Alabama is a great place to live, with plenty of interesting places and activities to explore.
But when it comes to finding the best place to live in the state, there are a few key factors that come into play.
From access to amenities like schools and healthcare to crime rates and cost of living, each city has its own unique pros and cons.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best place to live in Alabama for you to consider for your next move.
Best Places to Live in Alabama
1. Auburn
Auburn is located just east of Montgomery on I-85 and is home to approximately 62,000 residents as well as Auburn University.
It’s known for its college atmosphere but also offers affordable housing options with a median home price of $142,000.
The city also boasts low unemployment due to an abundance in the job market, and crime rates, making it safe and secure. Also, this area is great, for especially its low cost of living.
There are plenty of schools in the area as well, including three public elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.
2. Huntsville
Huntsville is located on I-65 in the northern part of Alabama and has a population of over 190,000 people.
It’s best known for being the site of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and U.S. Army Aviation Missile Command but offers much more than just science and technology jobs—it also features an affordable cost of living with a median home sales price of $154,500.
Schools are plentiful and include twenty-eight public and private elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools.
Additionally, Huntsville offers plenty of parks and outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy.
3. Fairhope
Fairhope is a small city located on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay in Baldwin County.
It is known for its low crime rate, excellent schools, and beautiful scenery that includes over thirty parks interspersed throughout the town.
Despite being a relatively small city with just 16,000 people living there as of 2019, it has an extensive list of amenities—restaurants, shopping centers, medical facilities—that make it feel like a much larger place.
The median home sales price is around $198,300 which makes it slightly more expensive than some other cities in the state, but its quality of life is worth the investment.
4. Birmingham
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama with a population of over 212,000 people. It has plenty to offer, from excellent schools to cultural attractions like the Birmingham Museum of Art and McWane Science Center.
The median home sales price here is around $127,800 which makes it affordable for many potential residents. And there are numerous parks and outdoor recreation areas perfect for those who want to explore nature or spend time outdoors.
The crime rate is slightly higher than in other cities but still well below the national average.
5. Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is best known as the home of The University of Alabama and its beloved Crimson Tide football team, but the city has much more to offer than college sports.
It’s located in West Central Alabama and has a population of around 100,000 people. It boasts excellent schools, plenty of shopping and dining options, and low unemployment rates.
The median home sales price is $147,300 which makes it an affordable option for many potential residents. And with its low crime rate, Tuscaloosa offers a safe community for families or individuals who are looking for a place to call home.
6. College Station
College Station is a small college town located in the southeastern part of Alabama with a population of just over 17,000 people. It’s best known as the home to Auburn University at Montgomery and Wallace State Community College-Hanceville.
The median home sales price here is around $159,800, making it slightly more expensive than other cities in the state but still relatively affordable for most residents. Additionally, there are plenty of parks and outdoor recreational areas nearby perfect for enjoying nature or spending time outdoors.
The crime rate is extremely low and the schools are excellent, so it’s an ideal place for students or those looking to raise a family.
7. Montgomery
Montgomery, Alabama’s capital city, is located in the southeastern part of the state and has a population of over 200,000 people. Also did you know that Montgomery played a crucial role in the civil rights movement?
It’s best known as home to Maxwell Air Force Base and Auburn University at Montgomery but also offers great schools, low unemployment rates, and an affordable median home sales price of $123,400.
Montgomery also features plenty of parks and outdoor recreation opportunities such as golf courses, fishing spots, walking trails, and more. You can also visit the Montgomery Museum while you at it.
Also, this capital was where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave out his “How Long, Not Long speech as well.
Additionally, there are numerous cultural attractions like The Legacy Museum and The Rosa Parks Library & Museum which make this city an interesting place to visit or live in.
8. Alabama’s Gulf Coast
The Alabama Gulf Coast is best known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Located on the northern edge of the Gulf of Mexico, it stretches from Orange Beach in the east to Fort Morgan in the west.
In addition to its stunning beaches, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy here such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and more. There are also numerous shops and restaurants that line the coastal towns offering everything from souvenirs to fresh seafood.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, nearby Mobile Bay offers some of the best sailing opportunities in the country with its wide open spaces and calm waters.
Overall, the Gulf Coast is an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration during any season. Whether you’re looking for a romantic beach getaway or an outdoor adventure, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
9. Port City
Located on the Mobile River near the mouth of Mobile Bay. It’s best known for its rich history and is home to numerous historical sites including Fort Gaines and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.
The city offers a vibrant culture and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, boating, and camping. There are also many parks in the area perfect for picnicking or just enjoying nature.
The median home sales price here is around $143,400 which makes it affordable for most potential residents. And with its low crime rate, Ity provides a safe environment for families or individuals who are looking for a place to call home.
Overall, the city is an ideal destination if you’re looking for an affordable beach town that offers both relaxation and adventure. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and laid-back atmosphere, you’ll be glad you made the decision to call it home.
10. Indian Springs Village
This small town is located in northern Alabama with a population of around 4,800 people. It’s best known as the home to Indian Springs Country Club and is surrounded by stunning scenery such as wooded hills, rolling valleys, and scenic lakes.
The city offers an affordable median home sales price of $248,000 and is known for its low unemployment rate. It also boasts excellent schools and a crime rate much lower than other parts of the state.
The village offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and more. There are also numerous parks in the area perfect for enjoying nature or spending an afternoon with your family.
Overall, this area is an ideal destination for those seeking a safe and affordable place to call home.
11. Mountain Brook
Mountain Brook is a small town located in Alabama’s Birmingham metro area with a population of just over 20,000 people. It’s best known as one of the best places to live in Alabama, offering excellent schools and low crime rates.
The median home sales price here is around $390,000 making it one of the more expensive cities in the state but still affordable for many. Additionally, there are plenty of parks and outdoor recreation areas nearby perfect for enjoying nature or spending time outdoors.
12. Downtown Huntsville
Located in northern Alabama, Huntsville is best known as the home of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and for its rich aerospace heritage. It’s also a vibrant city with plenty of things to do, from exploring historic sites to shopping or dining at one of its many restaurants or bars.
The median home sales price here is around $190,000 making it an affordable destination for potential residents. Additionally, the city offers excellent schools and a low crime rate that make it ideal for families or those looking to move into a safe neighborhood.
In addition to its space-related attractions, Huntsville also offers numerous parks and outdoor recreation areas perfect for enjoying nature or spending time outdoors with friends and family. There are also plenty of fun activities to enjoy in the city, from attending festivals to exploring museums or galleries.
13. Mobile
Mobile is one of the oldest city in Alabama, best known for its seafood-centric cuisine, waterfront attractions, and antebellum architecture. It’s also a great place to raise a family with its excellent schools, low crime rate, and affordable median home sales price of $134,500.
The city is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts as well with plenty of parks in the area perfect for fishing, camping, boating, or just enjoying nature. It also offers plenty of unique attractions such as the National African American Heritage Museum, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, and the Mobile Carnival Museum.
Overall, Mobile is an ideal destination for those looking for a safe place to call home with plenty of activities to keep you busy year-round and awesome to live in Alabama. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and waterfront attractions, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to call it home.
Best Things to Do in Alabama
Alabama is a state full of activities and attractions to explore. From national parks and wildlife refuges to historical sites and unique local attractions, there’s something for everyone in Alabama.
The best things to do in the state depend on your interests, but here are some key highlights you shouldn’t miss:
1. Visit the U.S Space & Rocket Center
This museum located in Huntsville is dedicated to space exploration and features more than 1,500 artifacts from past NASA missions.
2. Explore Alabama’s Beaches
With over 57 miles of Gulf Coast beaches, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Dauphin Island, there’s tons of fun in the sun waiting for you.
3. Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
This institute was founded to uphold the legacy of civil rights in Birmingham and features interactive exhibits, films, and educational programs.
4. Tour Mobile’s USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
This park is home to a riveting war memorial dedicated to those who served during World War II. It includes tours of the battleship USS Alabama and a variety of other historic military artifacts.
5. Check out Little River Canyon National Preserve
Located near Fort Payne, this preserve offers stunning views of the river canyon and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and more.
6. Experience Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
Situated at Moton Field in Tuskegee, this national park commemorates the heroic accomplishments of America’s first African-American military pilots during World War II.
7. End your trip with a visit to the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
The perfect way to end any Alabama adventure, this science center in Mobile focuses on inspiring imagination and innovation through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
When visiting Alabama, be sure to also check out some of its best cultural attractions.
8. Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
For music fans, there’s the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, best known for creating hits like “I’ll Take You There” and “Brown Sugar.” And don’t miss the historic birthplace of blues legend W.C Handy in Florence.
9. Birmingham Museum of Art
Fans of art will love a visit to the Birmingham Museum of Art which houses more than 24,000 works spanning 4,000 years and includes pieces from all over the world. Plus, you can find numerous galleries featuring local artists throughout Alabama’s cities and towns.
10. Noccalula Falls Park
Adventure seekers can head to Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, which offers a variety of outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and even mini-golf.
11. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
And if you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to check out the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham—you can see more than 1,400 vintage cars and motorcycles!
No matter what you decide to do in Alabama, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience full of unique sites, activities, and attractions. Plan your trip today
Thoughts and Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing the best city to live in in Alabama depends on what matters most to you and your family. Also, the low cost of living with a combination of Southern hospitality makes Alabama idea places to settle.
Whether it’s affordability, job opportunities, or access to amenities, each city has something unique to offer that makes it a great place to call home.
Hopefully, this article has given you a better idea of some of the best places to live in Alabama so you can make an informed decision about where best suits your needs. Best of luck!
