When evaluating the most walkable towns in Alabama, we’ve analyzed data across six key criteria: Overall Walkability, Retirement Score, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, Cycling-Friendly, and Transit-Friendly. These comprehensive metrics help paint a complete picture of how pedestrian-friendly and accessible each community truly is.
The Overall Walkability Score incorporates numerous factors including sidewalk prevalence, pedestrian safety, proximity of amenities, street connectivity, and population density. 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 walkable towns.
Here’s the list.
25. Hoover
- Overall Walkability: 34.17
- Retirement Score: 62.87
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 69
- Vibrant Score: 49.16
- Cycling-Friendly: 0.47
- Transit-Friendly: 1.87
Hoover offers a walkability score of 34.17 out of 100, making it the 25th most walkable town in Alabama. Its Urban Sophistication score of 69 indicates good access to cultural venues and amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 49.16, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The median home price in Hoover is approximately $350,800.
24. Dothan
- Overall Walkability: 34.24
- Retirement Score: 49.33
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 27.06
- Vibrant Score: 52.37
- Cycling-Friendly: 3.74
- Transit-Friendly: 5.21
Dothan offers a walkability score of 34.24 out of 100, making it the 24th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 27.06, suggesting limited cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 52.37, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The median home price in Dothan is approximately $154,900.
23. Huntsville
- Overall Walkability: 35.12
- Retirement Score: 64.84
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 48.09
- Vibrant Score: 53.28
- Cycling-Friendly: 1.58
- Transit-Friendly: 9
Huntsville offers a walkability score of 35.12 out of 100, making it the 23rd most walkable town in Alabama. Its Urban Sophistication score of 48.09 indicates good access to cultural venues and amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 53.28, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The median home price in Huntsville is approximately $217,500.
22. Satsuma
- Overall Walkability: 36.1
- Retirement Score: 66.57
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 57.35
- Vibrant Score: 22
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Satsuma offers a walkability score of 36.1 out of 100, making it the 22nd most walkable town in Alabama. Its Urban Sophistication score of 57.35 indicates good access to cultural venues and amenities. Its Vibrant Score of 22 indicates a more relaxed pace of life. The median home price in Satsuma is approximately $153,400.
21. Leeds
- Overall Walkability: 37.59
- Retirement Score: 67.74
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 50.48
- Vibrant Score: 32.47
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Leeds offers a walkability score of 37.59 out of 100, making it the 21st most walkable town in Alabama. Its Urban Sophistication score of 50.48 indicates good access to cultural venues and amenities. Its Vibrant Score of 32.47 indicates a more relaxed pace of life. The median home price in Leeds is approximately $174,800.
20. Auburn
- Overall Walkability: 37.77
- Retirement Score: 47.39
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 35.06
- Vibrant Score: 56.42
- Cycling-Friendly: 5.01
- Transit-Friendly: 17.33
Auburn offers a walkability score of 37.77 out of 100, making it the 20th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 35.06, suggesting limited cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 56.42, the town offers a moderately active community environment. Cyclists will appreciate the above-average Cycling-Friendly score of 5.01. The town also offers good public transit options with a Transit-Friendly score of 17.33. The median home price in Auburn is approximately $281,700.
19. Vestavia Hills
- Overall Walkability: 38.04
- Retirement Score: 84.75
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 78.41
- Vibrant Score: 55.53
- Cycling-Friendly: 0.54
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Vestavia Hills offers a walkability score of 38.04 out of 100, making it the 19th most walkable town in Alabama. With an impressive Urban Sophistication score of 78.41, residents enjoy excellent access to cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 55.53, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The median home price in Vestavia Hills is approximately $388,600.
18. Florence
- Overall Walkability: 39.98
- Retirement Score: 54.97
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.3
- Vibrant Score: 46.18
- Cycling-Friendly: 2.46
- Transit-Friendly: 0.11
Florence offers a walkability score of 39.98 out of 100, making it the 18th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 25.3, suggesting limited cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 46.18, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The median home price in Florence is approximately $151,600.
17. Prichard
- Overall Walkability: 41.7
- Retirement Score: 41.16
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 7.65
- Vibrant Score: 33.74
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 14.05
Prichard offers a walkability score of 41.7 out of 100, making it the 17th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 7.65, suggesting limited cultural amenities. Its Vibrant Score of 33.74 indicates a more relaxed pace of life. The median home price in Prichard is approximately $71,800.
16. Mobile
- Overall Walkability: 42.43
- Retirement Score: 47.33
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 29.09
- Vibrant Score: 50.14
- Cycling-Friendly: 2.31
- Transit-Friendly: 11.51
Mobile offers a walkability score of 42.43 out of 100, making it the 16th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 29.09, suggesting limited cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 50.14, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The median home price in Mobile is approximately $139,100.
15. Montgomery
- Overall Walkability: 42.94
- Retirement Score: 47.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.44
- Vibrant Score: 51.9
- Cycling-Friendly: 2.83
- Transit-Friendly: 10.67
Montgomery offers a walkability score of 42.94 out of 100, making it the 15th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 31.44, suggesting limited cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 51.9, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The median home price in Montgomery is approximately $129,700.
14. Tuscaloosa
- Overall Walkability: 43.39
- Retirement Score: 39.05
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 26.38
- Vibrant Score: 60.45
- Cycling-Friendly: 7.21
- Transit-Friendly: 9.38
Tuscaloosa offers a walkability score of 43.39 out of 100, making it the 14th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 26.38, suggesting limited cultural amenities. The community scores high on vibrancy (60.45), reflecting an active and engaging atmosphere. Cyclists will appreciate the above-average Cycling-Friendly score of 7.21. The median home price in Tuscaloosa is approximately $186,300.
13. Gadsden
- Overall Walkability: 44.47
- Retirement Score: 41.27
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 15.54
- Vibrant Score: 37.88
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 1.69
Gadsden offers a walkability score of 44.47 out of 100, making it the 13th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 15.54, suggesting limited cultural amenities. Its Vibrant Score of 37.88 indicates a more relaxed pace of life. The median home price in Gadsden is approximately $96,400.
12. Mountain Brook
- Overall Walkability: 48.39
- Retirement Score: 82.3
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 96.21
- Vibrant Score: 51.12
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Mountain Brook offers a walkability score of 48.39 out of 100, making it the 12th most walkable town in Alabama. With an impressive Urban Sophistication score of 96.21, residents enjoy excellent access to cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 51.12, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The median home price in Mountain Brook is approximately $758,300.
11. Center Point
- Overall Walkability: 50.33
- Retirement Score: 20.44
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 13.7
- Vibrant Score: 46.8
- Cycling-Friendly: 4.13
- Transit-Friendly: 6.18
Center Point offers a walkability score of 50.33 out of 100, making it the 11th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 13.7, suggesting limited cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 46.8, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The median home price in Center Point is approximately $95,600.
10. Midfield
- Overall Walkability: 53.08
- Retirement Score: 25.93
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 13.54
- Vibrant Score: 64.76
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 15.42
Midfield offers a walkability score of 53.08 out of 100, making it the 10th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 13.54, suggesting limited cultural amenities. The community scores high on vibrancy (64.76), reflecting an active and engaging atmosphere. The town also offers good public transit options with a Transit-Friendly score of 15.42. The median home price in Midfield is approximately $85,400.
9. Birmingham
- Overall Walkability: 54.09
- Retirement Score: 43.48
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 32.08
- Vibrant Score: 51.28
- Cycling-Friendly: 4.59
- Transit-Friendly: 24.16
Birmingham offers a walkability score of 54.09 out of 100, making it the 9th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 32.08, suggesting limited cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 51.28, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The town also offers good public transit options with a Transit-Friendly score of 24.16. The median home price in Birmingham is approximately $92,100.
8. Bessemer
- Overall Walkability: 54.26
- Retirement Score: 35.3
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 15.44
- Vibrant Score: 43.11
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 13.71
Bessemer offers a walkability score of 54.26 out of 100, making it the 8th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 15.44, suggesting limited cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 43.11, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The median home price in Bessemer is approximately $87,800.
7. Chickasaw
- Overall Walkability: 55.13
- Retirement Score: 27.75
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 7.96
- Vibrant Score: 54.83
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 10.6
Chickasaw offers a walkability score of 55.13 out of 100, making it the 7th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 7.96, suggesting limited cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 54.83, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The median home price in Chickasaw is approximately $82,300.
6. Lipscomb
- Overall Walkability: 55.52
- Retirement Score: 51.13
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 27.55
- Vibrant Score: 27.94
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 24.44
Lipscomb offers a walkability score of 55.52 out of 100, making it the 6th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 27.55, suggesting limited cultural amenities. Its Vibrant Score of 27.94 indicates a more relaxed pace of life. The town also offers good public transit options with a Transit-Friendly score of 24.44. The median home price in Lipscomb is approximately $72,600.
5. Sheffield
- Overall Walkability: 57.13
- Retirement Score: 60.75
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.44
- Vibrant Score: 40.24
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Sheffield offers a walkability score of 57.13 out of 100, making it the 5th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 31.44, suggesting limited cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 40.24, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The median home price in Sheffield is approximately $93,700.
4. Fairfield
- Overall Walkability: 59.23
- Retirement Score: 32.94
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 20.56
- Vibrant Score: 55.94
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fairfield offers a walkability score of 59.23 out of 100, making it the 4th most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 20.56, suggesting limited cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 55.94, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The median home price in Fairfield is approximately $84,500.
3. Brighton
- Overall Walkability: 59.52
- Retirement Score: 28.02
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.22
- Vibrant Score: 35.8
- Cycling-Friendly: 12.41
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Brighton offers a walkability score of 59.52 out of 100, making it the 3rd most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 10.22, suggesting limited cultural amenities. Its Vibrant Score of 35.8 indicates a more relaxed pace of life. Cyclists will appreciate the above-average Cycling-Friendly score of 12.41. The median home price in Brighton is approximately $73,900.
2. Homewood
- Overall Walkability: 67.82
- Retirement Score: 50.19
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 75.57
- Vibrant Score: 72.91
- Cycling-Friendly: 3.55
- Transit-Friendly: 7.16
Homewood offers a walkability score of 67.82 out of 100, making it the 2nd most walkable town in Alabama. With an impressive Urban Sophistication score of 75.57, residents enjoy excellent access to cultural amenities. The community scores high on vibrancy (72.91), reflecting an active and engaging atmosphere. The median home price in Homewood is approximately $371,200.
1. Tarrant
- Overall Walkability: 69.67
- Retirement Score: 10.01
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.12
- Vibrant Score: 50.24
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 55.26
Tarrant offers a walkability score of 69.67 out of 100, making it the 1st most walkable town in Alabama. The town has a Urban Sophistication score of 5.12, suggesting limited cultural amenities. With a Vibrant Score of 50.24, the town offers a moderately active community environment. The town also offers good public transit options with a Transit-Friendly score of 55.26. The median home price in Tarrant is approximately $85,400.
Definition of Terms:
- Overall Walkability: Measures how friendly an area is to walking, including factors like pedestrian safety, path accessibility, proximity to amenities, street connectivity, and population density.
- Retirement Score: Evaluates how suitable a location is for retirees based on healthcare access, recreational activities, cost of living, climate, and community.
- Urban Sophistication: Assesses the availability and quality of cultural amenities such as museums, theaters, restaurants, and educational institutions.
- Vibrant Score: Measures the energy and liveliness of an area, including nightlife, community events, entertainment options, and social engagement opportunities.
- Cycling-Friendly: Rates how accommodating an area is for cyclists, including bike lanes, trails, safety features, and terrain. This criterion is included as cycling infrastructure often correlates with pedestrian-friendly environments and contributes to reduced car dependency.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates public transportation options, frequency, coverage, and ease of use. Good transit options complement walkability by extending the range of car-free mobility and connecting walkable nodes within a community.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
