8 Welcoming Towns to Retire in Alabama
First things first, Alabama exempts most types of retirement income from taxation, including Social Security retirement benefits, which is a perk to retire in Alabama in itself. Plus, “The Heart of Dixie” has some of the lowest property tax rates in the United States. Granted, one can counter that high sales tax rates cancel everything. Remember, however, that the cost of living in Alabama is lower than in many other states and boasts beautiful surroundings and amenities galore. Financial considerations aside, Alabamians are known to be friendly and warm-hearted fellows. You will find most towns to be welcoming, closely-knit, and hospitable. Check out the following towns, especially if you are looking for some of the most welcoming towns to retire in Alabama.
Tuscumbia
Folks may want to retire in a small town where you don't have to worry about someone snatching your purse, breaking into your house, or just harming you. Safewise ranks Tuscumbia as the safest town in Alabama, meaning it should be on your list. Plus, Tuscumbia is enticingly accessible since Huntsville is just over an hour's drive. Then again, one will enjoy floating down the Tennessee River, teeing away afternoons at the Spring Creek Golf Course (though their greens can do with some slight improvements), and enjoying the beauty and waterfalls at Tuscumbia Spring Park. Helen Keller Hospital is just down the road in Sheffield, so there is no need to worry about healthcare access. The median listing home price in Tuscumbia was just $259,900 in July 2024. On the social side, those aged 60 and above comprise 31% of the population.
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is a big name in the Alabama vacation landscape. It is often the case that towns that are good for one-time visits are not necessarily good for everyday living. Fortunately, Gulf Shores bucks this trend. It has an excellent retail scene, so no need to worry about groceries; the white-sand beaches are outrageously beautiful, and it is close to an excellent hospital: the award-winning South Baldwin Regional Medical Center. The beach, river, state park, lake, and boardwalk are all outdoor venues a retiree will enjoy exploring. Home prices, however, lean more on the higher side, especially considering Alabama rates. In July 2024, for example, the median listing home price in Gulf Shores was $539,000. On a positive note, the social scene is quite friendly as residents aged 60 and above comprise 34% of the population.
Pelham
Retiring next to Alabama's largest park is one of the many reasons retirees need to pay attention to Pelham, a suburb of Birmingham with top-notch outdoor pleasure spots. For example, aside from the Oak Mountain State Park, where one can enjoy hiking, biking, and boating, there is the Alabama Wildlife Center, the oldest wildlife rehabilitation facility in the state; the largest outdoor amphitheater in Alabama, a fantastic golf course, and many shops and restaurants. Plus, Birmingham is just 20 minutes down the road, with its long list of award-winning hospitals, including Brookwood Baptist Medical Center. The median listing home price in Pelham was $410,000 in July 2024. This is not a bad deal, considering what the town offers. Finally, Pelham residents aged 60 and above comprise 24% of the population, meaning one can easily link up with peers in the same age bracket.
Opelika
Opelika’s retirement appeal is not just due to its small-town charm and intimate feel, though it can be quite lively. First, Opelika is close to Auburn, eastern Alabama's largest city. Only 8 miles separate the two towns. Opelika, therefore, provides fantastic access to big-city amenities. Aside from its big retail scene, Auburn hosts the Auburn University Campus, whose Osher Lifelong Learning Institute provides many courses to seniors in the area. Distraction spots in Opelika include Lake Saugahatchee, Grand National - Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Opelika Public Library (and its beautiful mural), and Museum of East Alabama. Opelika residents aged 60 and above comprise 25% of the town's population, so there is no need to worry about social isolation! On the financial side, the median listing home price in Opelika was $335,000 in July 2024. This comes with doorstop access to the East Alabama Medical Center, ranked among America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery Award.
Florence
Those who want to retire in a stimulating academic environment will love the fact that Florence is home to the University of North Alabama, the oldest public university in the state. A retiree here can enroll for a course, something like “How to Live Long and Well,” while mingling with peers and just having fun. Downtown Florence is a party scene, particularly every first Friday of the month. Think of live music, food, and art exhibits. Speaking of art, expect only handmade items. The truth is, you don't find this often in contemporary America. The nearby Muscle Shoals Trails will be useful if you love the rustling of the leaves, the blue, open sky, and beautiful scenery. There is the Tennessee River, McFarland Park, and the Florence Indian Mound and Museum if you are looking for spots to spend some time away. If under the weather, North Alabama Medical Center is right in town. The median listing home price in Florence was $319,900 in July 2024. On the social side, residents aged 60 and above comprise 24% of the town's population.
Foley
Although summer can witness considerable traffic, partly because of the tourists who travel over, that is a small price to pay for an excellent retail scene (such as the Tanger Outlet shopping strip), a tropical climate with mild winters, proximity to a beach town, Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit, and OWA, a 520-acre family fun destination. The median listing home price in Foley, AL, was $349,900 in July 2024. South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, a 2023 recipient of the Patient Safety Excellence Award, is right in town, providing retirees with access to quality healthcare. But this could be the most exciting part: Foley residents aged 60 and above comprise 41% of its population.
Muscle Shoals
With the presence of the highly-rated Shoals Hospital, which has a 24-hour emergency department; Gattman Park, a lovely venue for walking, running, or biking; the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport, meaning one can hop on a plane to a far-flung destination in minutes, the Tennessee River (who doesn't enjoy floating down a beautiful waterway?), and the Cypress Lakes Golf & Tennis — what else will a retiree in Muscle Shoals ask for? Maybe one can fear that such a place is expensive. But again, the median listing home price in Muscle Shoals was just $309,500 in July 2024, nothing eye-popping. Here's the trick: Start scoping for a realtor as this is a popular location!
Fairhope
Fairhope is rounding off the list of 8 welcoming towns to retire in Alabama. The name alone speaks to its retirement appeal. Fairhope is in Mobile Bay; expect a tasty waterfront, laid-back atmosphere, and trippy, hallucinatory views. There is the Eastern Shore Bike Trail, which will ensure one keeps fit and active; the nearby Mobile-Tensaw Delta, one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world; the Fairhope Museum of History; and Henry George Park on the Bluff. If the flu proves to be a bit stubborn, Thomas Hospital is right in town. In July 2024, the median listing home price in Fairhope was $576,000, which speaks to the demand for property in the area. And it just gets better. For instance, residents aged 60 and above comprise 33% of the town's population, meaning you will be in good company!
If it is your first time visiting, Alabama can make for a pleasant surprise. The greenery, chatty strangers waving across the streets, a beautiful landscape, mild winters: everything just seems right. Plus, although the sales tax rates are a bit high—Alabama exempts Social Security benefits from taxation. Also, living costs here can make California or Massachusetts seem scandalous. Still, you probably need a welcoming spot. For this, check out Tuscumbia, Gulf Shores, Pelham—and the other towns highlighted here.
