9 Safest Towns In Alabama For Senior Living
In terms of places to retire, Alabama offers a lot of benefits for seniors who may be looking to relocate. This is especially true for those who are looking to get away from cold winters or the high cost of living on both the East and West Coasts. There are a number of towns that offer a friendly atmosphere, reasonable cost of living, excellent health care, and a variety of activities that are suitable for both seniors and their families when they come to visit.
Alexandria, Alabama
Alexandria, Alabama, is a small and quiet community that is comfortably settled in the Calhoun County area. It is truly a small town and is known for its friendly and tight-knit community. The area is safer than 71% of U.S. cities, with a crime rate of approximately eight violent crimes per year. There are three hospitals within a ten-mile radius, including the Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center. Visitors often enjoy visiting the Blackberry Hill Alpaca Farm and the Anniston Museum of Natural History.
Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope, Alabama, is a picturesque community on the water that typifies the experience of living in the southern United States in many ways. It is a relatively calm area, with around 15 to 16 violent crimes taking place in an average year. Thomas Hospital is the town’s primary medical center. Locals enjoy spending time at the Fairhope Municipal Pier and the Eastern Shore Art Center. The downtown area is known for its vibrant arts scene, featuring local galleries like the Fairhope Artists Gallery and boutique stores such as Page and Palette, a beloved independent bookstore. Additionally, its coastal location ensures stunning sunset views over Mobile Bay, particularly from Fairhope Avenue.
Geneva, Alabama
Old brick building in downtown Geneva County, Alabama.
Geneva, Alabama, is a town that any senior looking to move to Alabama should have at the forefront of their list. This is because it combines affordability, excellent health care, and a quiet atmosphere into one cozy small town. The crime rate in the area is low, with an average of four violent crimes per year taking place. The average home price in the area is $106,500, making it ideal for people of any income to consider. Wiregrass Medical Center is centrally located and highly trusted among the town's residents. Popular attractions include going to Robert Fowler Park and the River Oaks Golf Course.
Indian Springs Village, Alabama
Peavine Falls at Oak Mountain State Park near Birmingham, Alabama. Editorial Credit: Tim Lumley via Flickr
Indian Springs Village, Alabama, is an affluent enclave in one of the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama. It is known for its well-kept neighborhoods and proximity to the city, making it easy for seniors to access the services they may need without dealing with urban congestion. The crime rate is fairly low, with an average of two violent crimes taking place per year. Grandview Medical Center and Brookwood Medical Center provide medical treatment and care for the area's residents. Popular attractions include visiting Peavine Falls and the StarDome.
Orange Beach, Alabama
In recent years, Orange Beach, Alabama, has become a popular choice for seniors who are looking to relocate to a new area. This is because it offers many waterfront options while still maintaining a small-town charm all of its own. The area is relatively safe, as it only has around nine serious crimes per year. South Baldwin Regional Medical Center is only 11 miles away from the town. Local residents often enjoy visiting the Orange Beach Sportsplex and Perdido Pass. With an abundance of seafood restaurants such as Doc’s Seafood Shack and Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina, it’s a paradise for those who enjoy both nature and fine dining. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is another favorite, offering scenic paths through coastal ecosystems that are perfect for peaceful walks.
Pelham, Alabama
Pelham, Alabama, offers seniors a fun combination of diversity, affordability, healthcare access, and great activities in a welcoming and easy-to-navigate area. The area has fewer than fifteen serious crimes per year, making it a relaxing area. Shelby Baptist Medical Center is the town’s leading medical services provider. Popular attractions in the area among the town’s residents include Oak Mountain State Park and the Alabama Wildlife Center. Pelham also boasts the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, which hosts events like community ice-skating nights and senior-friendly workshops. Additionally, scenic walking trails such as the Treetop Nature Trail in Oak Mountain State Park provide a serene setting for daily exercise and birdwatching.
Rainbow City, Alabama
Rainbow City, Alabama, has a number of assets to it that would make it ideal for many seniors who are considering relocating to Alabama. To begin with, it has a very low crime rate, with only four serious offenses per year taking place on average. There are also several hospitals nearby, including Riverview Regional Medical Center. Many locals like going to the Noccalula Falls Park & Campgrounds and the Hansen Old Farmstead Cabin. The city also features the Coosa River, offering serene views and opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking, which are favorite pastimes for residents of all ages.
Tuscumbia, Alabama
Tuscumbia, Alabama, is a beautiful small town that offers an exciting combination of affordability, access to nature, and insight into the history of Alabama. The area is a low-crime zone, with less than four serious crimes per year taking place. There are three hospitals within a ten-mile radius, including Helen Keller Hospital. People who live there often enjoy various activities, including visiting the Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. As the birthplace of Helen Keller, the town is steeped in history, offering a variety of museums such as Ivy Green, Helen Keller’s childhood home. Its walkable downtown area features charming spots like ColdWater Books and Claunch Café, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for residents.
Vestavia Hills, Alabama
Vestavia Hills, Alabama, is a small but affluent community that is a suburb of Birmingham. It is popular among retirees and seniors due to its quiet pace of life and the high quality of medical care that is nearby. The crime rate is low, with the area averaging ten or so serious crimes per year. There are no less than seven hospitals within a ten-mile radius of the town, including Brookwood Baptist Medical Center. Long-time residents like to spend their free time at Scout Square Park and the Old Overton Golf Club.
Ideal Retirement Havens in Alabama
Alabama offers seniors an area with a warm, hospitable climate, friendly people, affordable housing, and many activities to choose from, along with various healthcare options. Many of these towns often have a fairly low crime rate, which means that seniors have less to worry about in terms of their personal safety or property damage. For seniors who are considering moving to the state from other areas, these towns provide a unique confluence of factors that should address many of their needs in a practical and approachable manner.
