Here’s the thing about grading retirement towns – it’s totally subjective. I know because I’ve dug into this stuff.
These grades for Alabama’s top ten towns to retire in are based on comparing Alabama towns to each other, not nationwide. That’d be a whole different ballgame. I’ve lined them up alphabetically across seven criteria because that’s the easiest way to check them out.
I include maps, historic pricing charts and pretty much everything you need to know for each of these highly recommended retirement towns in Alabama.
Here’s the list.
1. Auburn
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: A+
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: B
IMO, Auburn’s a goldmine for retirees who want to keep their minds sharp. College towns have that effect. Now, let’s talk homeownership – median prices sit around $600,000, which means your home loan might take a bigger bite than some other spots in Alabama. But here’s what you get: a top-notch medical center right in town and that awesome college-town vibe that keeps you young.
The cool thing about Auburn University is it’s like having an endless entertainment ticket. You’ve got sports, shows, lectures – you name it. Plenty of folks I know love hitting up Chewacla State Park for hiking. Sure, you’re looking at 90 minutes to Atlanta’s airport, but that’s not bad considering what you get in return.
3 things to do:
- Auburn University Football at Jordan-Hare Stadium
- Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
- Chewacla State Park hiking trails
Median Home Price History for Auburn
- December 2014: $250,428 (compare to the 12 most expensive towns in Alabama)
- December 2019: $392,256
- December 2024: $596,194
- 10-Year Change: 138.1%
- 5-Year Change: 52.0%
Talk about a rocket ship – Auburn’s home values have absolutely exploded. We’re looking at nearly 140% growth in just ten years. That’s wild even for this market. Sure makes those 2014 buyers look smart now.
Mortgage payment details:
- Cost to buy a home: $596,194 (use our home affordability calculator)
- Down payment: $119,239
- Monthly mortgage payment: $3,074
Where is it on the map?
Auburn sits in east-central Alabama, about 60 miles east of Montgomery and just a stone’s throw from the Georgia border. Part of what they call the Auburn-Opelika metro area, but let’s be real – you’re going to hear way more about Auburn thanks to that little football program they’ve got going.
2. Fairhope
- Cost of Buying a Home: C+
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: A+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Outdoor Activities: A+
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: B+
Let me tell you about Fairhope – it’s that picture-perfect coastal town you see in magazines. The catch? Homes run around $465,000, and getting a mortgage isn’t exactly pocket change. But here’s what’s wild: the views of Mobile Bay alone make most homeowners forget about the price tag. Medical care? Got plenty of that too.
I’ve lost count how many art galleries are packed into this place. Their Arts & Crafts Festival is no joke – it’s the real deal. Love being outside? The pier and beach access are game-changers. You’re just 40 minutes from Mobile’s airport, which is pretty sweet for a coastal paradise.
3 things to do:
- Annual Arts & Crafts Festival
- Fairhope Municipal Pier sunset walks
- Downtown art galleries and boutique shopping
Median Home Price History for Fairhope
- December 2014: $234,599
- December 2019: $312,073
- December 2024: $466,303
- 10-Year Change: 98.8%
- 5-Year Change: 49.4%
Fairhope’s basically doubled in value over ten years. That coastal living premium just keeps climbing. The last five years alone saw nearly 50% growth – pretty typical for these premium coastal spots.
Mortgage payment details:
- Cost to buy a home: $466,303
- Down payment: $93,261
- Monthly mortgage payment: $2,404 (see Alabama mortgage lenders)
Where is it on the map?
Fairhope’s that picture-perfect spot on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, about 30 minutes from Mobile itself. It’s basically the crown jewel of Alabama’s Gulf Coast communities if you’re not counting the actual beach towns.
3. Florence
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B
- Airport Proximity: C+
If you’re watching your wallet, Florence might be your spot. Talk about mortgage affordability – we’re looking at median prices around $210,000. That’s practically a steal these days. The North Alabama Medical Center handles all your healthcare needs, and they do a solid job of it.
Here’s something cool – the University of North Alabama keeps pumping out concerts and lectures all year round. If you’re into fishing or boating, the Tennessee River’s right there waiting for you. Sure, you’ll drive a bit to hit Nashville’s airport (about 2.5 hours), but the medical care is right around the corner.
3 things to do:
- W.C. Handy Music Festival
- Tennessee River fishing and boating
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rosenbaum House tours
Median Home Price History for Florence
- December 2014: $128,921
- December 2019: $149,182
- December 2024: $209,073
- 10-Year Change: 62.2%
- 5-Year Change: 40.1%
Florence has kept things relatively sane compared to some other spots. Still saw decent growth but nothing crazy like Auburn. That’s probably why it still hits that sweet spot for mortgage affordability.
Mortgage payment details:
- Cost to buy a home: $209,073
- Down payment: $41,815
- Monthly mortgage payment: $1,078
Where is it on the map?
Florence is tucked up in Alabama’s northwest corner, right on the Tennessee River as part of what locals call “The Shoals” area. You’re looking at about two hours from Birmingham, but Nashville’s actually closer – pretty sweet spot if you ask me.
4. Gulf Shores
- Cost of Buying a Home: C
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: A+
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: A+
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: B
Want to wake up to beach views every morning? That’s Gulf Shores for you. Fair warning though – those views come at a price. We’re talking $455,000 median home prices, so your mortgage payments won’t be small. But if you can swing it, you’ve got solid healthcare at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center backing you up.
The best part? You’re never bored here. Between the water activities, golf courses, and that killer annual Shrimp Festival, there’s always something going on. Pensacola’s airport is just an hour away, and you can reach decent medical care in about 30 minutes.
3 things to do:
- Gulf State Park beach activities
- Annual Shrimp Festival
- Gulf Shores Golf Club
Median Home Price History for Gulf Shores
- December 2014: $228,238
- December 2019: $312,333
- December 2024: $453,372
- 10-Year Change: 98.6%
- 5-Year Change: 45.2%
Almost identical to Fairhope’s trajectory – seems like all these coastal spots are running on the same playbook. Nearly doubled in ten years. Those beach views aren’t getting any cheaper, folks.
Mortgage payment details:
- Cost to buy a home: $453,372
- Down payment: $90,674
- Monthly mortgage payment: $2,338
Where is it on the map?
Gulf Shores is exactly where you’d expect – right on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, at the southernmost point of the state. Think of it as Alabama’s version of Florida’s beach towns, sitting about an hour from Mobile and just a quick drive from the Florida line.
5. Huntsville
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A+
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B
- Airport Proximity: A
Listen, if you’re into tech and want to keep your brain firing on all cylinders, Huntsville’s your place. The homebuyers market isn’t too rough either – median prices around $270,000 mean decent mortgage affordability for what you get. Plus, that Huntsville Hospital System? Top-notch stuff.
You’ve got the Space & Rocket Center (which never gets old, trust me), museums everywhere you look, and Monte Sano State Park when you need some nature time. Everything’s close by – the airport, medical facilities, you name it. It’s like they planned it that way (because they did).
3 things to do:
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center
- Monte Sano State Park trails
- Huntsville Botanical Garden
Median Home Price History for Huntsville
- December 2014: $142,135
- December 2019: $177,673
- December 2024: $269,046
- 10-Year Change: 89.3%
- 5-Year Change: 51.4%
Huntsville’s tech boom shows up clear as day in these numbers. That 51% jump in just five years? That’s what happens when big tech moves in. Still way more affordable than similar tech hubs though.
Mortgage payment details:
- Cost to buy a home: $269,046
- Down payment: $53,809
- Monthly mortgage payment: $1,387
Where is it on the map?
Huntsville owns the northern edge of Alabama, sitting in that sweet spot where the Tennessee River meets the Appalachian foothills. It’s the biggest metro area in North Alabama, and here’s the kicker – you’re closer to Nashville than Birmingham.
6. Madison
- Cost of Buying a Home: B-
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: A
Here’s what’s cool about Madison – it’s like they designed it specifically for people who want a peaceful retirement. You’re looking at about $390,000 for a home loan here, which isn’t cheap but isn’t outrageous either. All of Huntsville’s medical facilities are right there when you need them.
The Farmer’s Market is the real deal, and Dublin Park’s got enough walking trails to keep you moving. Best part? You’re 15 minutes from Huntsville’s airport, and healthcare’s just around the corner. It’s pretty much perfect if you don’t mind paying a bit extra for that planned community feel.
3 things to do:
- Dublin Park Recreation Center
- Madison Station historic district
- Palmer Park walking trails
Median Home Price History for Madison
- December 2014: $203,691
- December 2019: $267,786
- December 2024: $390,827
- 10-Year Change: 91.9%
- 5-Year Change: 45.9%
Madison’s riding that Huntsville wave – nearly 92% growth in ten years. Looks like being next door to a tech boom has its perks. Still, those 2014 prices sure look nice right about now.
Mortgage payment details:
- Cost to buy a home: $390,827
- Down payment: $78,165
- Monthly mortgage payment: $2,015 (play around with different mortgage payments with our mortgage calculator)
Where is it on the map?
Madison’s basically Huntsville’s next-door neighbor, sitting right on its western edge. It’s grown so much that it’s hard to tell where Huntsville ends and Madison begins – that’s what happens when you’re part of Alabama’s fastest-growing metro area.
7. Mountain Brook
- Cost of Buying a Home: D+
- Healthcare Access: A+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A+
- Airport Proximity: A-
Let’s be real here – Mountain Brook is where you go when you want the cream of the crop and aren’t afraid to pay for it. We’re talking $915,000 median home prices, so that home loan better be solid. But check this out – you’re right next to UAB Hospital, which is basically like having a medical marvel in your backyard.
The Botanical Gardens are right there, and the shopping? Next level. Jemison Park’s got these gorgeous walking trails that make you forget you’re in a city. Everything’s close – 15 minutes to the airport, top doctors nearby. It’s expensive, but you definitely get what you pay for.
3 things to do:
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- Jemison Park Nature Trail
- English Village shopping district
Median Home Price History for Mountain Brook
- December 2014: $553,629
- December 2019: $639,751
- December 2024: $917,349
- 10-Year Change: 65.7%
- 5-Year Change: 43.4%
Even started expensive and still grew 65%. When you’re already the priciest spot in Alabama, gaining another $364K in value over ten years is pretty impressive. No mortgage affordability stories here, folks.
Mortgage payment details:
- Cost to buy a home: $917,349
- Down payment: $183,470
- Monthly mortgage payment: $4,730
Where is it on the map?
Mountain Brook is Birmingham’s fancy neighbor, literally right next door on the city’s southeast side. It’s what real estate folks call an “over-the-mountain” community, which is basically code for “bring your wallet.”
8. Prattville
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: B+
Want the best of both worlds? Prattville’s got that small-town charm but with all the modern stuff you need. And talk about mortgage affordability – we’re looking at $245,000 median prices. That’s pretty sweet if you ask me. Baptist Medical Center handles the healthcare side of things, and they do it well.
The historic downtown is actually worth checking out (unlike some places that just call themselves historic), and that Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail? Chef’s kiss. Montgomery’s airport is just 30 minutes away, and you’ve got good medical care right in town.
3 things to do:
- Capitol Hill Golf Course (RTJ Trail)
- Autauga Creek Canoe Trail
- Historic Downtown district
Median Home Price History for Prattville
- December 2014: $155,308
- December 2019: $176,306
- December 2024: $243,287
- 10-Year Change: 56.6%
- 5-Year Change: 38.0%
Prattville’s kept it steady – no crazy spikes here. That’s probably why it’s still one of the more reasonable spots for homebuyers in the state. Solid growth without the sticker shock.
Mortgage payment details:
- Cost to buy a home: $243,287
- Down payment: $48,657
- Monthly mortgage payment: $1,254
Where is it on the map?
Prattville sits just northwest of Montgomery – close enough to commute but far enough to dodge the city chaos. They call it the “Preferred Community” which sounds like marketing speak, but spend a day there and you’ll get why it works.
9. Tuscaloosa
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: A+
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B-
- Airport Proximity: B
If you’re a fan of college football (Roll Tide!), Tuscaloosa’s got your name on it. And check this out – mortgage affordability is actually pretty decent with median prices around $215,000. DCH Regional Medical Center’s got your back on the health front, and they know what they’re doing.
Between University of Alabama games, concerts, and whatever’s happening on campus, you’ll never run out of stuff to do. Lake Tuscaloosa’s right there when you want to get on the water. Birmingham’s airport is about an hour away, but honestly, you might be too busy with local stuff to care.
3 things to do:
- Alabama Crimson Tide Football
- Riverwalk along Black Warrior River
- Paul W. Bryant Museum
Median Home Price History for Tuscaloosa
- December 2014: $138,551
- December 2019: $159,458
- December 2024: $215,413
- 10-Year Change: 55.5%
- 5-Year Change: 35.1%
Roll Tide and steady prices – Tuscaloosa’s kept things pretty manageable. That 55% ten-year growth is actually the lowest on our list. Good news if you’re looking for reasonable home loan territory.
Mortgage payment details:
- Cost to buy a home: $215,413
- Down payment: $43,083
- Monthly mortgage payment: $1,111
Where is it on the map?
T-Town (that’s what the locals call it) is about an hour southwest of Birmingham, sitting pretty on the Black Warrior River. Home to the Crimson Tide and about 100,000 people who probably say “Roll Tide” at least once a day.
10. Vestavia Hills
- Cost of Buying a Home: C-
- Healthcare Access: A+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A+
- Airport Proximity: A-
Here’s the straight scoop on Vestavia Hills – it’s where folks go when they want that upscale Birmingham suburban life. Not gonna sugarcoat it: median prices at $516,000 mean homeownership here isn’t cheap. But for homebuyers who can swing it, you’re getting A+ safety ratings and medical care that’s hard to beat.
They’ve got this killer library they call the Library in the Forest – sounds made up but it’s totally real. And if you’re into hiking, their nature park is legit. Twenty minutes to the airport isn’t too shabby either. Just like I always say – you get what you pay for, and in Vestavia Hills, you’re paying for the good stuff.
3 things to do:
- Library in the Forest
- Vestavia Hills Nature Trail
- Sibyl Temple viewpoint
Median Home Price History for Vestavia Hills
- December 2014: $309,388
- December 2019: $381,296
- December 2024: $516,574
- 10-Year Change: 67.0%
- 5-Year Change: 35.5%
Started premium, stayed premium. Vestavia Hills shows what happens when you take already-expensive homes and add 67% growth. That half-million median price tag isn’t for the faint of heart.
Mortgage payment details:
- Cost to buy a home: $516,574
- Down payment: $103,315
- Monthly mortgage payment: $2,664 (Mortgage brokers in Alabama)
Where is it on the map?
Another one of Birmingham’s “over-the-mountain” suburbs, Vestavia Hills sprawls along the city’s south side. It’s technically its own city but let’s be honest – it’s all part of the Birmingham metro scene, just with better views and higher price tags.
Sources:
- Zillow Home Value Index
- Bing Maps
- Alabama Tourism Department (https://www.alabama.travel/)
- City of Madison Parks and Recreation (https://www.madisonal.gov/)
- Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (https://www.gulfshores.com/)
- Huntsville.org (https://www.huntsville.org/)
- National Trust for Historic Preservation (https://savingplaces.org/)
- University of Alabama (https://www.ua.edu/)
- Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce (https://mtnbrookchamber.org/)
- Vestavia Hills Parks & Recreation (https://vhal.org/)
- Buyer Agent Search – Alabama Real Estate Market
- SmartAsset – Alabama Property Tax Calculator
- Realtor.com – Vestavia Hills, AL Real Estate
