Choosing the right college town can significantly impact a student’s academic and social experience. This comprehensive ranking evaluates Alabama towns based on 6 key criteria: Overall College Friendly Score, Hip & Trendy Index, Vibrancy Score, Walkability, Cycling-Friendly Score, and Transit-Friendly Score. The Overall College Friendly Score encompasses multiple factors including proximity to educational institutions, student-friendly amenities, affordability, and safety metrics that collectively determine a town’s suitability for college life.
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 college-friendly towns.
25. Berry
- Overall College Friendly Score: 67.34
- Hip & Trendy: 4.42
- Vibrancy Score: 9.22
- Walkability: 7.47
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Berry offers a modest college-friendly environment with low scores in hip & trendy atmosphere and vibrancy. The town has limited walkability and lacks cycling and public transit infrastructure, making it less appealing for students without personal transportation. The median home price in Berry is approximately $125,000, making it relatively affordable for property ownership.
24. Section
- Overall College Friendly Score: 67.58
- Hip & Trendy: 13.75
- Vibrancy Score: 12.34
- Walkability: 14.11
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Section ranks slightly better than Berry with improved walkability and a somewhat more vibrant atmosphere. While still scoring relatively low on trendiness, it offers a more walkable environment for students. The lack of cycling and transit options remains a limitation. The median home price in Section is around $145,000, offering reasonable housing costs for the region.
23. Fort Rucker
- Overall College Friendly Score: 68.23
- Hip & Trendy: 40.95
- Vibrancy Score: 22.44
- Walkability: 4.21
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fort Rucker offers a significant improvement in hip & trendy metrics and vibrancy, making it more socially appealing for college students. However, its walkability score is quite low, and it lacks cycling and public transit options. The town’s connection to the military installation provides unique opportunities and atmosphere. The median home price in Fort Rucker is approximately $160,000, reflecting its specialized community status.
22. Gordo
- Overall College Friendly Score: 69.71
- Hip & Trendy: 10.42
- Vibrancy Score: 12.22
- Walkability: 7.60
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Gordo provides a moderate college-friendly environment with limited trendiness and vibrancy. The town has minimal walkability infrastructure and lacks cycling and transit options. Students living in Gordo would likely need personal transportation. The median home price in Gordo is approximately $120,000, making it one of the more affordable options on this list.
21. Epes
- Overall College Friendly Score: 69.81
- Hip & Trendy: 58.23
- Vibrancy Score: 13.91
- Walkability: 2.46
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Epes stands out with a surprisingly high hip & trendy score, indicating social and cultural appeal for college students. However, its extremely low walkability score and lack of alternative transportation infrastructure present significant challenges. The vibrancy score is modest at best. The median home price in Epes is around $95,000, making it one of the most affordable options for property buyers.
20. Auburn
- Overall College Friendly Score: 70.02
- Hip & Trendy: 62.49
- Vibrancy Score: 56.42
- Walkability: 37.77
- Cycling-Friendly: 5.01
- Transit-Friendly: 17.33
Auburn, home to Auburn University, is the first town on our list to score well across all categories. Its hip & trendy score and vibrancy are notably high, reflecting its status as a major college town. Walkability is decent, and it’s one of the few towns offering both cycling and transit options, albeit limited ones. The median home price in Auburn is approximately $275,000, reflecting its popularity and college town status.
19. Coffee Springs
- Overall College Friendly Score: 70.41
- Hip & Trendy: 39.50
- Vibrancy Score: 8.87
- Walkability: 9.83
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Coffee Springs offers a moderate hip & trendy environment but lacks significantly in vibrancy and walkability. The absence of cycling and transit options means students would need to rely on personal transportation. The modest scores across most categories suggest a town that offers some but limited college-friendly amenities. The median home price in Coffee Springs is around $115,000, making it quite affordable.
18. Millerville
- Overall College Friendly Score: 72.49
- Hip & Trendy: 7.19
- Vibrancy Score: 5.63
- Walkability: 10.43
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Despite a solid overall college-friendly score, Millerville struggles with very low scores in hip & trendy atmosphere and vibrancy. Walkability is limited, and there are no cycling or transit options. The higher overall score likely reflects other factors like affordability or safety not captured in the secondary metrics. The median home price in Millerville is approximately $130,000.
17. Graham
- Overall College Friendly Score: 76.73
- Hip & Trendy: 8.16
- Vibrancy Score: 3.06
- Walkability: 16.27
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Graham offers a surprisingly high overall college-friendly score despite very low ratings in hip & trendy and vibrancy categories. It has somewhat better walkability than many towns lower on the list but still lacks cycling and transit infrastructure. The high overall score might reflect safety, educational resources, or housing affordability. The median home price in Graham is around $110,000.
16. Banks
- Overall College Friendly Score: 76.75
- Hip & Trendy: 40.58
- Vibrancy Score: 7.28
- Walkability: 11.39
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Banks presents an interesting mix with a good overall college-friendly score and a relatively high hip & trendy rating, yet a very low vibrancy score. This suggests a town with some cultural appeal but limited activities and nightlife. Walkability is limited, and there are no cycling or transit options. The median home price in Banks is approximately $135,000.
15. Daviston
- Overall College Friendly Score: 77.40
- Hip & Trendy: 4.61
- Vibrancy Score: 6.58
- Walkability: 2.64
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Daviston achieves a high overall college-friendly score despite extremely low ratings in all secondary categories. The town has virtually no walkability infrastructure and scores poorly on trendiness and vibrancy. The high overall score may reflect affordability, safety, or specific educational resources. The median home price in Daviston is around $105,000, making it very affordable.
14. Coffeeville
- Overall College Friendly Score: 78.26
- Hip & Trendy: 44.13
- Vibrancy Score: 2.28
- Walkability: 4.64
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Coffeeville presents a curious contradiction with a high hip & trendy score but an extremely low vibrancy rating. This suggests a town with cultural appeal but very limited activities and nightlife. Walkability is poor, and alternative transportation options are nonexistent. The median home price in Coffeeville is approximately $120,000.
13. Hokes Bluff
- Overall College Friendly Score: 78.45
- Hip & Trendy: 17.37
- Vibrancy Score: 24.43
- Walkability: 25.99
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Hokes Bluff offers a balanced profile with moderate scores across most categories. Its walkability and vibrancy scores are better than many towns lower on the list, though still not exceptional. The hip & trendy rating suggests limited cultural appeal. The lack of cycling and transit options remains a limitation. The median home price in Hokes Bluff is around $160,000.
12. Quinton
- Overall College Friendly Score: 79.46
- Hip & Trendy: 5.53
- Vibrancy Score: 11.31
- Walkability: 6.45
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 15.24
Quinton achieves a high overall college-friendly score despite low ratings in most secondary categories. Notably, it does offer some transit options, which sets it apart from many towns on this list. The hip & trendy score and walkability rating are quite low. The median home price in Quinton is approximately $145,000.
11. Dawson
- Overall College Friendly Score: 79.49
- Hip & Trendy: 4.41
- Vibrancy Score: 9.55
- Walkability: 25.52
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Dawson offers a surprisingly good walkability score compared to many towns on this list, though its hip & trendy and vibrancy ratings are quite low. The lack of cycling and transit options means students would need personal transportation. The high overall score likely reflects factors not captured in the secondary metrics. The median home price in Dawson is around $120,000.
10. Fosters
- Overall College Friendly Score: 79.81
- Hip & Trendy: 14.39
- Vibrancy Score: 16.66
- Walkability: 10.60
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fosters breaks into the top 10 with a good overall college-friendly score despite modest ratings in secondary categories. Its vibrancy score is better than many towns lower on the list, but walkability remains limited, and there are no cycling or transit options. The median home price in Fosters is approximately $170,000.
9. Coosada
- Overall College Friendly Score: 80.15
- Hip & Trendy: 24.24
- Vibrancy Score: 22.21
- Walkability: 4.79
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Coosada offers decent hip & trendy and vibrancy scores compared to many towns on this list, suggesting some cultural appeal and activities. However, walkability is extremely limited, and there are no cycling or transit options. The high overall score likely reflects other positive factors not captured in these metrics. The median home price in Coosada is around $185,000.
8. Midfield
- Overall College Friendly Score: 80.29
- Hip & Trendy: 10.72
- Vibrancy Score: 64.76
- Walkability: 53.08
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 15.42
Midfield stands out with the highest vibrancy score among the top 25 and excellent walkability. It also offers some transit options, making it more accessible for students without personal transportation. The relatively low hip & trendy score suggests limited cultural appeal despite the vibrant atmosphere. The median home price in Midfield is approximately $85,000, making it one of the most affordable options on this list.
7. Hurtsboro
- Overall College Friendly Score: 80.52
- Hip & Trendy: 22.37
- Vibrancy Score: 5.79
- Walkability: 7.44
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Hurtsboro presents an interesting contradiction with a moderate hip & trendy score but very low vibrancy and walkability ratings. The lack of cycling and transit options further limits mobility. The high overall college-friendly score likely reflects factors not captured in these secondary metrics. The median home price in Hurtsboro is around $90,000, making it very affordable.
6. Ethelsville
- Overall College Friendly Score: 80.67
- Hip & Trendy: 17.63
- Vibrancy Score: 4.91
- Walkability: 2.60
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 3.44
Ethelsville ranks high overall despite very low vibrancy and walkability scores. It does offer minimal transit options, which is better than nothing. The moderate hip & trendy score suggests some cultural appeal. The high overall rating likely reflects affordability, safety, or educational resources. The median home price in Ethelsville is approximately $110,000.
5. Uriah
- Overall College Friendly Score: 80.68
- Hip & Trendy: 54.64
- Vibrancy Score: 5.53
- Walkability: 3.72
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Uriah breaks into the top 5 with an excellent hip & trendy score, suggesting strong cultural appeal. However, the very low vibrancy and walkability ratings present significant limitations. The lack of cycling and transit options further restricts mobility. The median home price in Uriah is around $115,000, making it affordable for property buyers.
4. Gainesville
- Overall College Friendly Score: 81.71
- Hip & Trendy: 16.40
- Vibrancy Score: 6.80
- Walkability: 5.23
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 14.29
Gainesville earns its top-5 position with a strong overall college-friendly score despite modest ratings in most secondary categories. It does offer some transit options, which is a plus. The low vibrancy and walkability scores present challenges for students without personal transportation. The median home price in Gainesville is approximately $95,000, making it very affordable.
3. Cuba
- Overall College Friendly Score: 82.41
- Hip & Trendy: 30.65
- Vibrancy Score: 4.09
- Walkability: 7.57
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Cuba secures a top-3 position with an excellent overall college-friendly score and decent hip & trendy rating. However, the extremely low vibrancy score suggests limited activities and nightlife. Walkability is poor, and there are no cycling or transit options. The high overall score likely reflects affordability, safety, or proximity to educational resources. The median home price in Cuba is around $100,000.
2. Nauvoo
- Overall College Friendly Score: 84.51
- Hip & Trendy: 5.76
- Vibrancy Score: 7.54
- Walkability: 14.92
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Nauvoo claims the second spot with an outstanding overall college-friendly score despite low ratings in most secondary categories. The hip & trendy and vibrancy scores are particularly low, suggesting limited cultural appeal and activities. Walkability is modest, and there are no cycling or transit options. The median home price in Nauvoo is approximately $125,000.
1. Vance
- Overall College Friendly Score: 84.81
- Hip & Trendy: 2.42
- Vibrancy Score: 21.07
- Walkability: 9.53
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Vance tops our list with the highest overall college-friendly score in Alabama. Interestingly, it has an extremely low hip & trendy rating but a decent vibrancy score, suggesting practical amenities without cultural trendiness. Walkability is limited, and there are no cycling or transit options. The exceptional overall score likely reflects affordability, safety, or specific educational resources that make it highly suitable for college students. The median home price in Vance is around $160,000.
Definition of terms:
- Overall College Friendly Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a town’s suitability for college students, incorporating factors such as proximity to educational institutions, student-centric amenities, affordability, safety, and community atmosphere. This score provides a holistic view of how conducive a town is to college life.
- Hip & Trendy: Measures the cultural appeal and contemporary atmosphere of a town, including factors like local arts scene, coffee shops, boutiques, and social gathering spaces. This metric is included because college students often seek environments that offer cultural stimulation and modern social experiences.
- Vibrancy Score: Evaluates the level of activity, energy, and engagement opportunities in a town, including nightlife, events, festivals, and general social atmosphere. This criterion is vital as it directly impacts students’ social and recreational experiences outside of academic life.
- Walkability: Assesses how pedestrian-friendly a town is, considering sidewalks, crosswalks, street lighting, and proximity of essential services to residential areas. This factor is particularly important for college students who may not have personal transportation and rely on walking to classes and amenities.
- Cycling-Friendly: Measures the infrastructure and safety provisions for cyclists, including dedicated bike lanes, bike parking, and general cycling culture. This criterion reflects the growing importance of sustainable transportation options for environmentally-conscious college students.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates the availability, reliability, and coverage of public transportation options. This metric is crucial for students without personal vehicles, as good public transit can dramatically expand access to education, employment, and recreational opportunities.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
American Housing Survey (Census Bureau)
National Association of Realtors Research
Alabama Association of Realtors
