Chase I would only move back if we lived in The Townes," she laughs. "I loved how family friendly it was, and I knew it would be a wonderful place to raise children."

Nine years later, the Barnes family cannot imagine living anywhere else.
Caroline and Chase, who have been married for 10 years, are both Tuscaloosa natives and graduates of the University of Alabama. Caroline studied Psychology and General Business, while Chase earned degrees in Kinesiology and Biology. Their story began much earlier, though. The two met as freshmen at Tuscaloosa County High School and spent years as close friends before eventually dating in college.
After graduation, they moved to Birmingham to pursue their careers before returning to Tuscaloosa shortly after getting married to begin raising their family close to home.

Today, their family includes sons McClain, 8, and Baker, 3, along with their sweet Labrador Retriever, Jax, who still believes he is a lap dog despite weighing nearly 80 pounds.
Caroline works as a business consultant for an investment management company, but her passion project is HYPEGIRL Athletics, a women's athletic apparel company she launched last year. A former Division I tennis player at the University of Alabama and now a professional pickleball player, Caroline created the brand to inspire women to be their best selves both on and off the court. She currently competes professionally and is ranked No. 237 on the PPA World Tour in Women's Singles.
Chase works as a sales representative for a medical device company specializing in orthopedic implants. His days are often spent moving between hospitals and operating rooms, working closely with orthopedic surgeons throughout Tuscaloosa. When he finds a little free time, you can usually find him on the golf course squeezing in a quick nine holes.

As a family, the Barneses rarely sit still. Athletics play a major role in their lives. Chase is a former college basketball player who now coaches McClain's basketball team each year, while Caroline continues to compete in pickleball. Their weekends are often spent at Westerfield Country Club, where Chase and Baker work on their golf swings while Caroline and McClain play pickleball.
McClain loves basketball, baseball, golf, and pickleball. Around The Townes, he is known for riding his bike from house to house visiting friends, supporting neighborhood lemonade stands, collecting sports cards, solving challenging math problems, and reading his favorite "I Survived" books.
Baker, meanwhile, keeps everyone laughing.
"He is our little comedian," Caroline says. "One facial expression from him and you can't help but laugh."
Whether he is hitting golf balls with his dad, doing flips on the trampoline, swimming, or chasing after his older brother, Baker is happiest when he is on the move.
Family traditions are especially important to the Barnes family. Every Fourth of July, they travel to Orange Beach to gather at Chase's grandfather's bayfront home. The celebration includes a shrimp boil, country music, family time on the water, and watching fireworks from the dock.
Closer to home, they enjoy weekend visits to Heritage House for chocolate muffins and lattes, Taco Casa for extra cheesy nachos and burritos, and evenings at The Venue enjoying live music while the boys play with friends.

When asked about their favorite neighborhood tradition, the answer comes quickly.

"Halloween," Caroline says.
The family loves how The Townes comes together to create a fun, safe, and festive environment for children. Their boys usually dress as superheroes, and the family enjoys walking through the neighborhood with friends, admiring decorations, and laughing while running from the famous "Chainsaw Man."
One recent neighborhood memory stands out. During last year's Christmas parade, McClain decorated his bicycle with as many Christmas lights and garland as possible, dressed in a Santa suit, and proudly rode through the neighborhood. His efforts earned him the prize for Best Decorated Bicycle.
"He was so excited," Caroline says. "Moments like that are what make this neighborhood so special."
For the Barnes family, The Townes is more than a neighborhood. It is a community filled with friendships, traditions, and memories that continue to shape their family's story. In fact, according to McClain and Baker, there is only one problem with living here.
"They both say they never want to move," Caroline laughs.
You can find the Barnes family enjoying their beautiful home in their wonderful neighborhood of The Townes. If you see them out and about, give a friendly wave!