When evaluating the hip and trendy status of Alabama’s neighborhoods, we rely on five critical criteria that comprehensively assess each area’s cultural vibrancy and modern appeal. These metrics include the Overall Hip & Trendy Score, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrancy Score, Walkability, and Young Singles Score. The Overall Hip & Trendy Score is a composite index that incorporates numerous factors including local dining options, entertainment venues, artistic presence, and community engagement opportunities.
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 hip and trendy neighborhoods. The scores range from 1-100, with higher numbers indicating more desirable qualities.
Here’s the list.
25. Phenix City West
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.71
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 29.96
- Vibrancy Score: 23.36
- Walkability: 20.07
- Young Singles Score: 36.12
Phenix City West ranks as the 25th worst hip and trendy neighborhood in Alabama with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of just 1.71 out of 100. The neighborhood shows moderate Urban Sophistication (29.96), Vibrancy (23.36), and Young Singles presence (36.12), with relatively better Walkability (20.07) compared to other areas on this list. These metrics indicate some cultural amenities, community energy, demographic diversity, and limited pedestrian options. Despite ranking highest on our list of worst neighborhoods, the area still scores quite low on the overall hip and trendy scale. The median home price in Phenix City West is approximately $175,000.
24. Whites Chapel
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.67
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 68.13
- Vibrancy Score: 24.59
- Walkability: 12.50
- Young Singles Score: 38.78
Whites Chapel in Trussville ranks 24th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.67. The neighborhood shows high Urban Sophistication (68.13), moderate Vibrancy (24.59) and Young Singles presence (38.78), but low Walkability (12.50). These metrics suggest substantial cultural amenities, some community energy and demographic diversity, but predominantly car-dependent infrastructure. The median home price in Whites Chapel is approximately $285,000.
23. Fairview / Isabella
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.65
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 48.09
- Vibrancy Score: 2.51
- Walkability: 3.33
- Young Singles Score: 23.79
Fairview/Isabella in Clanton ranks 23rd with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.65. The neighborhood shows moderate Urban Sophistication (48.09) and Young Singles presence (23.79), but extremely low Vibrancy (2.51) and poor Walkability (3.33). These metrics suggest some cultural amenities and demographic diversity but minimal community energy and heavily car-dependent infrastructure. The median home price in this area is approximately $162,000.
22. Elvira
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.59
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 88.86
- Vibrancy Score: 13.21
- Walkability: 5.82
- Young Singles Score: 53.08
Elvira in Hoover ranks 22nd with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.59. This neighborhood presents a striking contrast with an exceptionally high Urban Sophistication score (88.86) and Young Singles presence (53.08), but low Vibrancy (13.21) and poor Walkability (5.82). These metrics suggest abundant cultural amenities and demographic diversity but limited community energy and heavily car-dependent infrastructure. The median home price in Elvira is approximately $320,000.
21. Englewood
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.58
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.60
- Vibrancy Score: 25.93
- Walkability: 2.92
- Young Singles Score: 49.89
Englewood in Tuscaloosa ranks 21st with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.58. The neighborhood shows moderate Urban Sophistication (41.60) and Vibrancy (25.93), a relatively high Young Singles presence (49.89), but extremely poor Walkability (2.92). These metrics suggest some cultural amenities, community energy, and demographic diversity, but highly car-dependent infrastructure. The median home price in Englewood is approximately $217,000.
20. Harkness Crossroads / Mount Olive
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.41
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.48
- Vibrancy Score: 20.43
- Walkability: 11.12
- Young Singles Score: 33.24
Harkness Crossroads/Mount Olive in Warrior ranks 20th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.41. The neighborhood shows high Urban Sophistication (54.48), moderate Vibrancy (20.43) and Young Singles presence (33.24), and low Walkability (11.12). These metrics suggest substantial cultural amenities, some community energy and demographic diversity, but car-dependent infrastructure. The median home price in this area is approximately $193,000.
19. Ezra / Little Shoal
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.38
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 28.28
- Vibrancy Score: 15.04
- Walkability: 5.99
- Young Singles Score: 31.09
The Ezra/Little Shoal area of Adger ranks 19th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.38. The neighborhood shows moderate Urban Sophistication (28.28) and Young Singles presence (31.09), but low Vibrancy (15.04) and poor Walkability (5.99). These metrics indicate some cultural amenities and demographic diversity but limited community energy and heavily car-dependent infrastructure. The median home price in this rural area is approximately $148,000.
18. Blackstone / Redstone
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.32
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 51.67
- Vibrancy Score: 24.61
- Walkability: 8.38
- Young Singles Score: 36.79
Blackstone/Redstone in Semmes ranks 18th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.32. The neighborhood shows high Urban Sophistication (51.67), moderate Vibrancy (24.61) and Young Singles presence (36.79), but poor Walkability (8.38). These metrics suggest substantial cultural amenities, some community energy and demographic diversity, but heavily car-dependent infrastructure. The median home price in this area is approximately $215,000.
17. Dawes
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 72.27
- Vibrancy Score: 22.41
- Walkability: 9.31
- Young Singles Score: 27.57
Dawes in Mobile ranks 17th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.31. This neighborhood presents an interesting contrast with a high Urban Sophistication score (72.27), moderate Vibrancy (22.41) and Young Singles presence (27.57), but poor Walkability (9.31). These metrics suggest substantial cultural amenities and some community energy but heavily car-dependent infrastructure. The median home price in Dawes is approximately $205,000.
16. Town Center / Georgetown
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.61
- Vibrancy Score: 14.00
- Walkability: 4.89
- Young Singles Score: 28.95
Town Center/Georgetown in Chunchula ranks 16th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.31. The neighborhood shows moderate Urban Sophistication (31.61) and Young Singles presence (28.95), but low Vibrancy (14.00) and poor Walkability (4.89). These metrics indicate some cultural amenities and demographic diversity but limited community energy and heavily car-dependent infrastructure. The median home price in this area is approximately $152,000.
15. New Lexington / Samantha
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.29
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.42
- Vibrancy Score: 9.57
- Walkability: 18.80
- Young Singles Score: 23.41
New Lexington/Samantha in Northport ranks 15th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.29. The neighborhood shows moderate Urban Sophistication (41.42) and Walkability (18.80), but low Vibrancy (9.57) and a moderate Young Singles Score (23.41). These metrics suggest some cultural amenities and pedestrian options but limited community energy and demographic diversity. The median home price in this area is approximately $185,000.
14. Blackburn / Reid
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.24
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 24.85
- Vibrancy Score: 19.76
- Walkability: 2.57
- Young Singles Score: 26.18
The Blackburn/Reid area of Athens ranks 14th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.24. The neighborhood shows moderate Urban Sophistication (24.85), low Vibrancy (19.76), poor Walkability (2.57), and a moderate Young Singles Score (26.18). These metrics indicate some cultural amenities and demographic diversity but limited community energy and highly car-dependent infrastructure. The median home price in this area is approximately $170,000.
13. Curtiston
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.17
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 35.67
- Vibrancy Score: 41.72
- Walkability: 21.40
- Young Singles Score: 17.99
Curtiston in Attalla ranks 13th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.17. This neighborhood shows an interesting disparity between metrics, with moderate Urban Sophistication (35.67), relatively high Vibrancy (41.72), and better Walkability (21.40) than most areas on this list, but a low Young Singles Score (17.99). This suggests an area with some cultural amenities, community energy, and pedestrian options but limited appeal for younger demographics. The median home price in Curtiston is approximately $138,000.
12. Alderbrook
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.13
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 52.75
- Vibrancy Score: 13.17
- Walkability: 4.65
- Young Singles Score: 32.27
Alderbrook in Mobile ranks 12th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.13. Like some other neighborhoods on this list, it shows a surprisingly high Urban Sophistication score (52.75) and a moderate Young Singles Score (32.27), but performs poorly in Vibrancy (13.17) and Walkability (4.65). This suggests an area with some cultural amenities and demographic diversity but limited community energy and heavily car-dependent infrastructure. The median home price in Alderbrook is approximately $225,000.
11. Elrod / Echola
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.11
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 37.89
- Vibrancy Score: 4.46
- Walkability: 4.03
- Young Singles Score: 17.05
The Elrod/Echola area of Northport ranks 11th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.11. While showing moderate Urban Sophistication (37.89), the neighborhood has extremely low Vibrancy (4.46), poor Walkability (4.03), and a low Young Singles Score (17.05). These metrics suggest some cultural amenities but minimal community energy, car-dependent infrastructure, and limited appeal for younger demographics. The median home price in this rural area is approximately $156,000.
10. Caldwell / Goodwins Mill
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.08
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 56.60
- Vibrancy Score: 18.55
- Walkability: 1.54
- Young Singles Score: 30.17
Caldwell/Goodwins Mill in Springville ranks 10th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.08. Interestingly, this neighborhood has a much higher Urban Sophistication score (56.60) than other areas on this list, suggesting some cultural amenities. However, it still performs poorly in Vibrancy (18.55), Walkability (1.54), and has a moderate Young Singles Score (30.17). This unique combination indicates an area with cultural potential but limited energy and highly car-dependent infrastructure. The median home price is approximately $202,000.
9. Center Hill / Green Hill
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.07
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 21.33
- Vibrancy Score: 8.27
- Walkability: 1.57
- Young Singles Score: 19.28
The Center Hill/Green Hill area of Killen ranks 9th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 1.07. While its Urban Sophistication score (21.33) is higher than some neighborhoods ranked lower, it demonstrates very poor Vibrancy (8.27), Walkability (1.57), and a low Young Singles Score (19.28). This indicates an area with limited cultural amenities, minimal community energy, heavy car dependency, and limited appeal for younger demographics. The median home price in this area is approximately $175,000.
8. Colony
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.00
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 13.67
- Vibrancy Score: 16.35
- Walkability: 1.00
- Young Singles Score: 10.68
Colony in Hanceville ranks 8th on our list with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of exactly 1.00. The neighborhood shows low Urban Sophistication (13.67) and Vibrancy (16.35), extremely poor Walkability (1.00) and a very low Young Singles Score (10.68). These metrics suggest minimal cultural amenities, limited community energy, almost no pedestrian infrastructure, and very little demographic diversity. The median home price in Colony is approximately $128,000.
7. Belle Ellen / Gray Hill
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 0.93
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.72
- Vibrancy Score: 9.19
- Walkability: 0.99
- Young Singles Score: 32.71
The Belle Ellen/Gray Hill area of West Blocton ranks 7th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 0.93. Despite a reasonable Young Singles Score of 32.71, the neighborhood performs extremely poorly in Urban Sophistication (1.72), Vibrancy (9.19), and Walkability (0.99). These metrics indicate a younger population but a severe lack of cultural amenities, community energy, and pedestrian infrastructure. The median home price in this rural area is approximately $112,000.
6. Oswichee
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 0.87
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 7.65
- Vibrancy Score: 22.02
- Walkability: 2.80
- Young Singles Score: 28.44
Oswichee in Fort Mitchell ranks 6th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 0.87. While its Vibrancy Score (22.02) and Young Singles Score (28.44) are modestly better than some neighborhoods, it still shows very poor Urban Sophistication (7.65) and Walkability (2.80). This suggests an area with some demographic diversity but minimal cultural amenities and heavy car dependency. The median home price in Oswichee is approximately $135,000.
5. Overton South
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 0.74
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.41
- Vibrancy Score: 5.97
- Walkability: 0.42
- Young Singles Score: N/A
Overton South in Birmingham ranks 5th with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 0.74. The neighborhood shows extremely low Urban Sophistication (0.41), minimal Vibrancy (5.97), and virtually no Walkability (0.42). The absence of data for Young Singles suggests limited demographic diversity. Despite its location in Birmingham, Overton South lacks the cultural amenities and walkable character found in trendier parts of the city. The median home price is approximately $198,000.
4. Pelham Northeast
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 0.73
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.40
- Vibrancy Score: 2.29
- Walkability: 0.41
- Young Singles Score: N/A
Pelham Northeast ranks 4th worst with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of just 0.73. The area shows minimal Urban Sophistication at 0.40, extremely low Vibrancy at 2.29, and poor Walkability at 0.41. The absence of a Young Singles Score suggests limited appeal for younger demographics. These metrics indicate a neighborhood lacking cultural amenities, community energy, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The median home price in Pelham Northeast is approximately $265,000.
3. Oxford West
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 0.68
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.36
- Vibrancy Score: 0.18
- Walkability: 0.35
- Young Singles Score: N/A
Oxford West ranks as Alabama’s 3rd worst hip and trendy neighborhood with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of only 0.68. The neighborhood performs poorly across all measured categories with minimal Urban Sophistication (0.36), virtually no Vibrancy (0.18), and poor Walkability (0.35). These scores reflect an area with few cultural amenities, limited entertainment options, and car-dependent infrastructure. The median home price in Oxford West is approximately $145,000.
2. Morrisville / Peaceburg
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 0.66
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.34
- Vibrancy Score: 0.17
- Walkability: 0.31
- Young Singles Score: N/A
The Morrisville/Peaceburg area of Anniston ranks as the 2nd worst neighborhood with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of just 0.66. The area scores dismally across all metrics with Urban Sophistication at 0.34, Vibrancy at 0.17, and Walkability at 0.31, this neighborhood lacks the cultural amenities, energy, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure that characterize trendier areas. Data for young singles wasn’t available, suggesting limited appeal for this demographic. The median home price in this neighborhood is approximately $105,000.
1. Bains Gap Rd
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 0.37
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.04
- Vibrancy Score: N/A
- Walkability: N/A
- Young Singles Score: N/A
Bains Gap Rd in Anniston ranks as the absolute worst hip and trendy neighborhood in Alabama, with an extremely low Overall Hip & Trendy Score of just 0.37 out of 100. The area’s Urban Sophistication score is nearly nonexistent at 0.04, indicating a severe lack of cultural amenities and establishments. Unfortunately, data for Vibrancy, Walkability, and Young Singles presence was unavailable, which itself suggests limited infrastructure for community engagement in this rural area. The median home price in Bains Gap Rd is approximately $125,000.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates the neighborhood’s overall appeal to younger, culturally engaged residents. This score incorporates factors such as dining options, nightlife, arts scene, innovative businesses, and community character.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Measures the availability and quality of cultural offerings including theaters, galleries, museums, specialty shops, dining establishments, and other amenities that contribute to a sophisticated urban experience.
- Vibrancy Score: Quantifies the energy and activity level of a neighborhood through metrics like population density, business turnover, event frequency, street activity, and evening liveliness. A vibrant neighborhood feels alive and dynamic.
- Walkability: Assesses how pedestrian-friendly the neighborhood is, considering sidewalk quality, intersection safety, destination proximity, street connectivity, and the overall pedestrian experience. Walkable neighborhoods tend to foster stronger community connections and street life.
- Young Singles Score: Reflects the concentration of unmarried residents aged 25-40 in the area, which often correlates with more diverse social scenes, nightlife options, and community activities oriented toward this demographic.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
