7 Towns Perfect for Retirement in Alabama

Alabama is one of the most southerly states in the United States, touching Tennesee to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Its location gives it balmy weather nearly all year round, making it the perfect place to settle down for retirement and enjoy the sun. Alabama is home to several unique features, including the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the East Gulf Coastal Plain, and the Cumberland Plateau.

These unique geographical features, along with its many state parks and natural beauty allow residents to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Boating and fishing in the rivers, streams, and ocean shores are all popular pastimes, with fresh seafood being a favorite staple of the locals. Whether retirees seek a bustling seashore community or a mountain side home, they’re sure to find it in Alabama.

Athens

Athens is an adorable town in northern Alabama, located under twenty miles from the Tennesee border. The town enjoys a low crime rate and a steady population of around 25,000 residents. Athens has a close-knit community that has rural charm without sacrificing access to amenities and conveniences. There are a couple of friendly and attentive medical centers throughout town, including the Athens Limestone Hospital, which is conveniently located near the town’s pharmacy.

For those seeking long-term care in a comfortable and accommodating environment, the Limestone Health Facility on West Hobbs Street is the perfect choice. This facility prides itself on meeting all the needs of its residents, whether they require permanent care in a comfortable room or short-term care while they recover. Athens also offers more independent senior and retirement homes, such as Branch Creek Apartments, which cater to specific needs while allowing residents to live freely in their own space. These apartments are conveniently located near the town’s post office, hospital, and the Athens Limestone Fitness Park, ensuring easy access to essential services and recreational activities.

Residents will likely appreciate the many small parks and historic sites, like Jimmy Gill Park and the Robert Beaty Historic District. Jimmy Gill Park is a good place to walk a dog, play with grandchildren, and just appreciate the beautiful landscapes of Alabama. Robert Beaty Historic District is a well-preserved region of town that is home to the Robert Donnell House and the Walker-Kuykendall House. Locals should also indulge themselves in a fine drink at Old Black Bear, a scrumptious pub in town that brings locals and tourists together to share their joy, and stories and celebrate the community’s heritage.

Gulf Shores

Moving about six hours south of Athens is the coastal community of Gulf Shores. Gulf Shores is located along the Gulf of Mexico, with Bon Secour Bay and Mobile Bay situated just to the west of this area. The town’s expansive beaches and nature preserves mean it has a never-ending supply of exciting things to do outside. Retirees who are seeking a beautiful location filled with plenty of open spaces that is also conveniently close to larger cities like Mobile will feel right at home in Gulf Shores. There are plenty of conveniences nearby, including several doctors' offices, with South Baldwin Medical Group being one of the largest primary care centers in the area.

As a coastal town, Gulf Shores has a lot of different resorts and hotels to enjoy, even for residents. One of the best spots for a little weekend getaway is the Lodge at Gulf State Park, which sits right along the shore of the ocean, so the views are incredible, and there’s easy access to the beach. Those who prefer a day on the green over a day in the water won’t be disappointed either thanks to the town’s local golf course, Craft Farms Golf Club.

The Gulf State Park will provide endless hours of outdoor fun for new residents hoping to get better acquainted with the natural splendor of the region. The best part is retirees won’t have to worry about whether there will be something they can enjoy at this park since it prides itself in having something for everyone. The pavilion is ideal for a more restful afternoon enjoying time with friends, while the local pool offers a more active and refreshing experience. Lastly, there are dozens are wonderful places to eat and mingle with new neighbors, like The Original Oyster House situated right near the water.

Daphne

Daphne is a welcoming small town located just under an hour north of Gulf Shores along the coast of Mobile Bay. While Gulf Shores is an ideal place for anyone hoping to be near the ocean and all the luxuries that come from living in a tourist town, Daphne is better suited to those who enjoy a quieter environment for their retirement. Daphne has wonderful natural scenery, conveniences like local shopping centers, and a wonderful senior center with lots of local activities.

The WISE Senior Center is more than a place to sit and talk, although there are plenty of opportunities for this. It is where local seniors go to mingle and be active. The gym is a favorite spot for local seniors to stay active. It is open from 6 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Thursday and 6 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. on Fridays and has lots of options for people of all levels of mobility. The center also hosts weekly lunches and card games.

Lake Forest Golf Club is not far from Lake Forest, an inland body of water. Just a few minutes away from the golf club are the town tennis courts, meaning it is quite simple to make a whole day of fun outdoor activities. Daphne also won’t disappoint those who love history, with the Montrose Historic District located a few minutes south of the town. This unincorporated town preserves the early days of Alabama, with several homes still standing from the early 18 and 1900’s. For the foodie, there are numerous places to eat and get a good drink in Daphne, with the Waterfront being a local favorite.

Fairhope

Just ten minutes south of Daphne is Fairhope, another small community resting along the shores of Mobile Bay. Fairhope offers visitors and residents a comfortable place to stay or live surrounded by nature and plenty of exciting opportunities for them to enjoy. There are several parks, including Volanta Park near the city’s parks and recreation center. The city is perfect for those who enjoy time outside since it boasts sports centers and fields, a public pool, and the Quail Creek Golf Course.

The community has everything, not just entertainment and recreational centers. Thomas Hospital is conveniently located near the middle of town and has a lot of different types of services for their patients, including in-patient care. Residents will also enjoy the convenience of having a Piggly-Wiggly and Winn-Dixie right in town, so it is easy for retirees to get all their needs without leaving town. While there aren’t any bad areas in town, there are several neighborhoods that really stand out, including the Bluffs, which overlooks Mobile Bay and Fruit and Nut, an artistic community.

There are lots of excellent eateries and diners to enjoy food with local towns folks and get to know them. Gambino’s Italian Grill and Dragonfly Food Bar are some of the best places in town that serve fresh food and drinks in a welcoming spot. In particular, Dragonfly Food Bar has a nice seating area, and its menu includes dishes like tacos, sliders, and more. Last, the town is well known for its many beaches along the coast of Mobile Bay, including North Beach Park and Orange Street Pier-Beach.

Foley

Foley is a small, welcoming town located approximately 30 minutes east of Fairhope and around 20 minutes north of Gulf Shores. It is the perfect location for those who enjoy the beach, but maybe don’t fancy the idea of living right along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Being slightly more inland gives this community a green and vibrant appeal with plenty of parks, recreational centers, and outdoor activities.

Retirees will have access to all the basic necessities, including top-tier medical care at South Balwin Regional Medical Center and easy access to major shopping locations like Wal-Mart Supercenter and a large Lowes. Folks in town, as well as tourists to the area, all enjoy visiting and spending a weekend at the town’s local Pirates Cove Rrrr V Resort. It is a fun, nature-focused location for folks who enjoy immersing themselves in nature without giving up all their luxuries. Or, new residents can acquaint themselves with the local environment and wildlife by strolling through the Graham Creek Nature Preserve.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is just a few minutes south of town and is a fun experience for almost any weekend getaway. Guests can see all kinds of unique animals, and the zoo also hosts educational experiences that everyone can enjoy. Lambert’s Cafe is not far from this location, meaning people can make a whole day of this outing and after visiting the local zoo, they can drop by and buy fresh bread and coffee. Live Oak Village is only one of the many places to live in Foley, but it is by far the best option for retirees seeking a wholesome, close-knit community to settle in town.

Vestavia Hills

Vestavia Hills is often shortened to “Vestavia” and is approximately four hours north of Foley and Mobile Bay. Vestavia Hills is most well-known as the home of the Sybil Temple, a replica of the ancient Roman temples dedicated to the ancient oracle. The Sybil Temple is a stunning white pavilion built in 1930 by one of Vestavia Hills’ mayors and today serves as a community gathering point. Guests to the site can take in the stunning architecture and surrounding gardens, all while enjoying the park’s benches, picnic areas, and other amenities.

This beautiful town offers retirees a peaceful location to settle down and enjoy the small things of life. It has many parks and lots to see outdoors, meaning there are many opportunities to walk, jog, or simply be in nature. Despite its calming and tranquil environment, there are also lots to keep active retirees happy and healthy. The town’s civic center is a large location where visitors can enjoy athletics of all levels, aquatic activities, and much more. Although the civic center no longer offers guest passes, residents can purchase an annual or monthly pass so they always have access.

Other wonderful features of the community that make it perfect for retirement include the excellent medical center, Grandview Medical Center, just outside the town’s borders to the east. Vestavia Hills has some lovely communities ideal for retirees and families alike, including Altadena Forest Estates. The homes here are very charming and aren’t far from the community’s many restaurants and shopping centers. Notably, the Cajun Seafood House is a local favorite and offers dishes like fresh crawfish and other locally themed foods.

Florence

Just over two hours north of Vestavia Hill is the community of Florence, with the Tennesee River running along its southern border. Florence provides residents with all the conveniences of life coupled with plenty of natural beauty to enjoy and remain active all throughout the day and night. The town is home to the North Alabama Medical Center is an excellent location for receiving care and treatment at the hands of trained medical professionals. Their services include things like cancer treatment, treatments for infectious diseases, and educational classes, so no matter the need, they can offer assistance.

Florence also has an excellent senior center, which is also known as “the Club.” The center focuses on bringing seniors of different ages and generations together for a fun and active time. The center has diverse services including kayaking, nutritional programs, billiards, fishing, and much more. It is a great place to make friends and explore the local environment including Deibert Park. Or, folks can spend a wonderful afternoon trekking the paths along the Tennessee River and checking out places like the Wilson Dam Waterfall situated just outside of town.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rosenbaum House is a lovely spot to explore and appreciate some of the town’s history. This home was built in 1939 and was originally meant to symbolize middle-class America. Despite being designed as an affordable home, the house has gorgeous architecture and beautifully preserved furniture. The Pope’s Tavern Museum is another historical landmark worth visiting and spending some time exploring. It dates back to the 1830s and stands as a monument of the community’s difficult past. During the Civil War it served as a field hospital, and today it holds the Slavery and Cotton in the Shoals exhibition to commemorate the past and honor those who suffered.

The Takeaway

Where one chooses to retire can greatly influence the person's overall health and well-being. While Alabama is not typically the first place to retire, it is not because the state lacks charm, amenities, and charming homes. The state offers retirees the chance to enjoy watersports on the Tennessee River, fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, and hiking in the woods. Additionally, Alabama has plenty of top-rated health facilities, restaurants, resorts, and senior centers that make for exciting outings and opportunities to meet like-minded people.

For those hoping to stay active all while maintaining a healthy social life, Alabama is the place to go. With the blend of natural charm and wholesome southern lifestyle, no one will be disappointed.