Alabama is home to a diverse array of neighborhoods that cater to residents seeking vibrant, modern living environments. Our comprehensive analysis evaluates communities across 5 key criteria: Overall Hip & Trendy Score, Urban Sophistication (measuring cultural amenities), Vibrancy Score, Walkability, and Young Singles Score. These metrics together provide a holistic view of where Alabama’s most dynamic communities are located.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Alabama’s most walkable towns. The Overall Hip & Trendy Score encompasses numerous factors that contribute to a neighborhood’s appeal, from dining options to cultural events and architectural character.
Here’s the list.
25. Five Points South / University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 92.17
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.13
- Vibrancy Score: 95.03
- Walkability: 61.72
- Young Singles Score: 87.71
Starting our list at number 25, Five Points South / University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a hip and trendy score of 92.17. This neighborhood excels with outstanding vibrancy (95.03) and is extremely popular among young singles (87.71). With moderate urban sophistication and walkability, the area’s university presence and dynamic atmosphere make it an up-and-coming hot spot. The median home price here is approximately $484,521.
24. Lake Drive Estates / Lakeview Estates
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 92.17
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 42.09
- Vibrancy Score: 26.33
- Walkability: 43.22
- Young Singles Score: 80.72
Lake Drive Estates / Lakeview Estates in Homewood has a hip and trendy score of 92.17. While its vibrancy and walkability scores are lower, the neighborhood excels with its strong appeal to young singles (80.72) and moderate urban sophistication. The lakeside location and evolving amenities contribute to its growing popularity. The median home price here is approximately $479,470.
23. Harmon Estates
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 92.28
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 11.80
- Vibrancy Score: 93.48
- Walkability: 48.05
- Young Singles Score: 69.50
Harmon Estates in Auburn ranks 23rd with a hip and trendy score of 92.28. This neighborhood stands out with its exceptional vibrancy (93.48) and good appeal to young singles (69.50). While urban sophistication is developing and walkability is moderate, the area’s energetic college-town atmosphere makes it increasingly desirable. The median home price in Harmon Estates is approximately $504,144.
22. Greater Alberta
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 92.70
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 17.96
- Vibrancy Score: 84.85
- Walkability: 59.54
- Young Singles Score: 65.81
Greater Alberta in Tuscaloosa takes the 22nd spot with a hip and trendy score of 92.70. The neighborhood’s strength lies in its high vibrancy (84.85) and good appeal to young singles (65.81). While urban sophistication is developing and walkability is moderate, the area’s energetic atmosphere makes it increasingly popular. The median home price here is approximately $497,180.
21. Rosedale / Grove Park
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 92.99
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 90.93
- Vibrancy Score: 90.97
- Walkability: 77.74
- Young Singles Score: 67.92
Rosedale / Grove Park in Homewood ranks 21st with a hip and trendy score of 92.99. This neighborhood excels in urban sophistication (90.93) and vibrancy (90.97), with good walkability (77.74) and appeal to young singles (67.92). The balanced profile offers residents a sophisticated urban environment with cultural amenities and an energetic atmosphere. The median home price here is approximately $501,206.
20. South Woodlawn
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 93.05
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.42
- Vibrancy Score: 60.04
- Walkability: 69.97
- Young Singles Score: 53.10
South Woodlawn in Birmingham takes the 20th spot with a hip and trendy score of 93.05. While its urban sophistication score is low and other metrics are moderate, the neighborhood is experiencing revitalization that contributes to its ranking. The area offers potential for growth in cultural amenities and urban vibrancy. The median home price in South Woodlawn is approximately $474,105.
19. Hannon Park
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 93.38
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 89.99
- Vibrancy Score: 86.86
- Walkability: 86.42
- Young Singles Score: 70.63
Hannon Park in Mobile comes in at number 19 with a hip and trendy score of 93.38. This neighborhood excels across all metrics, with outstanding urban sophistication (89.99), vibrancy (86.86), and walkability (86.42). It also attracts a strong young singles population (70.63), offering a well-rounded urban experience with plentiful cultural amenities. The median home price here is approximately $477,071.
18. The Strip / Druid City
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 93.59
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 40.84
- Vibrancy Score: 97.03
- Walkability: 85.47
- Young Singles Score: 76.12
The Strip / Druid City in Tuscaloosa ranks 18th with a hip and trendy score of 93.59. This neighborhood boasts exceptional vibrancy (97.03) and excellent walkability (85.47), making it highly popular among young singles (76.12). While urban sophistication is moderate, the area’s energetic atmosphere and university-adjacent location make it a hotspot. The median home price here is approximately $500,151.
17. University East
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 94.15
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 21.88
- Vibrancy Score: 94.48
- Walkability: 75.05
- Young Singles Score: 88.38
University East in Tuscaloosa takes the 17th spot with a hip and trendy score of 94.15. The neighborhood excels in vibrancy (94.48) and is extremely popular among young singles (88.38), with good walkability (75.05). While urban sophistication is developing, the area’s energetic college-town atmosphere makes it a dynamic place to live. The median home price here is approximately $436,474.
16. Cypress Heights
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 94.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 21.62
- Vibrancy Score: 52.96
- Walkability: 57.86
- Young Singles Score: 71.11
Cypress Heights in Florence scores 94.25 on the hip and trendy index, earning the 16th spot. While its urban sophistication, vibrancy, and walkability scores are moderate, the neighborhood attracts a strong young singles population (71.11). This emerging area offers potential for growth in its urban amenities. The median home price in Cypress Heights is approximately $500,657.
15. Lyons Park
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 94.33
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 66.98
- Vibrancy Score: 76.78
- Walkability: 74.99
- Young Singles Score: 78.49
Lyons Park in Mobile ranks 15th with a hip and trendy score of 94.33. The neighborhood offers a well-balanced profile with good urban sophistication (66.98), vibrancy (76.78), and walkability (74.99). It’s particularly popular among young singles (78.49) seeking a dynamic urban environment with cultural offerings. The median home price here is approximately $506,866.
14. Crestwood North
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 94.91
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 88.22
- Vibrancy Score: 53.59
- Walkability: 81.09
- Young Singles Score: 63.11
Crestwood North in Birmingham takes the 14th spot with a hip and trendy score of 94.91. This neighborhood excels in urban sophistication (88.22) and walkability (81.09), offering residents cultural amenities in a pedestrian-friendly environment. While its vibrancy is moderate, it attracts a decent young singles population (63.11). The median home price in Crestwood North is approximately $441,950.
13. Riverfront / Capitol Park
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 94.93
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 26.61
- Vibrancy Score: 89.48
- Walkability: 63.06
- Young Singles Score: 69.82
Riverfront / Capitol Park in Tuscaloosa ranks 13th with a hip and trendy score of 94.93. The neighborhood shines with its high vibrancy (89.48) and good appeal to young singles (69.82). While walkability is moderate and urban sophistication is developing, the area’s energetic atmosphere and waterfront location make it increasingly popular. The median home price here is approximately $472,545.
12. Redmont Park
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 95.16
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 94.07
- Vibrancy Score: 39.79
- Walkability: 82.36
- Young Singles Score: 65.07
Redmont Park in Birmingham comes in at number 12 with a hip and trendy score of 95.16. Its standout feature is exceptional urban sophistication (94.07), complemented by excellent walkability (82.36). While its vibrancy score is lower, the neighborhood attracts a good young singles population (65.07) seeking cultural amenities in an established area. The median home price here is approximately $515,730.
11. South Hull
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 95.40
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 62.84
- Vibrancy Score: 62.34
- Walkability: 74.51
- Young Singles Score: 54.97
South Hull in Montgomery ranks 11th with a hip and trendy score of 95.40. This neighborhood offers good urban sophistication (62.84) and walkability (74.51), with moderate vibrancy (62.34) and appeal to young singles (54.97). The balanced profile makes it attractive to residents seeking cultural amenities in a walkable environment. The median home price in South Hull is approximately $494,766.
10. North College Historic Districts
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 95.59
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 28.56
- Vibrancy Score: 87.39
- Walkability: 77.29
- Young Singles Score: 73.89
Breaking into the top 10, the North College Historic Districts in Auburn have a hip and trendy score of 95.59. The area stands out with its high vibrancy (87.39) and good walkability (77.29), attracting a substantial young singles population (73.89). While urban sophistication is developing, the neighborhood’s historic character and energetic atmosphere make it popular. The median home price here is approximately $473,168.
9. Five Points
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 95.71
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 69.18
- Vibrancy Score: 78.68
- Walkability: 78.86
- Young Singles Score: 61.57
Five Points in Huntsville ranks 9th with a hip and trendy score of 95.71. The neighborhood balances strong urban sophistication (69.18) with good vibrancy (78.68) and walkability (78.86). Its moderate young singles score (61.57) reflects a diverse population mix. The area offers cultural amenities with a thriving urban scene. The median home price in Five Points is approximately $521,485.
8. East Avondale
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 96.18
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 33.43
- Vibrancy Score: 87.54
- Walkability: 62.89
- Young Singles Score: 85.29
East Avondale in Birmingham comes in at number 8 with a hip and trendy score of 96.18. The neighborhood is particularly popular among young singles (85.29) and offers high vibrancy (87.54). While its walkability is moderate and urban sophistication is developing, East Avondale’s energetic atmosphere makes it a rising star in Birmingham. The median home price here is approximately $486,684.
7. Washington Square
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 96.57
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 77.90
- Vibrancy Score: 50.15
- Walkability: 80.20
- Young Singles Score: 60.57
Washington Square in Mobile ranks 7th with a hip and trendy score of 96.57. This neighborhood’s strength lies in its high urban sophistication (77.90) and walkability (80.20), offering residents access to cultural amenities in a pedestrian-friendly environment. While its vibrancy score is moderate, it attracts a decent young singles population (60.57). The median home price in Washington Square is approximately $487,205.
6. Redmont Park West
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 96.92
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.23
- Vibrancy Score: 93.08
- Walkability: 81.08
- Young Singles Score: 73.64
Redmont Park West in Birmingham takes the 6th spot with a hip and trendy score of 96.92. Its standout feature is its exceptional vibrancy (93.08), complemented by strong walkability (81.08) and appeal to young singles (73.64). With moderate urban sophistication, the neighborhood offers a dynamic living environment. The median home price here is approximately $458,823.
5. Georgia Avenue
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 96.97
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 64.65
- Vibrancy Score: 76.09
- Walkability: 81.93
- Young Singles Score: 74.92
At number 5, Georgia Avenue in Mobile scores 96.97 on the hip and trendy scale. The neighborhood balances good urban sophistication (64.65) with strong walkability (81.93) and vibrancy (76.09). It’s particularly appealing to young singles (74.92) seeking an urban lifestyle with cultural offerings. The median home price in this Mobile neighborhood is approximately $493,242.
4. Auburn West
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 97.14
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 18.22
- Vibrancy Score: 71.51
- Walkability: 78.99
- Young Singles Score: 67.15
Auburn West ranks 4th with a hip and trendy score of 97.14. This neighborhood offers good walkability (78.99) and vibrancy (71.51), making it popular among young singles (67.15). While its urban sophistication score is lower, the area compensates with its energetic atmosphere and college-town charm. The median home price in Auburn West is approximately $511,444.
3. Capitol Heights
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 98.10
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 37.76
- Vibrancy Score: 69.56
- Walkability: 85.91
- Young Singles Score: 55.03
Capitol Heights in Montgomery scores 98.10 on the hip and trendy index, earning the 3rd spot. The neighborhood shines with its excellent walkability (85.91), while offering moderate vibrancy (69.56) and a growing young singles population (55.03). Though its urban sophistication score is lower, the area is evolving with new cultural offerings. The median home price in Capitol Heights is approximately $515,445.
2. University
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 99.41
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.85
- Vibrancy Score: 88.51
- Walkability: 88.93
- Young Singles Score: 75.21
The University neighborhood in Tuscaloosa comes in at number 2 with an impressive hip and trendy score of 99.41. Its high walkability (88.93) and vibrancy (88.51) make it appealing to the college-aged population, reflected in its strong young singles score (75.21). While cultural amenities are moderate, the area’s energy is undeniable. The median home price here is approximately $478,707.
1. 16th Ave S / 15th St S
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 99.73
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 53.87
- Vibrancy Score: 89.42
- Walkability: 91.59
- Young Singles Score: 82.23
Topping our list at number 1, Birmingham’s 16th Ave S / 15th St S boasts the highest hip and trendy score in Alabama at 99.73. With excellent walkability (91.59) and vibrancy (89.42), it’s a hotspot for young singles (82.23) looking for an energetic urban environment. The area offers a good balance of cultural amenities with its moderate urban sophistication score. The median home price in this neighborhood is approximately $483,621.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a neighborhood’s trendiness based on multiple factors including dining options, nightlife, cultural events, local businesses, architectural character, and resident demographics. This score reflects areas where innovative concepts and modern urban living converge.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Measures the availability and quality of cultural offerings such as art galleries, museums, theaters, and fine dining. This metric indicates areas with established cultural institutions that contribute to a neighborhood’s intellectual and artistic character.
- Vibrancy Score: Quantifies the energy and activity level of a neighborhood, including factors like street life, events, nightlife, and commercial density. Areas with high vibrancy scores tend to have bustling streets and active community engagement.
- Walkability: Evaluates how pedestrian-friendly a neighborhood is, considering factors like sidewalk infrastructure, proximity of amenities, street connectivity, and safety. Walkable communities tend to foster more street-level interaction and reduce car dependency.
- Young Singles Score: Indicates the concentration of unmarried individuals aged 25-35, reflecting areas that attract young professionals and recent graduates. This demographic often drives demand for trendy amenities and contributes to a neighborhood’s youthful energy.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
