When considering the livability of a neighborhood, walkability has become an increasingly important factor for many homebuyers and renters. Walkable neighborhoods offer convenience, promote healthier lifestyles, and often foster a stronger sense of community. To determine the most walkable neighborhoods in Alabama, we’ve analyzed six key criteria: Overall Walkability, Retirement Score, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, Cycling-Friendly, and Transit-Friendly ratings.
The Overall Walkability Score incorporates numerous factors including proximity to amenities, pedestrian infrastructure, street connectivity, and population density. It’s important to note that every score in our analysis is based on real-world data and resident surveys – not arbitrary ratings. Each neighborhood has been evaluated across these six criteria to provide a comprehensive view of its pedestrian-friendly qualities.
Here’s the list.
25. Five Points
- Overall Walkability: 78.86
- Retirement Score: 89.39
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 69.18
- Vibrant Score: 78.68
- Cycling-Friendly: 9.40
- Transit-Friendly: 58.74
Five Points starts our list at #25 with a walkability score of 78.86. This well-rounded neighborhood excels as a retirement destination with a high score of 89.39 and offers good urban sophistication and a vibrant atmosphere. It also provides decent transit options, though cycling infrastructure is limited. The balanced profile across multiple criteria makes Five Points a versatile walkable neighborhood in Alabama, appealing to a wide range of residents from retirees to young professionals seeking a connected, vibrant community.
24. Auburn West
- Overall Walkability: 78.99
- Retirement Score: 9.55
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 18.22
- Vibrant Score: 71.51
- Cycling-Friendly: 52.83
- Transit-Friendly: 56.24
Auburn West ranks 24th with a walkability score of 78.99. This neighborhood offers a vibrant atmosphere and stands out for its balanced transportation options, with good cycling infrastructure and transit connectivity. While it has limited urban sophistication and isn’t particularly retirement-friendly, Auburn West’s combination of walkability and transportation options makes it ideal for those seeking a car-optional lifestyle with multiple ways to get around.
23. Forest Park
- Overall Walkability: 79.97
- Retirement Score: 92.47
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 93.31
- Vibrant Score: 66.86
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Forest Park places 23rd with a walkability score of 79.97. This neighborhood excels as a retirement destination with an exceptional score of 92.47 and offers outstanding urban sophistication rated at 93.31. It has a moderately vibrant atmosphere but lacks cycling and transit infrastructure. Forest Park’s combination of walkability, cultural amenities, and retirement-friendly environment makes it an ideal choice for active seniors and those who appreciate a refined, walkable neighborhood with abundant cultural offerings.
22. Rime Village Dr
- Overall Walkability: 79.98
- Retirement Score: 2.81
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 27.31
- Vibrant Score: 65.61
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Rime Village Dr comes in at 22nd place with a walkability score of 79.98. This neighborhood offers a fairly vibrant atmosphere, though it has limited urban sophistication and is one of the least retirement-friendly on our list. Despite lacking cycling and transit infrastructure, Rime Village Dr’s good walkability makes it convenient for residents to access daily necessities and amenities on foot.
21. Carlen
- Overall Walkability: 80.11
- Retirement Score: 58.06
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 97.70
- Vibrant Score: 73.51
- Cycling-Friendly: 3.32
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Carlen takes the 21st spot with a walkability score of 80.11. This neighborhood stands out for its exceptional urban sophistication, scoring an impressive 97.70 for cultural amenities. It offers a vibrant atmosphere and is moderately retirement-friendly, though cycling infrastructure is minimal and transit options are lacking. Carlen’s outstanding cultural offerings and solid walkability make it ideal for those who value arts, dining, and entertainment within walking distance.
20. Glen Iris
- Overall Walkability: 80.11
- Retirement Score: 32.58
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 64.04
- Vibrant Score: 75.74
- Cycling-Friendly: 37.35
- Transit-Friendly: 61.22
Glen Iris ranks 20th with a walkability score of 80.11. This well-rounded neighborhood offers good urban sophistication, a vibrant atmosphere, decent cycling infrastructure, and excellent transit options. While not particularly retirement-friendly, Glen Iris stands out for its balanced profile across multiple criteria, making it one of the more versatile walkable neighborhoods in Alabama.
19. Washington Square
- Overall Walkability: 80.20
- Retirement Score: 86.91
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 77.90
- Vibrant Score: 50.15
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Washington Square ranks 19th with a walkability score of 80.20. This neighborhood stands out for being highly retirement-friendly with a score of 86.91 and offering excellent urban sophistication. While it has a moderately vibrant atmosphere and lacks cycling and transit infrastructure, Washington Square’s combination of walkability, cultural amenities, and retirement-friendly environment makes it an excellent choice for active seniors seeking a refined, walkable neighborhood.
18. Huntsville Park
- Overall Walkability: 81.01
- Retirement Score: 48.04
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 12.24
- Vibrant Score: 73.83
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 41.37
Huntsville Park comes in at 18th place with a walkability score of 81.01. This neighborhood offers a vibrant atmosphere and decent transit options, though it has limited cultural amenities. It’s moderately retirement-friendly and lacks cycling infrastructure. Despite its lower urban sophistication, Huntsville Park’s combination of walkability, vibrancy, and transit connectivity makes it a practical choice for those prioritizing an active, connected lifestyle.
17. Redmont Park West
- Overall Walkability: 81.08
- Retirement Score: 27.86
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.23
- Vibrant Score: 93.08
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 67.97
Redmont Park West ranks 17th with a walkability score of 81.08. This neighborhood stands out for its exceptional vibrant score of 93.08 and excellent transit options rated at 67.97. While it offers moderate urban sophistication and isn’t particularly retirement-friendly, Redmont Park West’s combination of walkability, transit connectivity, and energetic atmosphere makes it ideal for those seeking an active, connected urban lifestyle.
16. Crestwood North
- Overall Walkability: 81.09
- Retirement Score: 32.95
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 88.22
- Vibrant Score: 53.59
- Cycling-Friendly: 22.42
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Crestwood North comes in at 16th place with a walkability score of 81.09. This neighborhood shines with excellent urban sophistication rated at 88.22, offering abundant cultural amenities. It has a moderately vibrant atmosphere and limited cycling infrastructure. While not particularly retirement-friendly and lacking transit options, Crestwood North’s combination of walkability and cultural offerings makes it attractive for those who value arts, dining, and entertainment within walking distance.
15. Edgewood North
- Overall Walkability: 81.64
- Retirement Score: 32.70
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 80.85
- Vibrant Score: 74.18
- Cycling-Friendly: 16.17
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Edgewood North comes in at 15th place with a walkability score of 81.64. This neighborhood offers excellent urban sophistication and a vibrant atmosphere, though it’s less retirement-friendly. While cycling infrastructure is limited and transit options are lacking, Edgewood North’s combination of walkability, cultural amenities, and energetic environment makes it appealing for those who value urban convenience and sophistication.
14. College Hills
- Overall Walkability: 81.64
- Retirement Score: 71.59
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.05
- Vibrant Score: 49.09
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
College Hills ranks 14th with a walkability score of 81.64. This neighborhood is quite retirement-friendly with a score of 71.59, though it offers moderate urban sophistication and vibrancy. Despite lacking cycling and transit infrastructure, College Hills’ excellent walkability and suitability for retirees make it an attractive option for older adults seeking a pedestrian-friendly environment.
13. Old Cloverdale / Huntingdon College
- Overall Walkability: 81.66
- Retirement Score: 64.97
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 83.01
- Vibrant Score: 82.47
- Cycling-Friendly: 19.18
- Transit-Friendly: 43.59
Old Cloverdale / Huntingdon College ranks 13th with a walkability score of 81.66. This well-rounded neighborhood excels in urban sophistication (83.01) and offers a vibrant atmosphere (82.47). It’s quite retirement-friendly and provides decent transit options, though cycling infrastructure is limited. The neighborhood’s balanced profile across all six criteria makes it one of the more versatile walkable neighborhoods in Alabama.
12. Georgia Avenue
- Overall Walkability: 81.93
- Retirement Score: 54.55
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 64.65
- Vibrant Score: 76.09
- Cycling-Friendly: 13.28
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Georgia Avenue comes in at 12th place with a walkability score of 81.93. This neighborhood offers good urban sophistication and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a well-rounded choice for many residents. It’s moderately retirement-friendly and has limited cycling infrastructure. The combination of solid walkability, cultural amenities, and energetic environment makes Georgia Avenue attractive for those seeking a balanced urban lifestyle.
11. Redmont Park
- Overall Walkability: 82.36
- Retirement Score: 99.89
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 94.07
- Vibrant Score: 39.79
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Redmont Park ranks 11th with a walkability score of 82.36. This neighborhood stands out as the most retirement-friendly on our list with an exceptional score of 99.89, paired with outstanding urban sophistication rated at 94.07. While it has a more subdued atmosphere and lacks cycling and transit infrastructure, Redmont Park’s combination of walkability, cultural amenities, and retirement-friendly environment makes it an ideal choice for active seniors and those who appreciate a refined, walkable neighborhood.
10. 10th Ave S / 16th St S
- Overall Walkability: 82.68
- Retirement Score: 24.83
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 38.16
- Vibrant Score: 82.22
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
10th Ave S / 16th St S comes in at 10th place with a walkability score of 82.68. This neighborhood offers a vibrant atmosphere with a score of 82.22, though it has moderate urban sophistication and isn’t particularly retirement-friendly. Despite lacking dedicated cycling infrastructure and transit options, the neighborhood’s excellent walkability and vibrant environment make it an appealing choice for those who prefer to get around on foot.
9. Ensley Highlands
- Overall Walkability: 83.98
- Retirement Score: 40.34
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 24.22
- Vibrant Score: 73.66
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 60.75
Ensley Highlands ranks 9th with a walkability score of 83.98. This neighborhood offers good transit options with a score of 60.75 and a fairly vibrant atmosphere rated at 73.66. It’s moderately suitable for retirees but has relatively limited cultural amenities. Despite its lower urban sophistication, Ensley Highlands’ combination of walkability, transit options, and vibrant environment makes it a practical choice for those seeking good connectivity.
8. Edgewood
- Overall Walkability: 84.00
- Retirement Score: 38.16
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 99.45
- Vibrant Score: 87.13
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Edgewood comes in at 8th place with a strong walkability score of 84.00. This neighborhood stands out for its exceptional urban sophistication, scoring an impressive 99.45 for cultural amenities. It also offers a vibrant atmosphere rated at 87.13. While it lacks significant cycling and transit infrastructure and is moderately suitable for retirees, Edgewood’s outstanding cultural offerings and walkable streets make it an attractive option for those who value arts, dining, and entertainment within walking distance.
7. The Strip / Druid City
- Overall Walkability: 85.47
- Retirement Score: 8.97
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 40.84
- Vibrant Score: 97.03
- Cycling-Friendly: 93.49
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
The Strip / Druid City ranks 7th with a walkability score of 85.47. This neighborhood truly shines with an exceptional vibrant score of 97.03 and outstanding cycling infrastructure rated at 93.49. While it offers moderate cultural amenities, it’s one of the least retirement-friendly neighborhoods on our list. The combination of excellent walkability, cycling options, and vibrant atmosphere makes this an ideal location for young professionals and students seeking an active urban lifestyle.
6. Capitol Heights
- Overall Walkability: 85.91
- Retirement Score: 25.57
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 37.76
- Vibrant Score: 69.56
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Capitol Heights comes in at 6th place with a walkability score of 85.91. This neighborhood offers a fairly vibrant atmosphere with a score of 69.56, though it has modest urban sophistication. It doesn’t have significant cycling infrastructure or transit options, and it’s not particularly suitable for retirees. Nevertheless, Capitol Heights’ excellent walkability makes it convenient for residents to access daily necessities and amenities on foot.
5. Highland Park
- Overall Walkability: 85.95
- Retirement Score: 22.46
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 43.28
- Vibrant Score: 94.47
- Cycling-Friendly: 45.92
- Transit-Friendly: 31.26
Highland Park ranks 5th with an excellent walkability score of 85.95. This neighborhood stands out for its exceptional vibrant score of 94.47, indicating a lively atmosphere with plenty of activity. It offers decent cycling infrastructure and some transit options. While its urban sophistication is moderate and it’s not particularly retirement-friendly, Highland Park’s energetic environment and walkable streets make it appealing for those seeking an active urban lifestyle.
4. Leinkauf
- Overall Walkability: 86.14
- Retirement Score: 45.24
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 49.96
- Vibrant Score: 48.32
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 40.05
Leinkauf comes in at 4th place with a walkability score of 86.14. This neighborhood offers moderate urban sophistication and a somewhat vibrant atmosphere. It provides decent transit options and is moderately suitable for retirees. While Leinkauf doesn’t excel in any particular category beyond walkability, it offers a balanced environment with good pedestrian infrastructure and accessibility to daily needs.
3. Hannon Park
- Overall Walkability: 86.42
- Retirement Score: 53.65
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 89.99
- Vibrant Score: 86.86
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 47.48
Hannon Park ranks 3rd with an excellent walkability score of 86.42. This neighborhood stands out for its exceptional urban sophistication (89.99) and vibrant atmosphere (86.86). It offers decent transit options and is moderately suitable for retirees. Despite lacking dedicated cycling infrastructure, Hannon Park’s combination of walkability, cultural amenities, and vibrant atmosphere makes it a well-rounded choice for urban dwellers.
2. University
- Overall Walkability: 88.93
- Retirement Score: 17.58
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.85
- Vibrant Score: 88.51
- Cycling-Friendly: 61.26
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
University comes in at 2nd place with a high walkability score of 88.93. It shines with a vibrant atmosphere (88.51) and excellent cycling infrastructure (61.26), making it ideal for students and young professionals. While it offers moderate cultural amenities, it’s not particularly suitable for retirees. The combination of high walkability and cycling-friendly streets makes this an excellent choice for those seeking an active, car-optional lifestyle.
1. 16th Ave S / 15th St S
- Overall Walkability: 91.59
- Retirement Score: 10.23
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 53.87
- Vibrant Score: 89.42
- Cycling-Friendly: 23.63
- Transit-Friendly: 60.06
16th Ave S / 15th St S tops our list as the best walkable neighborhood in Alabama with an impressive score of 91.59. This neighborhood offers excellent transit options with a score of 60.06 and a vibrant atmosphere rated at 89.42. While it has moderate urban sophistication and some cycling infrastructure, it scores relatively low as a retirement destination. The neighborhood’s outstanding walkability, vibrant atmosphere, and good transit connectivity make it ideal for those who value an active, car-optional urban lifestyle.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Walkability: A comprehensive measure of how easily residents can accomplish daily tasks on foot. This includes factors like proximity to amenities, pedestrian infrastructure quality, street connectivity, and safety.
- Retirement Score: A measure of how suitable a neighborhood is for retirees and older adults, considering factors like accessibility, quietness, proximity to healthcare facilities, and senior-friendly amenities.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): The availability and quality of cultural attractions like museums, theaters, galleries, fine dining, and educational institutions that contribute to a neighborhood’s intellectual and artistic vibrancy.
- Vibrant Score: A measure of the neighborhood’s energy and liveliness, including nightlife, social opportunities, events, and overall activity level at different times of day.
- Cycling-Friendly: Evaluates bicycle infrastructure, safety, and convenience for cyclists. This criterion is included because cycling complements walking as an eco-friendly, healthy transportation option that extends the practical range beyond walking distances while maintaining the car-free lifestyle benefits of walkable neighborhoods.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates public transportation options, reliability, and convenience. Good transit options extend the accessibility of a walkable neighborhood, allowing residents to maintain a less car-dependent lifestyle while still being able to reach destinations beyond walking distance, thus enhancing the overall value of neighborhood walkability.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
Zillow Research Data
Realtor.com Research Data
Redfin Data Center
Trulia Home Prices
American Housing Survey
