Finding the ideal place to live as a young single in Alabama involves balancing multiple factors that contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle. Our comprehensive ranking evaluates towns based on six key criteria: Overall Young Singles Score, Hip & Trendy Index, Vibrancy Score, Car Friendliness, Cycling Friendliness, and Transit Friendliness. The Overall Young Singles Score encompasses numerous factors including nightlife options, dating pool size, social opportunities, affordability, and career prospects—all essential considerations for singles looking to establish themselves in a new community.
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 suitable towns for young singles.
Here’s the list.
25. Montevallo
- Overall Young Singles Score: 51.14
- Hip & Trendy: 42.74
- Vibrancy Score: 30.76
- Car Friendly: 72.70
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Montevallo offers a modest Overall Young Singles Score of 51.14, with average ratings for hipness and vibrancy. The town is fairly car-friendly with a score of 72.70, though it lacks data for cycling and public transit infrastructure. With a median home price of approximately $189,000, Montevallo remains an affordable option for young singles seeking a small-town environment with some amenities.
24. Millbrook
- Overall Young Singles Score: 51.54
- Hip & Trendy: 35.57
- Vibrancy Score: 38.97
- Car Friendly: 88.78
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Millbrook scores slightly higher than Montevallo with an Overall Young Singles Score of 51.54. While it ranks lower on hipness at 35.57, it offers better vibrancy at 38.97. The town is exceptionally car-friendly with a high score of 88.78, making it ideal for singles who prefer driving. With a median home price around $173,000, Millbrook represents good value for young professionals establishing their first home.
23. Wadley
- Overall Young Singles Score: 51.62
- Hip & Trendy: 22.81
- Vibrancy Score: 13.88
- Car Friendly: 87.20
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Wadley holds the 23rd position with an Overall Young Singles Score of 51.62. Despite scoring relatively low on hipness (22.81) and vibrancy (13.88), the town is highly car-friendly with a score of 87.20. With a median home price of approximately $95,000, Wadley offers exceptional affordability for young singles looking to enter the housing market while sacrificing some urban amenities.
22. Birmingham
- Overall Young Singles Score: 51.68
- Hip & Trendy: 61.61
- Vibrancy Score: 51.28
- Car Friendly: 75.33
- Cycling-Friendly: 4.59
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Alabama’s largest city lands at number 22 with an Overall Young Singles Score of 51.68. Birmingham stands out with strong scores in hipness (61.61) and vibrancy (51.28), offering a diverse urban experience. Car-friendliness is rated at 75.33, while the city has begun investing in cycling infrastructure with a modest score of 4.59. With a median home price around $190,000, Birmingham offers significant cultural amenities at a reasonable price point compared to other major cities.
21. Fultondale
- Overall Young Singles Score: 52.06
- Hip & Trendy: 42.49
- Vibrancy Score: 57.61
- Car Friendly: 83.59
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fultondale earns an Overall Young Singles Score of 52.06, with a middling hipness rating of 42.49 but a surprisingly strong vibrancy score of 57.61. The town is very car-friendly at 83.59. With a median home price of approximately $168,000, Fultondale offers a good balance of amenities and affordability for young singles in the Birmingham metro area.
20. Mobile
- Overall Young Singles Score: 52.24
- Hip & Trendy: 52.50
- Vibrancy Score: 50.14
- Car Friendly: 82.39
- Cycling-Friendly: 2.31
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Mobile takes the 20th spot with an Overall Young Singles Score of 52.24. This coastal city balances hipness (52.50) and vibrancy (50.14) with excellent car-friendliness (82.39), though cycling infrastructure remains limited at 2.31. With a median home price around $175,000, Mobile offers the appeal of coastal living at an accessible price point for young singles.
19. Helena
- Overall Young Singles Score: 52.96
- Hip & Trendy: 24.64
- Vibrancy Score: 34.30
- Car Friendly: 76.47
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Helena scores 52.96 overall for young singles, despite lower ratings for hipness (24.64) and vibrancy (34.30). The town is primarily car-friendly with a score of 76.47. With a median home price of approximately $267,000, Helena represents a more upscale suburban option for young professionals seeking a quieter lifestyle with access to Birmingham’s amenities.
18. Gulf Shores
- Overall Young Singles Score: 53.45
- Hip & Trendy: 66.55
- Vibrancy Score: 35.27
- Car Friendly: 79.60
- Cycling-Friendly: 2.64
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Gulf Shores offers beach town living with an Overall Young Singles Score of 53.45. Its strong hipness rating (66.55) reflects its appeal as a tourist destination, though year-round vibrancy is lower at 35.27. The town is highly car-friendly (79.60) with minimal cycling options (2.64). With a median home price around $350,000, Gulf Shores represents a premium option for young singles seeking a beach lifestyle.
17. Madison
- Overall Young Singles Score: 53.80
- Hip & Trendy: 36.39
- Vibrancy Score: 45.60
- Car Friendly: 81.29
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Madison earns an Overall Young Singles Score of 53.80, with moderate ratings for hipness (36.39) and vibrancy (45.60). The town excels in car-friendliness with a score of 81.29. With a median home price of approximately $285,000, Madison offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle near Huntsville’s growing job market.
16. Sawyerville
- Overall Young Singles Score: 54.74
- Hip & Trendy: 40.11
- Vibrancy Score: 8.91
- Car Friendly: 98.96
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Sawyerville ranks 16th with an Overall Young Singles Score of 54.74. While modest in hipness (40.11) and very low in vibrancy (8.91), it offers nearly perfect car-friendliness at 98.96. With a median home price around $90,000, Sawyerville provides exceptional affordability in a rural setting for young singles seeking value and space.
15. Montgomery
- Overall Young Singles Score: 54.81
- Hip & Trendy: 50.91
- Vibrancy Score: 51.90
- Car Friendly: 80.89
- Cycling-Friendly: 2.83
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Alabama’s capital city scores 54.81 for young singles, with balanced ratings for hipness (50.91) and vibrancy (51.90). Montgomery is highly car-friendly (80.89) with limited but growing cycling options (2.83). With a median home price of approximately $155,000, Montgomery offers urban amenities at a very affordable price point for young professionals.
14. Peterman
- Overall Young Singles Score: 55.08
- Hip & Trendy: 25.12
- Vibrancy Score: 7.29
- Car Friendly: 94.53
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Peterman achieves an Overall Young Singles Score of 55.08 despite low ratings for hipness (25.12) and vibrancy (7.29). Its exceptional car-friendliness (94.53) highlights its rural character. With a median home price around $85,000, Peterman represents one of the most affordable options on our list for budget-conscious young singles.
13. Tuskegee
- Overall Young Singles Score: 55.23
- Hip & Trendy: 40.56
- Vibrancy Score: 22.36
- Car Friendly: 77.00
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Tuskegee ranks 13th with an Overall Young Singles Score of 55.23. It offers moderate hipness (40.56) and lower vibrancy (22.36), balanced by good car-friendliness (77.00). With a median home price of approximately $95,000, Tuskegee provides historic character and educational institutions at an extremely affordable price point.
12. Troy
- Overall Young Singles Score: 55.45
- Hip & Trendy: 53.87
- Vibrancy Score: 35.63
- Car Friendly: 85.13
- Cycling-Friendly: 6.54
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Troy achieves an Overall Young Singles Score of 55.45, with respectable scores for hipness (53.87) and moderate vibrancy (35.63). The town is highly car-friendly (85.13) and offers some cycling options (6.54). With a median home price around $160,000 and a university presence, Troy provides a good balance of amenities and affordability for young singles.
11. Huntsville
- Overall Young Singles Score: 56.15
- Hip & Trendy: 51.94
- Vibrancy Score: 53.28
- Car Friendly: 79.90
- Cycling-Friendly: 1.58
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Huntsville reaches the 11th position with an Overall Young Singles Score of 56.15. This tech hub offers balanced ratings for hipness (51.94) and vibrancy (53.28), complemented by good car-friendliness (79.90). With a median home price of approximately $245,000, Huntsville provides excellent career opportunities in aerospace and technology fields for ambitious young singles.
10. Mountain Brook
- Overall Young Singles Score: 56.45
- Hip & Trendy: 55.90
- Vibrancy Score: 51.12
- Car Friendly: 78.65
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Mountain Brook enters the top 10 with an Overall Young Singles Score of 56.45. This upscale Birmingham suburb offers good hipness (55.90) and vibrancy (51.12), with solid car-friendliness (78.65). With a median home price around $675,000, Mountain Brook represents a premium option for young professionals seeking a prestigious address and excellent amenities.
9. Tuscaloosa
- Overall Young Singles Score: 58.77
- Hip & Trendy: 55.98
- Vibrancy Score: 60.45
- Car Friendly: 80.23
- Cycling-Friendly: 7.21
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Home to the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa scores 58.77 overall for young singles. The city offers strong ratings for hipness (55.98) and vibrancy (60.45), with excellent car-friendliness (80.23) and developing cycling options (7.21). With a median home price of approximately $195,000, Tuscaloosa offers the social benefits of a college town at a reasonable price point.
8. Irondale
- Overall Young Singles Score: 59.41
- Hip & Trendy: 47.87
- Vibrancy Score: 42.38
- Car Friendly: 82.82
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Irondale reaches 8th place with an Overall Young Singles Score of 59.41. The town offers moderate hipness (47.87) and vibrancy (42.38), balanced by excellent car-friendliness (82.82). With a median home price around $172,000, Irondale provides good value for young singles seeking proximity to Birmingham with a more suburban character.
7. Hoover
- Overall Young Singles Score: 59.90
- Hip & Trendy: 46.86
- Vibrancy Score: 49.16
- Car Friendly: 78.95
- Cycling-Friendly: 0.47
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Hoover takes 7th place with an Overall Young Singles Score of 59.90. This Birmingham suburb offers moderate hipness (46.86) and vibrancy (49.16), with good car-friendliness (78.95) but minimal cycling infrastructure (0.47). With a median home price of approximately $325,000, Hoover provides upscale amenities and shopping options for young professionals with established careers.
6. Livingston
- Overall Young Singles Score: 63.20
- Hip & Trendy: 77.73
- Vibrancy Score: 20.05
- Car Friendly: 83.98
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Livingston achieves 6th place with an Overall Young Singles Score of 63.20. Surprisingly, it ranks high for hipness (77.73) despite lower vibrancy (20.05), perhaps due to its university presence. The town is very car-friendly (83.98). With a median home price around $95,000, Livingston offers exceptional affordability alongside its university community atmosphere.
5. Auburn
- Overall Young Singles Score: 64.34
- Hip & Trendy: 62.49
- Vibrancy Score: 56.42
- Car Friendly: 78.89
- Cycling-Friendly: 5.01
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Auburn enters the top 5 with an Overall Young Singles Score of 64.34. This college town offers strong hipness (62.49) and vibrancy (56.42), with good car-friendliness (78.89) and modest cycling options (5.01). With a median home price of approximately $270,000, Auburn provides an energetic college-town atmosphere with growing amenities for young singles.
4. Vestavia Hills
- Overall Young Singles Score: 65.26
- Hip & Trendy: 58.02
- Vibrancy Score: 55.53
- Car Friendly: 79.69
- Cycling-Friendly: 0.54
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Vestavia Hills ranks 4th with an Overall Young Singles Score of 65.26. This upscale Birmingham suburb offers good ratings for hipness (58.02) and vibrancy (55.53), with solid car-friendliness (79.69) but minimal cycling infrastructure (0.54). With a median home price around $420,000, Vestavia Hills provides premium amenities and excellent schools for career-focused young professionals.
3. Fort Rucker
- Overall Young Singles Score: 70.40
- Hip & Trendy: 40.95
- Vibrancy Score: 22.44
- Car Friendly: 72.43
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fort Rucker achieves a bronze medal position with an Overall Young Singles Score of 70.40, despite modest ratings for hipness (40.95) and vibrancy (22.44). The military installation offers good car-friendliness (72.43). With a median home price around $150,000 in surrounding communities, Fort Rucker provides a unique opportunity for young singles with military connections.
2. Epes
- Overall Young Singles Score: 72.22
- Hip & Trendy: 58.23
- Vibrancy Score: 13.91
- Car Friendly: 80.40
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Epes surprisingly takes the silver medal with an Overall Young Singles Score of 72.22. While offering solid hipness (58.23) despite low vibrancy (13.91), the town is very car-friendly (80.40). With a median home price around $85,000, Epes represents an unexpected gem for young singles seeking affordability and a quieter lifestyle.
1. Homewood
- Overall Young Singles Score: 72.97
- Hip & Trendy: 83.40
- Vibrancy Score: 72.91
- Car Friendly: 80.73
- Cycling-Friendly: 3.55
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Homewood claims the top spot for young singles in Alabama with an impressive score of 72.97. This Birmingham suburb excels in hipness (83.40) and vibrancy (72.91), with excellent car-friendliness (80.73) and developing cycling options (3.55). With a median home price of approximately $375,000, Homewood offers a perfect balance of urban amenities, walkable districts, and social opportunities that make it ideal for young singles.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Young Singles Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a town’s suitability for young singles based on factors including social opportunities, dating pool, entertainment options, affordability, and career prospects.
- Hip & Trendy Index: Measures the prevalence of contemporary dining, nightlife, arts, and cultural amenities that appeal to younger demographics. This metric is crucial as it reflects the social environment young singles typically seek.
- Vibrancy Score: Evaluates the overall energy and activity level of a community, including events, festivals, street life, and general social atmosphere. This relates directly to the quality of social experiences available to singles.
- Car Friendly: Assesses ease of driving, parking availability, road conditions, and general automobile infrastructure. This practical consideration affects daily quality of life and mobility for young professionals.
- Cycling-Friendly: Rates the availability of bike lanes, paths, storage facilities, and overall cycling infrastructure. This indicates both lifestyle options and a town’s commitment to alternative transportation.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates public transportation options, frequency, reliability, and coverage. This affects a young single’s ability to navigate the community without car dependence.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
