Most people in Alabama live along the coast. From Fairhope at the southern tip of the state to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores on the northern coast, hundreds of thousands of residents call this area home.
What they have in common are beautiful beaches and white-sand shores. The interior is dominated by cities that serve as regional centers for commerce and industry, including Montgomery, Birmingham, and Mobile. There are also plenty of small towns with affordable homes in scenic areas.
Alabama is known for its natural beauty and vibrant cities. Alabama is also known for being the Heart of Dixie, home to some of the most delicious BBQ in the South.
A lot of people are moving to Alabama every year because they want a better life for themselves and their families. When you compare Alabama to other states you will see that Alabama has a lot more to offer than most places.
When deciding where to live, your top priority should be finding a place that has everything you want and needs.
Why should you choose these best places to live in Alabama?
Those concerned with safety will be glad to hear that Alabama’s statewide violent crime rate ranks among the very lowest in the country. There were 1,212 violent crimes reported per 100,000 people in the state in 2015 — among the lowest rates nationwide.
Education is important, and you can find plenty of great schools all over the state. However, not every city and town is created equal when it comes to education quality. Some cities struggle with low school funding and a shortage of teachers.
Thankfully, Alabama as a whole is an excellent place for outdoorsy individuals. Whether you’re looking for a ski slope or just a picture-perfect spot for fishing or swimming, there are plenty of choices around throughout the state.
And because Alabama has such a low population density, you won’t have to travel far to enjoy these great outdoor venues.
One of Alabama’s most appealing qualities is its affordability relative to other states across the country. While it certainly isn’t cheap by any means, it’s much more affordable than many other states from top to bottom.
Related: The 10 Wealthiest Cities in Alabama
Best Places to Live in Alabama
Each state features locations that are regarded to be the finest places to live, as well as those that are thought to be the worst. While what defines a desirable location to live is largely subjective, official rankings take into consideration a variety of aspects
Some of these variables include the place’s safety based on crime statistics, the cost of living, the lifestyle an area can provide, work prospects, and recreational activities.
The following are the top 20 best locations to live in Alabama in 2022, based on several livability indicators.
1. Madison
Madison is the best place to live in Alabama! Madison is a city in the southwestern corner of the state, about 20 miles south of Huntsville. Madison is close to Huntsville but is much more relaxed. Madison has consistently been voted the best place to live in Alabama.
Madison is an amazing place to live. The schools are great, filled with top-notch teachers and supportive parents. It is truly an awesome place to raise a family.
The cost of living in Madison is very reasonable. You can find tons of houses for well under $200,000. There are plenty of parks and recreation areas for kids and adults alike.
If you are looking for a small-town feel with all the amenities that a big city offers, then this is the place for you!
2. Vestavia Hills
Living in Vestavia Hills, Alabama puts you close to Birmingham, which has a large metropolitan population, but you won’t find the hustle and bustle of the city here.
This is a quiet town with a small-town feel that is just far enough outside of the city to keep the hustle and bustle at bay. Vestavia Hills is a beautiful community in the heart of the Birmingham area.
This is a wonderful place to call home, and you’ll find that the schools are top-notch, there are plenty of parks and outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy, and you have quick access to many area attractions.
This place is a wonderful place to raise a family. You’ll find that there are plenty of homes for sale here as well as condos and apartments for rent. You can get into your dream home here without breaking the bank, so what are you waiting for? Get started on your search today!
Related: The 10 Most Expensive Places to Live in Alabama
3. Mountain Brook
Mountain Brook is an affluent suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, and a well-known high-end shopping destination in the area. The neighborhood’s population is about 20,436 people, with a median household income that is over $130,000.
The average home price here is more than $400,00. Mountain Brook is known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, which makes it a very desirable place to live and work. The city gets its name from the fact that it lies at the foot of several long bluffs and hills known as “mountains.”
The cost of living here is 26% higher than the national average, which means residents do have to pay more for their everyday purchases. However, this is offset by the high income and overall quality of life that Mountain Brook offers.
4. Huntsville
Huntsville has a population of 185,594 people, and because it is a less business-oriented city, the cost of living is substantially lower. Rent is incredibly affordable, averaging $733 per month, and there is a significant supply of rental apartments.
The US Space and Rocket Centre, located in Huntsville, is home to the Saturn V Rocket and other amazing relics from space flight and exploration. We’re sure it’s not a determining factor, but it’s good to know what else Huntsville has to offer besides property prices and the cost of living!
Residents comment that, unlike many other parts in the southern states, Huntsville is delightfully diversified; this variety is accepted and treasured by people who reside here.
5. Homewood
Homewood, AL is a suburb of Birmingham and is one of the best places to live in Alabama. Homewood offers high-quality schools and has many amenities for families, including parks and sports. Homewood is located in Jefferson County, AL.
There are many restaurants, coffee shops, and other local businesses in Homewood. Many residents of Homewood have young children and enjoy living near the city of Birmingham, but outside the city limits.
A large number of residents are college-educated and have moderate political views. Residents tend to be polite but reserved; they often greet strangers passing on the street. The public schools in Homewood are highly rated.
Related: The 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in Michigan
6. Helena
Helena is another Birmingham suburb that has made our list of the greatest places to live in Alabama. With an average house value of $195,100, Helena is one of the best places in Alabama to buy a home.
Despite its suburban aspect, Helena does not appear to be a rabbit warren; dwellings are almost all detached and come with huge gardens or, at the very least, a backyard and a private driveway.
Because this is such a small city, you won’t be surprised to find that crime rates are fairly low; this may be due, in part, to the people’s middle-class background, as they earn an average of $84,615 each year.
7. Fairhope
Fairhope’s residents can’t help but extol its praises. Fairhope, located on the banks of Mobile Bay, which feeds into the Atlantic Ocean, offers the best of both worlds: proximity to the sea and Founder’s Park.
Fairhope in Baldwin County has a little town feel to it; with a population of about 17,300 people, it is a lovely location to live.
Despite being near the beach, property costs in this area are very reasonable; the average home value is $238,800, making it affordable for many working-class American families.
It may be small, but there is always a nice selection of homes on the market at any given moment.
Fairhope’s downtown is bustling and active, with a plethora of restaurants, pubs, and boutique stores to explore.
8. Daphne
Another region to explore is Daphne, which rates well in several areas. Education is one of this neighborhood’s strongest aspects, thus it attracts families.
It also boasts outstanding facilities, solid work possibilities, and a varied choice of rental and purchase homes. It is often a cheap region to reside in, with low crime rates. According to the 2017 census, Daphne is a minor city with a population of 25,960 people.
Because it is on the eastern side of Mobile Bay, it is ideally suited to individuals who love coastal settings. This also implies that there are options for outdoor recreation.
Related: The 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in Illinois
9. Hoover
Hoover is a town in Alabama with a population of 85,175, It is no doubt a great place to live. But what makes it so special? Let’s take a look at the top five reasons why Hoover is the best place to live in Alabama.
Hoover has an average income of $80,787 which is higher than the state average of $44,700. The cost of living index in Hoover is 87.3, which is lower than the state average of 88.7 and is below the national average of 100.
The number of jobs in Hoover is at 4,300 per capita while the national average per capita employment rate is at 42%, making Hoover one of the best places to find employment. The unemployment rate in Hoover is only 2%.
Quality schools are one of the most important factors when people decide where they want to live and raise their children.
Hoover has some of the best school systems in Alabama with exceptional public and private schools for children from elementary to high school. There are also several community colleges for those seeking further education and career training.
Hoover has several parks and recreational areas that provide families with plenty of entertainment options such as golfing, swimming, fishing and so much more.
Hoover Parks offer a variety of programs for all ages such as tennis lessons and a summer camp for children. The city also offers many sports leagues for adults including basketball, soccer, and flag football.
10. Indian Springs Village
Indian Springs Village is a Birmingham suburb with a population of 2,549 people. Indian Springs Village is located in Shelby County and is considered to be one of the nicest locations to live in Alabama.
Living in Indian Springs Village provides people with a rural feel, and the majority of inhabitants own their houses. There are several restaurants and parks in Indian Springs Village.
Indian Springs Village is mostly populated by seniors, and the population is generally conservative. Indian Springs Village’s public schools are well regarded.