8 Most Comfortable Towns in Alabama for Seniors

Alabama, the Yellowhammer State, is known as much for its major cities like Mobile and Birmingham as it is for its small-town allure. Retirees and seniors often visit the state and its more comfortable communities to enjoy the favorable weather and amenities, from Fairhope’s access to Mobile Bay to the Hartselle Antique Mall. Along with vacations, many towns in the state offer a comfortable environment for retirement, with activities to keep you busy during your golden years. Moreover, every small town has a unique history to explore and discover, especially when you are looking to relocate to the Deep South.

Eufaula

Eufaula, positioned along the Chattahoochee River, is a charming and active destination for retiring seniors. The community is not massive, with only around 13,000 residents. Still, it does have an incredible history, with well-preserved districts boasting over seven hundred historically significant structures, including landmarks like Shorter Mansion and Fendall Hall. These buildings tip their cap to the grandeur of pre-Civil War architecture in the Deep South. There’s a lot more to downtown than the historic buildings, however. Eufaula also has many locally owned and operated eateries that are regionally beloved, such as the Cajun Corner Restaurant, serving up hearty portions of Southern classics, or the Superior Pecans & Gifts for sweets and sips.

There is plenty to keep locals of all ages busy in town, beginning with the Eufaula Community Center, which hosts a range of activities exclusive to seniors, like social events and fitness courses. You also have healthcare nearby with the Medical Center Barbour and its comprehensive solution for specialized medical disciplines.

Athens

One of the reasons that Athens is becoming a popular destination for seniors is the commitment of the city to ensure all aging residents are well supported and have a network of resources and services to help make life as comfortable as possible. For example, Athens-Limestone Public Library hosts regular gatherings, activities, holiday events, and educational programs designed to increase the skills and confidence of retirees and continue helping them stay capable and valuable in their older age. Even more programs and activities occur across multiple senior-specific venues like the Owens Senior Center and the East Limestone Senior Center near town.

When you consider the unique and long-standing businesses that call Athens home, such as Ro’s Grille for a meal or the UG White Mercantile for unique gifts and clothing, there is seemingly always somewhere new to explore. Those wanting to spend their senior years in quieter reflection can find space and comfort in Big Spring Memorial Park or the Richard Martin Rails-to-Trails area.

Hartselle

While there are plenty of reasons to visit Hartselle, such as its scenic attractions springing from the heart of the lush Morgan County landscape, the community has much to offer someone looking for plenty to do in their golden years. For example, the town boasts affordable housing with a $240,000 median home value, which is a steal against the national average of nearly $360,000. Moreover, the municipality has a wide range of retail, entertainment, and dining facilities, such as The Spotted Ladybug for thrifting and Eatin’ in the Attic for some American cuisine.

Retirees can often take advantage of natural wonders to slow down and enjoy quiet, with locations like Sparkman Park, a protected green space featuring walking trails and gorgeous sights. With such a diverse collection of amenities, especially senior-specific offerings like the Hartselle Senior Center and its wealth of activities, it is unsurprising that Hartselle continues to grow, now nearing 16,000.

Selma

Selma might be one of the best places in Alabama to retire, but that is not what people usually know about it. Those familiar with history can appreciate the town’s direct involvement in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, most notably with the national historic landmark Edmund Pettus Bridge. Beyond its historical significance, Selma is naturally beautiful from its scenic Dallas County backdrop to its architecture - some dating back to the 19th century.

While there is much to keep a resident busy in the community, from eating at local favorites such as the Tally-Ho Restaurant to enjoying the tranquil setting of Riverfront Park, senior-specific advantages make the town an excellent candidate for your relocation. For example, the Vaughn Regional Medical Center provides top-tier healthcare minutes from your new home.

Selma has very affordable housing, even compared to many other growing small towns in Alabama, with a median home value of less than $60,000. This is far below the state average of $227,000, so retirees can buy their dream home without any trouble. Seniors living in Selma can take advantage of community-specific offerings that increase their quality of life well into their golden years, such as the events and groups connected to the Selma-Dallas County Public Library.

Fort Payne

When you need a blend of scenic beauty and vibrant town life, seniors have often thought of Fort Payne. The unique history of this community dates from the 20th century when this town would become one of the largest hosiery manufacturers on Earth. The “Sock Capital of the World” would be responsible for one in every eight socks in circulation in the 1990s. In addition to the industrious history well documented in locations like the Fort Payne Depot Museum, the municipality is attractive to retirees for its connection with Alabama’s lush landscape. The natural wonders at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains create an unforgettable background to quiet, casual living.

Unlike many towns, Fort Payne recognizes its senior population by providing continual support and opportunities through the DeKalb County Council on Aging. These range from community events and outings to fitness and education. Retirees enjoy the community’s history, affordable housing, and connection with top-tier healthcare facilities like the DeKalb Regional Medical Center.

Jasper

At 14,000 residents, Jasper is the ideal combination of the allure of the natural wonders of Alabama without compromising the amenities of a growing town. What makes the community most desirable to new residents is the median home value, roughly $18,000 less than the average for Alabama. After settling in, nature enthusiasts can rejoice at their proximity to Lewis Smith Lake for nearly year-round fishing, boating, and watersports. The Eagle Disc Golf Course is another popular destination for retirees, boasting a challenging experience across a beautifully manicured property.

One of the advantages beyond affordable housing for retirees is the access to superb healthcare at the Walker Baptist Medical Center. The downtown area is alive and well with annual events in the Jasper Arts and Entertainment District and some locally beloved eateries like Fiddle River Restaurant and their delectable Southern cuisine.

Foley

Baldwin County is home to Foley, a small town with many modern amenities. Seniors looking for comfortable towns to visit or call home might consider this community for its attractive landscape and natural background combined with its unique railroad history. The history is palpable in great detail at the Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit, an enthusiast’s dream. Moreover, the town is home to one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experiences ranging from the Tanger Outlets to the local favorite Lambert’s Café. This eatery has become famous for throwing rolls to customers when they raise their hands to request them. Furthermore, Foley is uniquely suited for retirees. Its various amenities, such as the Foley Senior Center, are perfect for someone looking for a slower pace to this next phase of life. This location provides countless programs for fitness, hobbies, and interpersonal relationships.

Scottsboro

Scottsboro is one of the more unique destinations seniors want to visit and consider making a permanent home in their later stages of life. Not only does the town thrive amid the natural wonders of the lush Alabama foliage and topography, but there is plenty to keep someone busy any time of the year. One of the town’s most famous (and peculiar) attractions is the Unclaimed Baggage Center - a destination that allows visitors to sort through a veritable trove of goods lost from luggage in travel.

When you are not enjoying the natural wonders of the Tennessee Valley and sites like Lake Guntersville, there is much to see and discover in the heart of Scottsboro. The downtown region features shops, boutiques, and nostalgic dining stops like Payne’s Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain. In addition to retail and dining, the community is very retiree-focused, with affordable living, a calm climate, and access to top-rated healthcare through the nearby Highlands Medical Center.

Wrapping Up

From the picturesque foothills around Fort Payne to Selma's Civil Rights Movement landmarks, the small towns of Alabama thrive with a pulse of historical relevance. The state boasts a lower cost of living and affordable housing when you stray from the major metropolitan areas, making it easy to appreciate the favorable weather and live comfortably. Seniors looking to explore the Yellowhammer State have much to uncover, from towns along the Chattahoochee River to the Appalachian Mountains. Whatever the golden years look like, they can likely be comfortable in Alabama.