Alabama's 8 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
If you would like to spend your golden years surrounded by beauty, where the climate is warm, the cost of living is low, and there are no taxes on Social Security income, then it is time to say hello to Sweet Home Alabama. From the cascading waterfalls of Fort Payne to the picturesque parks of Pelham, and the Appalachian vistas of Vestavia Hills, you will quickly fall in love with the Yellowhammer State. Discover Alabama’s eight best retirement towns — ranked!
Fort Payne
In the heart of the Appalachian Mountains lies Fort Payne, a fascinating city where nature and history converge, including extraordinary memorabilia from both world wars and the Fort Payne Depot Museum, a former train station now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nature fanatics will marvel over the stunning waterfalls and vibrant wildflowers of DeSoto State Park, where the opportunities for fishing, swimming, kayaking, biking, hiking, and bouldering are plenty. Combined with the spectacular sandstone cliffs of the Little River Canyon National Preserve, you will be blown away by the magic of Fort Payne.
Regarding healthcare, you can feel comfortable knowing DeKalb Regional Medical Center is right in town. This 134-bed facility offers 24/7 Emergency Services, Geriatric Psychiatric Care, Cardiac Catheterization, and more. The city also offers affordable assisted living, while other options such as home health care, in-home care, and nursing home facilities are also available.
Gulf Shores
Dreaming about escaping to the glistening Gulf Coast? Discover Gulf Shores, where sandy beaches and turquoise waters combine to paint picture-perfect landscapes. Whether you prefer swimming, sunbathing, or laying back and watching the sunset, Gulf State Park is a remarkable place to relax and spend time in nature. You can also fill your days with activities. Hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, and even parasailing are available here. See what wildlife you can find in Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and practice your mini golf in a fun tropical-themed environment at Pirate's Island Adventure Golf.
Baldwin Health, one of the 10 Best Hospitals in Alabama according to the U.S. News & World Report in 2025, has a facility nearby in Foley. In Gulf Shores, you will find Baldwin Health-Freestanding Emergency Department, offering faster emergency care services to residents. Plus, with 26% of residents being 65 and older (according to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2024), you can connect with neighbors with similar lifestyles through city events and activities offered. David L. Bodenhamer Recreation Center offers many engaging community programs for residents, including Aquatics, Fitness, Tennis, Pickleball, Kayaking, and Crafty Workshops.
Orange Beach
Experience a slower pace of life in Orange Beach, a charming coastal town renowned for its stunning beaches. Spend your days soaking up the sunshine on Cotton Bayou, a breathtaking spot in Gulf State Park, where more than 3.5 miles of white-sand beaches await. Sports fans can watch all kinds of games at Orange Beach Sportsplex. The Wharf Amphitheater hosts various performances, ranging from country music to rock and roll in an extraordinary open-air venue.
With as many as 27.8% of residents being 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2024, you can rest assured this is one of Alabama’s best retirement towns. Southern Rapid Care offers prompt Urgent Care services for both walk-ins and appointments.
Pelham
Home to the iconic Oak Mountain State Park, where hiking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, pickleball, and wildlife viewing are offered, Pelhem is known for its natural beauty and adventure activities. Spend some time practicing your aim in the evergreen Ballantrae Golf Club, followed by a relaxing meal in their Fireside Grill. Learn about various birds in the Alabama Wildlife Center, where you can volunteer to help rescue and rehabilitate the state’s native wild species.
Gardens of Pelham offers assisted living and comprehensive services for those who require it. Medical facilities like Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County are located in town. UAB Hospital, voted the Best Hospital in Alabama by Newsweek and Statista in 2025, can be reached in under 30 minutes; while Alabaster’s 252-bed Baptist Health Shelby Hospital is under 10 minutes away.
Alabaster
Speaking of Alabaster, this gorgeous city is filled with outdoor green spaces. Between the stunning trails and lovely pavilions of Veterans Park, and the extraordinary animal and plant species of the Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve, you will feel driven to get your steps in and boost your well-being when you live somewhere beautiful. The grandkids will also be extra excited to visit knowing Hooligans Arcade, one of Alabama’s largest arcades, is right in town.
The aforementioned Baptist Health Shelby Hospital is located in Alabaster. Comprehensive medical services are available here, including 24/7 Emergency Care, Orthopedics, Heart and Vascular Care, Neurological, and more. It will also be easy to make new connections through the Alabaster Senior Activity Center, where a wide range of activities are planned. Try out the Health and Exercise Programs, Expressive Arts, Trips, Volunteer Opportunities, and Games organized here.
Fairhope
Bask in the beauty of Mobile Bay from Fairhope, a fascinating city situated by the coast. Fairhope Municipal Pier is a lovely spot to stroll by the water and watch the sunset, or explore the picturesque landscaped rose garden and magnificent marina. Unravel the past of Tolstoy Park-The Henry Stuart House, a domed-shaped house listed on the National Register of Historic Places. See what antique treasures and stylish furniture you can find in Southern Antiques and Accents, where estate sales services are offered as well.
Regarding healthcare, Thomas Hospital has a 24/ Emergency Room right in town. Cardiovascular, Pharmacy, Critical Care, and a wide range of other services are also available at this location. The Brennity at Fairhope Senior Living offers friendly care with independent and assisted living options available, and engaging community events being organized.
Mountain Brook
With its five captivating villages, filled with shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and spas, this exciting Birmingham suburb mixes exciting city amenities with a small-town environment. You can feel safe exploring the city’s landmarks, as Mountain Brook has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the state. Paired with its close proximity to high-quality healthcare facilities like UAB Hospital, Mountain Brook is undoubtedly one of Alabama’s best retirement towns.
Enjoy peaceful morning strolls through Overton Park; the perfect place to start your day, meandering down the polished walking path. Spend some time with your furry friends by the water in Cahaba River Walk Park, a five-acre dog-friendly set along the Cahaba River. Enjoy mouthwatering seafood dishes in Dyron’s Lowcountry. Taste the fresh flavors of the region, and order scrumptious pizza made from scratch in a cozy environment at Davenports Pizza Palace.
Vestavia Hills
As far as charming mountain towns go, Vestavia Hills is full of hidden gems — and some not so hidden, like the nearby 36-feet-tall, bronze Statue of Liberty replica or the lovely Sibyl Temple. Here one can surround themselves with the breathtaking Appalachians in this luxurious Birmingham suburb, where you can access major city amenities while enjoying a slower, small-town pace of life, as you discover the true meaning of warm Southern hospitality. Exercise your mind and body in Essential MVMT + Pilates, a wonderful spot to build strength and flexibility. Enjoy fresh, delicious dishes in Cajun Seafood House, and search for hidden treasures in the Vapor Thrift Store.
UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s Urgent Care provides several medical services to residents in the city. The Grandview Medical Center, a 434-bed hospital in Birmingham, is only about 15 minutes away. 19.4% of residents here are 65 and older, as per the U.S. Census Bureau in 2024. You can connect with your neighbors at the Vestavia Country Club. Enjoy various amenities with a membership here, where Tennis, Swimming, Dining, and an 18-hole Golf Course are available.
If you are a fan of captivating small towns, a year-round warm climate, and no taxes on Social Security income, The Yellowhammer State is the perfect place to call home. Spend your golden years in a beautiful place, exploring the towns’ historical landmarks and cultural events. From the historical wonders and adventure opportunities of Fort Payne; to the quaint shops and Appalachian vistas of Vestavia Hills, take your pick from Alabama’s eight best retirement towns — ranked.
