This ranking evaluates Alabama towns based on six key criteria that determine overall vibrancy and livability: Overall Vibrancy, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Hip & Trendy, Young Singles, Car Friendly, and Walkability. The Overall Vibrancy Score encompasses numerous factors including community engagement, economic vitality, cultural offerings, recreational opportunities, and general quality of life indicators that contribute to a town’s dynamic atmosphere.
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 least vibrant towns.
Here’s the list.
25. Ariton
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 21.33
- Hip & Trendy: 11.10
- Young Singles: 17.80
- Car Friendly: 98.89
- Walkability: 7.62
Ariton ranks as the 25th least vibrant town in Alabama with an overall vibrancy score of just 2.45 out of 100. While extremely car-friendly (98.89), the town scores poorly on walkability (7.62) and hip & trendy metrics (11.10). The town has a moderate urban sophistication score of 21.33, suggesting some cultural amenities, but its young singles population is relatively low at 17.80. The median home price in Ariton is approximately $125,000.
24. Gordon
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.44
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.99
- Hip & Trendy: 10.82
- Young Singles: 21.44
- Car Friendly: 98.41
- Walkability: 6.04
Gordon has an overall vibrancy score of 2.44, placing it 24th on our list. The town has very low urban sophistication (9.99) and poor walkability (6.04). While it’s highly car-friendly (98.41), Gordon lacks trendy amenities (10.82) and has a modest young singles population (21.44). The median home price in Gordon is approximately $89,000.
23. Repton
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.40
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 13.05
- Hip & Trendy: 10.65
- Young Singles: 25.97
- Car Friendly: 93.78
- Walkability: 4.16
Repton scores 2.40 in overall vibrancy, ranking it 23rd on our list. The town has very poor walkability (4.16) and low hip & trendy scores (10.65). While car-friendly (93.78), Repton’s urban sophistication is low (13.05), though it has a decent young singles population (25.97). The median home price in Repton is approximately $78,500.
22. Coffeeville
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.28
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 4.68
- Hip & Trendy: 44.13
- Young Singles: 40.41
- Car Friendly: 97.91
- Walkability: 4.64
Coffeeville ranks 22nd with an overall vibrancy score of 2.28. Despite having the lowest urban sophistication score (4.68) among the towns in this range, it surprisingly has higher hip & trendy (44.13) and young singles (40.41) ratings. The town is very car-friendly (97.91) but has poor walkability (4.64). The median home price in Coffeeville is approximately $68,900.
21. Cherokee
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.26
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 16.60
- Hip & Trendy: 11.14
- Young Singles: 28.21
- Car Friendly: 94.86
- Walkability: 11.43
Cherokee has an overall vibrancy score of 2.26, placing it 21st on our list. While it has better walkability (11.43) than many towns in this range, it still scores low on hip & trendy metrics (11.14) and urban sophistication (16.60). The town is very car-friendly (94.86) and has a moderate young singles population (28.21). The median home price in Cherokee is approximately $95,700.
20. Oakman
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.06
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 7.37
- Hip & Trendy: 38.68
- Young Singles: 20.34
- Car Friendly: 93.91
- Walkability: 5.50
With an overall vibrancy score of 2.06, Oakman ranks 20th on our list. The town has very low urban sophistication (7.37) and poor walkability (5.50), though it has a surprisingly decent hip & trendy score (38.68). Oakman is very car-friendly (93.91) but has a relatively low young singles population (20.34). The median home price in Oakman is approximately $87,400.
19. Five Points
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.97
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 12.30
- Hip & Trendy: 19.66
- Young Singles: 14.81
- Car Friendly: 96.55
- Walkability: 15.73
Five Points has an overall vibrancy score of 1.97, ranking it 19th. The town has the best walkability score (15.73) among towns in this range, though still quite low. It has low urban sophistication (12.30), modest hip & trendy metrics (19.66), and a very low young singles population (14.81). The town is highly car-friendly (96.55). The median home price in Five Points is approximately $79,800.
18. Uniontown
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.92
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.73
- Hip & Trendy: 29.34
- Young Singles: 38.73
- Car Friendly: 86.45
- Walkability: 3.26
Uniontown ranks 18th with an overall vibrancy score of 1.92. The town has the lowest urban sophistication score (1.73) among all towns on this list and very poor walkability (3.26). However, it has a decent hip & trendy rating (29.34) and a high young singles population (38.73). Uniontown is car-friendly (86.45). The median home price in Uniontown is approximately $45,000.
17. Akron
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.92
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.95
- Hip & Trendy: 12.34
- Young Singles: 14.45
- Car Friendly: 78.45
- Walkability: 6.78
Akron ties with Uniontown with an overall vibrancy score of 1.92. Unlike Uniontown, Akron has a much higher urban sophistication score (31.95) but lower hip & trendy metrics (12.34) and young singles population (14.45). The town has the lowest car-friendly score (78.45) among towns in this range, though still high, and poor walkability (6.78). The median home price in Akron is approximately $52,300.
16. Pine Apple
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.87
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 14.75
- Hip & Trendy: 37.77
- Young Singles: 42.79
- Car Friendly: 89.88
- Walkability: 10.20
Pine Apple ranks 16th with an overall vibrancy score of 1.87. Despite this low overall score, the town has the highest young singles population (42.79) among towns in this range and a decent hip & trendy rating (37.77). Urban sophistication is low (14.75), but walkability (10.20) is better than many towns on this list. The town is car-friendly (89.88). The median home price in Pine Apple is approximately $59,000.
15. Dixons Mills
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.79
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 15.42
- Hip & Trendy: 19.91
- Young Singles: 16.48
- Car Friendly: 96.33
- Walkability: 4.65
With an overall vibrancy score of 1.79, Dixons Mills ranks 15th on our list. The town has low urban sophistication (15.42), modest hip & trendy metrics (19.91), and a low young singles population (16.48). Dixons Mills is very car-friendly (96.33) but has poor walkability (4.65). The median home price in Dixons Mills is approximately $67,200.
14. Vina – Hodges
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.75
- Hip & Trendy: 24.07
- Young Singles: 15.28
- Car Friendly: 95.40
- Walkability: 8.06
Vina – Hodges has an overall vibrancy score of 1.78, ranking it 14th. The town has very low urban sophistication (5.75) and a low young singles population (15.28). It has a modest hip & trendy rating (24.07) and poor walkability (8.06), while being very car-friendly (95.40). The median home price in Vina – Hodges is approximately $76,500.
13. River Falls – Red Level
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.74
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 12.68
- Hip & Trendy: 19.04
- Young Singles: 18.09
- Car Friendly: 97.76
- Walkability: 7.32
River Falls – Red Level ranks 13th with an overall vibrancy score of 1.74. The town has low urban sophistication (12.68), modest hip & trendy metrics (19.04), and a low young singles population (18.09). It is highly car-friendly (97.76) but has poor walkability (7.32). The median home price in River Falls – Red Level is approximately $81,400.
12. Lisman – Pennington
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.70
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 8.24
- Hip & Trendy: 13.49
- Young Singles: 23.48
- Car Friendly: 97.72
- Walkability: 2.27
With an overall vibrancy score of 1.70, Lisman – Pennington ranks 12th on our list. The town has very low urban sophistication (8.24), poor hip & trendy metrics (13.49), and one of the worst walkability scores (2.27) on this list. It has a moderate young singles population (23.48) and is highly car-friendly (97.72). The median home price in Lisman – Pennington is approximately $65,000.
11. McKenzie
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.44
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.34
- Hip & Trendy: 19.69
- Young Singles: 20.64
- Car Friendly: 90.49
- Walkability: 3.36
McKenzie ranks 11th with an overall vibrancy score of 1.44. The town has very low urban sophistication (5.34) and poor walkability (3.36). It has modest hip & trendy metrics (19.69) and a moderate young singles population (20.64). McKenzie is very car-friendly (90.49). The median home price in McKenzie is approximately $73,800.
10. Goshen
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 51.69
- Hip & Trendy: 12.25
- Young Singles: 34.50
- Car Friendly: 96.37
- Walkability: 5.23
Goshen has an overall vibrancy score of 1.31, placing it 10th on our list. Interestingly, the town has the highest urban sophistication score (51.69) among all towns on this list, suggesting decent cultural amenities. It also has a high young singles population (34.50). However, Goshen scores poorly on hip & trendy metrics (12.25) and walkability (5.23). The town is very car-friendly (96.37). The median home price in Goshen is approximately $96,200.
9. Lynn
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.16
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.72
- Hip & Trendy: 5.16
- Young Singles: 11.23
- Car Friendly: 84.16
- Walkability: 5.09
Lynn ranks 9th with an overall vibrancy score of 1.16. The town has extremely low scores across most metrics: urban sophistication (3.72), hip & trendy (5.16), and the lowest young singles population (11.23) among all towns on this list. Lynn has poor walkability (5.09) but is car-friendly (84.16). The median home price in Lynn is approximately $82,500.
8. Leroy
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.08
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 12.93
- Hip & Trendy: 5.04
- Young Singles: 25.87
- Car Friendly: 94.77
- Walkability: 2.08
With an overall vibrancy score of 1.08, Leroy ranks 8th on our list. The town has very low hip & trendy metrics (5.04) and extremely poor walkability (2.08). Urban sophistication is low (12.93), but the young singles population is moderate (25.87). Leroy is highly car-friendly (94.77). The median home price in Leroy is approximately $71,300.
7. Newbern
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.91
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 17.90
- Hip & Trendy: 17.67
- Young Singles: 22.96
- Car Friendly: 99.63
- Walkability: 3.27
Newbern ranks 7th with an overall vibrancy score of 0.91. The town has modest urban sophistication (17.90) and hip & trendy metrics (17.67). It has a moderate young singles population (22.96) and the highest car-friendly score (99.63) among all towns on this list, but very poor walkability (3.27). The median home price in Newbern is approximately $68,500.
6. Vredenburgh
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 13.11
- Hip & Trendy: 9.03
- Young Singles: 17.38
- Car Friendly: 85.76
- Walkability: 2.83
Vredenburgh has an overall vibrancy score of 0.88, placing it 6th on our list. The town has low urban sophistication (13.11), poor hip & trendy metrics (9.03), and a low young singles population (17.38). Vredenburgh has very poor walkability (2.83) but is car-friendly (85.76). The median home price in Vredenburgh is approximately $48,900.
5. Waterloo
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.84
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 12.40
- Hip & Trendy: 9.85
- Young Singles: 20.76
- Car Friendly: 80.96
- Walkability: 3.82
Waterloo ranks 5th with an overall vibrancy score of 0.84. The town has low urban sophistication (12.40), poor hip & trendy metrics (9.85), and a moderate young singles population (20.76). Waterloo has poor walkability (3.82) and the second-lowest car-friendly score (80.96) among towns on this list, though still quite high. The median home price in Waterloo is approximately $85,400.
4. Orrville
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.74
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.32
- Hip & Trendy: 66.12
- Young Singles: 29.10
- Car Friendly: 93.50
- Walkability: 4.80
With an overall vibrancy score of 0.74, Orrville ranks 4th on our list. Interestingly, the town has the highest hip & trendy score (66.12) among all towns on this list, suggesting some trendy spots despite its low overall vibrancy. Urban sophistication is very low (5.32), but the young singles population is decent (29.10). Orrville has poor walkability (4.80) but is very car-friendly (93.50). The median home price in Orrville is approximately $61,700.
3. Minter
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.58
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.28
- Hip & Trendy: 32.10
- Young Singles: 26.22
- Car Friendly: 82.14
- Walkability: 9.13
Minter ranks 3rd with an overall vibrancy score of 0.58. The town has a decent hip & trendy rating (32.10) and moderate young singles population (26.22). Urban sophistication is low (10.28), but walkability (9.13) is better than many towns on this list. Minter is car-friendly (82.14). The median home price in Minter is approximately $55,800.
2. Dozier
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.27
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 6.16
- Hip & Trendy: 54.04
- Young Singles: 30.03
- Car Friendly: 95.31
- Walkability: 7.00
Dozier has an overall vibrancy score of 0.27, placing it 2nd on our list of least vibrant towns. Despite its very low overall score, the town has a high hip & trendy rating (54.04) and a good young singles population (30.03). Urban sophistication is very low (6.16) and walkability is poor (7.00). Dozier is highly car-friendly (95.31). The median home price in Dozier is approximately $64,200.
1. Waverly
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.26
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 43.19
- Hip & Trendy: 42.48
- Young Singles: 28.77
- Car Friendly: 85.51
- Walkability: 11.07
Waverly ranks as the least vibrant town in Alabama with an overall vibrancy score of just 0.26 out of 100. Surprisingly, the town has relatively high scores in urban sophistication (43.19) and hip & trendy metrics (42.48), suggesting it has some cultural amenities and trendy spots despite its low overall vibrancy. Waverly has a decent young singles population (28.77) and the best walkability score (11.07) among the bottom five towns, though still quite poor. The town is car-friendly (85.51). The median home price in Waverly is approximately $132,500.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Vibrancy: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a town’s dynamic energy and livability based on factors like community engagement, cultural offerings, economic vitality, and social opportunities. A higher score indicates a more vibrant community with diverse activities and amenities.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Measures the availability and quality of cultural institutions, fine dining, arts venues, and intellectual gathering spaces. This criterion indicates the maturity of a town’s cultural scene and opportunities for refined experiences.
- Hip & Trendy: Evaluates areas with emerging popularity, innovative businesses, creative expression, and progressive attitudes. This metric helps identify towns embracing contemporary trends and attracting forward-thinking residents.
- Young Singles: Assesses the concentration of unmarried individuals typically between 25-40 years old. This demographic often influences the social scene, nightlife options, and certain economic patterns within a community.
- Car Friendly: Measures how well a town accommodates automobile transportation through road quality, parking availability, traffic flow, and driving convenience. This criterion is important as most Alabama residents rely on cars as their primary transportation.
- Walkability: Evaluates how easily residents can reach amenities, businesses, and services on foot. Higher walkability correlates with increased community interaction, physical health benefits, and reduced environmental impact, making it an essential complement to car-friendliness in well-rounded communities.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
