When evaluating the cultural vibrancy and appeal of Alabama’s communities, we look at five key criteria: Overall Hip & Trendy Score, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrancy Score, Walkability, and Young Singles Score. These comprehensive measurements help identify which communities might be less appealing for those seeking dynamic, culturally rich environments. The Overall Hip & Trendy Score has many criteria baked into it, including nightlife options, creative businesses, local events, dining scene diversity, and arts presence.
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 towns.
Here’s the list.
25. Fitzpatrick
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 5.67
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 17.06
- Vibrancy Score: 5.31
- Walkability: 5.87
- Young Singles Score: 33.00
Fitzpatrick begins our list with the highest hip and trendy score among our 25 worst towns at 5.67. Despite having a moderate young singles population (33.00), the town suffers from extremely poor vibrancy (5.31) and walkability (5.87), indicating very limited entertainment options and accessibility. The urban sophistication score of 17.06 suggests limited cultural amenities. The median home price in Fitzpatrick is below the state average, reflecting the limited cultural attractions and rural character.
24. Quinton
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 5.53
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 11.85
- Vibrancy Score: 11.31
- Walkability: 6.45
- Young Singles Score: 25.37
Quinton scores 5.53 on the hip and trendy index with very poor scores across all categories. The low urban sophistication (11.85) and poor walkability (6.45) indicate limited cultural amenities and accessibility. The median home price in Quinton is below the state average, consistent with the limited cultural and social opportunities in the area.
23. Wellington
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 5.48
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.33
- Vibrancy Score: 8.49
- Walkability: 13.12
- Young Singles Score: 19.01
Wellington scores 5.48 on the hip and trendy index with a moderate urban sophistication score (34.33) that suggests some cultural amenities exist. However, the very low vibrancy score (8.49) and poor walkability (13.12) significantly limit the overall experience. The median home price in Wellington is moderate for the region but doesn’t deliver corresponding cultural value.
22. Munford
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 5.44
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 24.56
- Vibrancy Score: 14.68
- Walkability: 14.45
- Young Singles Score: 21.89
Munford scores 5.44 on the hip and trendy index with consistently low scores across all categories. The modest urban sophistication score (24.56) suggests some cultural amenities exist, but poor walkability (14.45) and low vibrancy (14.68) significantly diminish the overall experience. The median home price in Munford is moderate for the region but doesn’t translate to vibrant community experiences.
21. Hackleburg
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 5.33
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 6.58
- Vibrancy Score: 10.13
- Walkability: 5.52
- Young Singles Score: 32.06
Hackleburg scores 5.33 on the hip and trendy index with very poor scores across most categories. Despite having a moderate young singles population (32.06), the town suffers from extremely low urban sophistication (6.58) and poor walkability (5.52), indicating very limited cultural amenities and accessibility. The median home price in Hackleburg is below the state average, reflecting the limited amenities and rural setting.
20. Lynn
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 5.16
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.72
- Vibrancy Score: 1.16
- Walkability: 5.09
- Young Singles Score: 11.23
Lynn scores 5.16 on the hip and trendy index with some of the lowest scores in the state across multiple categories. The extremely low urban sophistication (3.72) and vibrancy (1.16) scores indicate very few cultural amenities or entertainment options. The young singles score of 11.23 is also particularly low, suggesting a demographic not conducive to a vibrant social scene. The median home price in Lynn is well below the state average, reflecting its rural character and limited amenities.
19. Leroy
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 5.04
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 12.93
- Vibrancy Score: 1.08
- Walkability: 2.08
- Young Singles Score: 25.87
Leroy scores 5.04 on the hip and trendy index with notably poor scores across all categories. The vibrancy score of 1.08 is among the lowest in the state, indicating virtually no entertainment or cultural opportunities. Extremely poor walkability (2.08) further limits accessibility to what few amenities exist. The median home price in Leroy is below the state average, consistent with the limited cultural and social opportunities.
18. Fort Mitchell
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.83
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.23
- Vibrancy Score: 14.33
- Walkability: 7.10
- Young Singles Score: 24.37
Fort Mitchell scores 4.83 on the hip and trendy index with consistently low scores across all categories. The poor walkability (7.10) and vibrancy (14.33) scores indicate limited accessibility and entertainment options. The median home price in Fort Mitchell is moderate for the region but doesn’t deliver corresponding cultural amenities or social opportunities.
17. Marbury
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.75
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 60.90
- Vibrancy Score: 13.32
- Walkability: 14.66
- Young Singles Score: 26.90
Marbury presents an interesting case with a hip and trendy score of 4.75 despite having the highest urban sophistication score (60.90) among the bottom 25 towns. This suggests cultural amenities exist but other factors significantly diminish the overall experience. Poor walkability (14.66) and low vibrancy (13.32) indicate limited accessibility and entertainment options. The median home price in Marbury is moderate for the region but doesn’t translate to a vibrant community experience.
16. Daviston
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.61
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.63
- Vibrancy Score: 6.58
- Walkability: 2.64
- Young Singles Score: 19.47
Daviston scores 4.61 on the hip and trendy index with very poor scores across all categories. The extremely low walkability (2.64) and vibrancy (6.58) scores indicate a car-dependent environment with very limited entertainment options. The median home price in Daviston is well below the state average, reflecting the limited cultural amenities and rural setting.
15. Spruce Pine
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.32
- Vibrancy Score: 9.78
- Walkability: 1.10
- Young Singles Score: 31.84
Spruce Pine scores 4.45 on the hip and trendy index with some of the lowest scores for urban sophistication (1.32) and walkability (1.10) in the entire state. Despite having a moderate young singles population (31.84), the extremely limited cultural amenities and poor vibrancy (9.78) make it challenging to find entertainment options. The median home price in Spruce Pine is well below the state average, reflecting the limited amenities and rural character.
14. Berry
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.42
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.11
- Vibrancy Score: 9.22
- Walkability: 7.47
- Young Singles Score: 17.82
Berry has a hip and trendy score of 4.42 with very low scores across all categories. The urban sophistication score of 9.11 indicates extremely limited cultural amenities, while the low young singles score (17.82) suggests a demographic not conducive to a vibrant social scene. The median home price in Berry is below the state average, reflecting its rural character and limited amenities.
13. Dawson
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.41
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 18.76
- Vibrancy Score: 9.55
- Walkability: 25.52
- Young Singles Score: 27.99
Dawson scores 4.41 on the hip and trendy index with notably better walkability (25.52) than many others on this list, though still poor overall. The urban sophistication (18.76) and vibrancy (9.55) scores indicate limited cultural amenities and entertainment options. The median home price in Dawson is modest, consistent with the limited cultural and social opportunities in the area.
12. Mount Hope
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.10
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 24.75
- Vibrancy Score: 3.90
- Walkability: 9.18
- Young Singles Score: 23.61
Mount Hope’s hip and trendy score of 4.10 is significantly impacted by its extremely low vibrancy score (3.90), indicating very limited entertainment and cultural options. With poor walkability (9.18) and a modest young singles population (23.61), the town offers limited appeal for those seeking a dynamic community. The median home price in Mount Hope is below the state average, reflecting the limited amenities and cultural attractions.
11. Remlap – Locust Fork
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 3.92
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 22.93
- Vibrancy Score: 13.36
- Walkability: 15.10
- Young Singles Score: 17.07
Remlap – Locust Fork scores 3.92 on the hip and trendy index with poor scores across all categories. The young singles score of 17.07 is particularly low, indicating a demographic not conducive to a vibrant social scene. While walkability (15.10) is better than some others on this list, it remains poor overall. The median home price in this area is modest, reflecting the limited cultural amenities and social opportunities.
10. Alexandria
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 3.64
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 35.06
- Vibrancy Score: 20.96
- Walkability: 6.11
- Young Singles Score: 30.09
Alexandria has a hip and trendy score of 3.64 with moderate urban sophistication (35.06) but very poor walkability (6.11). The vibrancy score of 20.96 and young singles score of 30.09 are likewise moderate, suggesting some potential that remains largely unrealized. The median home price in Alexandria is in line with the state average but doesn’t deliver corresponding cultural amenities.
9. Mount Vernon
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 3.63
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 12.17
- Vibrancy Score: 14.45
- Walkability: 4.73
- Young Singles Score: 31.15
Mount Vernon scores just 3.63 on the hip and trendy index with consistently low scores across all categories. The urban sophistication score of 12.17 indicates very limited cultural amenities, while the poor walkability (4.73) makes it difficult to access what little is available. Despite having a moderate young singles population (31.15), the vibrancy score of 14.45 suggests limited entertainment options. The median home price in Mount Vernon reflects its rural character and limited amenities.
8. Margaret
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 3.24
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 44.47
- Vibrancy Score: 20.41
- Walkability: 3.05
- Young Singles Score: 38.97
Margaret’s hip and trendy score of 3.24 is held back primarily by its extremely poor walkability score (3.05). The town does have decent urban sophistication (44.47) and young singles presence (38.97), suggesting some cultural potential that remains largely untapped. The vibrancy score of 20.41 indicates limited entertainment options. The median home price in Margaret is moderate for the region but doesn’t translate to vibrant community experiences.
7. Chatom
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 3.09
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 23.76
- Vibrancy Score: 11.02
- Walkability: 2.57
- Young Singles Score: 40.70
Chatom scores 3.09 on the hip and trendy index. While it has a relatively strong young singles presence (40.70), it suffers from extremely poor walkability (2.57) and low vibrancy (11.02). The urban sophistication score of 23.76 indicates limited cultural amenities. The median home price in Chatom is below the state average, reflecting the limited cultural and social opportunities in the area.
6. Vance
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 2.42
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 29.44
- Vibrancy Score: 21.07
- Walkability: 9.53
- Young Singles Score: 37.85
Vance has a low hip and trendy score of 2.42 despite having a relatively good young singles presence (37.85). The community’s poor walkability (9.53) and modest urban sophistication (29.44) limit its appeal for those seeking a vibrant lifestyle. The vibrancy score of 21.07 suggests limited entertainment and nightlife options. The median home price in Vance is near the state average but doesn’t deliver corresponding cultural value.
5. Southside
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 2.09
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 39.22
- Vibrancy Score: 26.99
- Walkability: 5.21
- Young Singles Score: 37.66
Southside scores just 2.09 on the hip and trendy index despite having decent scores for young singles (37.66) and urban sophistication (39.22). The extremely poor walkability score (5.21) significantly impacts the overall experience, making it difficult to enjoy whatever cultural amenities do exist without a car. The median home price in Southside is moderate for the region, but doesn’t deliver corresponding cultural amenities.
4. Weogufka
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.85
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 22.18
- Vibrancy Score: 2.55
- Walkability: 8.16
- Young Singles Score: 13.92
Weogufka’s hip and trendy score of 1.85 places it fourth from the bottom. With extremely low scores across most categories, particularly vibrancy (2.55) and young singles (13.92), this community offers little in terms of cultural experiences or social opportunities. The walkability score of 8.16 indicates a car-dependent environment with few pedestrian amenities. The median home price in Weogufka reflects its rural character and limited amenities.
3. Titus
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.47
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 49.31
- Vibrancy Score: 7.88
- Walkability: 6.88
- Young Singles Score: 35.60
Titus ranks third-worst for hip and trendy living with a score of 1.47. Interestingly, it has one of the higher urban sophistication scores (49.31) among the bottom towns, suggesting some cultural amenities do exist. However, its extremely low vibrancy score (7.88) and poor walkability (6.88) significantly diminish its appeal for those seeking a dynamic community. The median home price in Titus remains affordable compared to more vibrant Alabama communities.
2. Creola – Axis
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.22
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.16
- Vibrancy Score: 14.30
- Walkability: 4.87
- Young Singles Score: 25.05
Creola – Axis has the second-lowest hip and trendy score at just 1.22. Despite having a moderate urban sophistication score (34.16), the area suffers from poor walkability (4.87) and low vibrancy (14.30). With a young singles score of 25.05, the demographic makeup doesn’t significantly contribute to a vibrant social scene. The median home price in Creola – Axis is modest, reflecting the limited cultural amenities and social opportunities available to residents.
1. McIntosh
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.05
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.05
- Vibrancy Score: 11.97
- Walkability: 0.84
- Young Singles Score: 36.59
McIntosh ranks as the worst town in Alabama for hip and trendy living with the lowest overall score of just 1.05 out of 100. While it maintains a moderate Young Singles population (36.59), the town suffers from extremely poor walkability (0.84) and very low urban sophistication (5.05). Its vibrancy score of 11.97 indicates limited entertainment and cultural options for residents. The median home price in McIntosh is significantly below the state average, reflecting the limited amenities and cultural attractions.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: A comprehensive measurement that evaluates a community’s cultural dynamism, nightlife options, creative businesses presence, dining scene diversity, local events calendar, and arts presence. This score represents how appealing a location would be for those seeking vibrant, culturally rich environments.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Measures the availability and quality of cultural amenities including museums, art galleries, theaters, live music venues, and independent businesses. Higher scores indicate more robust cultural infrastructure that contributes to community identity and attracts creative individuals.
- Vibrancy Score: Evaluates the energy and activity level of a community, including street life, public events, festivals, nightlife, and general sense of community engagement. This metric is critical as it reflects the day-to-day experience of living in an area and its sense of vitality.
- Walkability: Measures how easily residents can access amenities, services, and cultural venues without requiring a vehicle. Highly walkable communities tend to foster more spontaneous social interactions and support more vibrant street life, making this a key factor in overall community experience.
- Young Singles Score: Reflects the percentage of young, unmarried adults in a community. This demographic often contributes significantly to local nightlife, cultural consumption, and social dynamism, making it an important indicator of a location’s potential for vibrant community life.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
