7 Best Small Towns To Retire In Alabama
The state of Alabama not only offers retirees great affordability but also boasts a mild climate, natural beauty, and diverse landscapes. Even in desirable locations along the coast and in the mountains, the housing prices are well below the national average, with a statewide median price of $179,400. Alabama enjoys pristine beaches in the Gulf Coast region; the Appalachian Mountains offer dense forests, waterfalls, and peak views over lush valleys.
The climate in "The Heart of Dixie" is relatively comfortable in the winters, though the summer heat can be oppressive. Many of the small towns offer charming period architecture. There is also excellent access to medical care, with more than 118 hospitals in the state. Two of the highest-rated hospitals in Alabama include the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham. WorldAtlas has done all the research, so come with us on a tour of the top retirement small towns in the state.
Fairhope
The small bayside town of Fairhope, with its mild climate, easy terrain, and coastal plains, offers pleasant views of Mobile Bay from atop the bluffs. According to locals, the sunsets over the bay are second to none. Fairhope’s downtown is full of southern charm and offers beachy architecture. Local attractions include the Fairhope Pier, the Fairhope Museum of History, and the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. It is important for seniors (and everyone) to stay mobile. Thankfully, the downtown is walkable and there are plenty of bike paths and golf courses. 25.6% of the population is aged 65+, and the cost of living is low, with the median home price around $392,300 (Census Bureau). There are several senior living homes, including Brennity at Fairhope Senior Living, with mostly positive Google reviews.
Athens
One town that is quickly becoming a retirement hotspot is Athens. One of the best features of Athens is its centrality. It is smack dab in the middle of Nashville and Birmingham. One can drive to either city in about 90 minutes. It is also only a few more hours to the Gulf Coast. For seniors looking to make the most of their RV adventures, having Athens as their homebase allows easy access to popular destinations. The terrain is mostly flat with woodlands. The town is brimming with greenery, and the downtown architecture is a mix of historic and modern buildings and homes. The core of the town is built around their beautiful historic courthouse. Local attractions include Athens State University, Big Spring Memorial Park, and the Alabama Veterans Museum. The North Bike Trail is an 89-mile circular route with pretty vistas. There are more than a few senior living homes in the town, like The Goldton at Athens, which offers assisted living. Residents 65 and over make up nearly 19% of the population, and the cost of living is quite modest, with the median home price right around $224,200 (Census Bureau).
Jasper
A hidden retirement beauty in the state is the town of Jasper. The city is enveloped by gentle hills, forests, and open land. Lewis Smith Lake and Bankhead National Forest offer proximity to nature, attractiveness, and leisure activities. The downtown has a mix of period and modern architecture and both a suburban and rural feel. In addition to the national forest and the lake, other local attractions are the Jasper Rail Yard and Memorial Park, with its duck pond, walking paths, and ballfields. The senior population is nearly 18%, and the cost of living is quite generous, with the median home price at $196,300 (Census Bureau). There are several retirement homes, including HarborChase of Jasper, which offers assisted living.
Montevallo
The quaint college town of Montevallo is located just 30 miles south of Birmingham. It has been described by locals as a small town with a high quality of life. The town provides short driving distances to some of the largest metro areas in the state. The University of Montevallo is the only public liberal arts college in Alabama, and it is located right in the heart of the city. The 1800s town has forests, hills, and quiet open spaces. Montevallo provides pretty parks, and Shoal Creek runs through it, making it a picture-perfect village. The downtown offers period buildings with a blend of various architectural styles. The winters are mild, and the cost of living is low, with a median home price of $188,800. The senior population is around 13% (Census Bureau). The town itself is short on senior living homes, but neighboring towns have plenty of options, and there is a fine senior center, Montevallo Senior Citizens, which offers socialization.
Enterprise
The town of Enterprise is in the southeastern part of the state. The town’s climate offers cold but short winters and natural beauties, such as Lake Tholocco and Fort Rucker, which is close by. The town’s center is a mix of period and modern architecture and is probably most known for its unusual statue of a woman holding a boll weevil in the middle of Main Street, known as the Boll Weevil Monument. Other local attractions include the Dixie Boys Baseball Park and the Enterprise Civic Center. Nearly 16% of the population is 65 and older, and the cost of living is affordable, with the median home price at $190,700 (Census Bureau). There are a few senior living homes in town, including Kelley Place, which offers assisted living.
Eufaula
Known as the “Bass Capital of the World,” Eufaula is the place to retire for those who plan to spend a good chunk of their golden years fishing. The town’s terrain is mixed with flat places and rolling hills, set against pretty Lake Eufaula. The downtown exudes southern charm, and the style of its period homes is one of the town’s attractions. At the center of town is a lovely fountain, with sitting benches. Local attractions include the Shorter Mansion (1800s Revival-style house), Lakepoint State Park, Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, and the Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District. Nearly 21% of the population is 65 years of age and older, and the cost of living is low, with the median home price at $134,100 (Census Bureau). There are four senior living homes in the town, including Gardens of Eufaula, with its assisted living.
Fort Payne
Known as Alabama’s Mountain Town, Fort Payne is set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Being only an hour southwest of Chattanooga, the town is halfway between Lookout Mountain and Sand Mountain. CNN Money Magazine crowned Fort Payne as one of the “25 Best Places to Retire.” Little River Canyon National Preserve has gorgeous waterfalls and forests to explore. The same is true of nearby DeSoto State Park and Falls. The downtown area has a mix of 19th-century period and mountain-style architecture. Besides the state parks, another local attraction is the Alabama Band Fan Club and Museum (local3news). Those 65 and older make up nearly 19% of the population. The median home price is $145,600, making the cost of living quite low (Census Bureau). There are a few senior living homes in the town, with Wills Creek Village having the best Google ratings.
Best Places in Alabama to Retire
Beyond the low cost of living, mild winters, warm coastal breezes, and stunning views, the state of Alabama has a rich southern history that makes it a top retirement choice for many American seniors. Throw in the many state parks, historical landmarks and top hospitals and it is easy to see why Alabama is becoming so popular.
