When it comes to selecting a home in Alabama, affluent homebuyers consider multiple factors beyond just price. Our comprehensive analysis examines six key criteria that define luxury living: Overall Luxury Score, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Quiet Score, Nautical Index, Retirement Score, and Vacation Home Score. These metrics collectively provide insight into which neighborhoods may not deliver the premium living experience that wealthy residents seek.
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 luxury neighborhoods. The Overall Luxury Score has many criteria baked into it, offering a holistic assessment of each area’s upscale amenities and qualities.
Here’s the list.
25. Wahouma
- Overall Luxury Score: 2.68
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.25
- Quiet Score: 56.55
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 13.98
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Wahouma ranks as the 25th worst luxury neighborhood in Alabama with an Overall Luxury Score of just 2.68 out of 100. The area shows moderate quiet levels at 56.55 but struggles with very low Urban Sophistication at 5.25 and a poor Retirement Score of 13.98. With no significant nautical or vacation home amenities, Wahouma offers limited appeal for luxury buyers. The median home price in this neighborhood is estimated at $163,000, reflecting its position at the bottom of Alabama’s luxury market.
24. Gadsden Northwest
- Overall Luxury Score: 2.63
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 8.10
- Quiet Score: 60.21
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 19.90
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Gadsden Northwest scores slightly better in Urban Sophistication at 8.10 and Retirement at 19.90 compared to other low-ranking neighborhoods, but its Overall Luxury Score remains very poor at 2.63. The area does offer decent quietness with a score of 60.21, but lacks nautical amenities or vacation home appeal. The median home price in Gadsden Northwest is approximately $163,000, positioning it among Alabama’s least luxurious neighborhoods.
23. Maryvale East
- Overall Luxury Score: 2.59
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.90
- Quiet Score: 28.64
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 8.52
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Maryvale East ranks poorly across all luxury metrics, with a particularly concerning Urban Sophistication score of just 0.90 and a low Quiet Score of 28.64. The area’s Retirement Score is also quite low at 8.52, and it lacks nautical amenities. With an Overall Luxury Score of 2.59, Maryvale East offers little appeal to affluent buyers. The median home price in this neighborhood is estimated at $163,000.
22. Kaolin
- Overall Luxury Score: 2.52
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.74
- Quiet Score: 59.00
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 30.07
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Kaolin has a slightly better Retirement Score at 30.07 and a moderate Quiet Score of 59.00, but its extremely low Urban Sophistication score of 1.74 contributes to its poor Overall Luxury Score of 2.52. The neighborhood lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Kaolin is approximately $163,000, reflecting its position among Alabama’s least luxurious neighborhoods.
21. Fountain Heights
- Overall Luxury Score: 2.51
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.03
- Quiet Score: 63.87
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 7.72
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Fountain Heights offers a reasonable Quiet Score of 63.87 but falls short in other luxury metrics with a very low Urban Sophistication score of 5.03 and an extremely poor Retirement Score of 7.72. With an Overall Luxury Score of just 2.51 and no nautical or vacation amenities, this neighborhood ranks as Alabama’s 21st worst luxury area. The median home price in Fountain Heights is estimated at $163,000.
20. Trinity Gardens
- Overall Luxury Score: 2.47
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.12
- Quiet Score: 36.34
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 32.97
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Trinity Gardens shows the highest Retirement Score (32.97) among the bottom tier neighborhoods, but this is undermined by very poor scores in Urban Sophistication (1.12) and a below-average Quiet Score (36.34). With an Overall Luxury Score of 2.47 and no nautical or vacation amenities, Trinity Gardens offers limited appeal to luxury buyers. The median home price in this neighborhood is approximately $162,000.
19. Oakdale
- Overall Luxury Score: 2.33
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.59
- Quiet Score: 82.51
- Nautical Index: 97.45
- Retirement Score: 11.24
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Oakdale presents an interesting contrast with an extremely high Nautical Index of 97.45 and excellent Quiet Score of 82.51, yet it suffers from an abysmal Urban Sophistication score of 1.59 and poor Retirement Score of 11.24. Despite its waterfront advantages, the Overall Luxury Score remains very low at 2.33. The median home price in Oakdale is estimated at $162,000.
18. West Tuscaloosa
- Overall Luxury Score: 2.32
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.64
- Quiet Score: 46.01
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 16.52
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
West Tuscaloosa scores poorly across most luxury metrics with an Urban Sophistication score of 5.64, a mediocre Quiet Score of 46.01, and a low Retirement Score of 16.52. With an Overall Luxury Score of just 2.32 and no nautical or vacation amenities, this neighborhood offers little to attract affluent buyers. The median home price in West Tuscaloosa is approximately $162,000.
17. Oxanna
- Overall Luxury Score: 2.17
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 4.44
- Quiet Score: 75.39
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 20.49
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Oxanna offers a strong Quiet Score of 75.39 and a modest Retirement Score of 20.49, but its very low Urban Sophistication score of 4.44 contributes to a poor Overall Luxury Score of 2.17. The neighborhood lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Oxanna is approximately $161,000, reflecting its position among Alabama’s least desirable luxury neighborhoods.
16. Baltimore
- Overall Luxury Score: 2.16
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 6.09
- Quiet Score: 27.63
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 7.38
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Baltimore ranks poorly across all luxury metrics, with a low Urban Sophistication score of 6.09, a very poor Quiet Score of 27.63, and an extremely low Retirement Score of 7.38. With an Overall Luxury Score of just 2.16 and no nautical or vacation amenities, this neighborhood offers little appeal to affluent buyers. The median home price in Baltimore is estimated at $161,000.
15. Dothan Southeast
- Overall Luxury Score: 2.10
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.02
- Quiet Score: 42.62
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 19.05
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Dothan Southeast shows below-average scores across all luxury metrics, with a particularly low Urban Sophistication score of 5.02, a mediocre Quiet Score of 42.62, and a poor Retirement Score of 19.05. With an Overall Luxury Score of 2.10 and no nautical or vacation amenities, this neighborhood offers limited appeal to wealthy residents. The median home price in Dothan Southeast is approximately $161,000.
14. Smithfield / Graymont
- Overall Luxury Score: 1.99
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 6.62
- Quiet Score: 53.52
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 10.46
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Smithfield / Graymont has the highest Urban Sophistication score (6.62) among the bottom 15 neighborhoods, but this is still extremely low. With a moderate Quiet Score of 53.52 and a poor Retirement Score of 10.46, its Overall Luxury Score remains very low at 1.99. The neighborhood lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Smithfield / Graymont is approximately $160,000.
13. Maxwell Boulevard North / Maxwell Boulevard South
- Overall Luxury Score: 1.97
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.43
- Quiet Score: 46.17
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 9.65
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Maxwell Boulevard North / Maxwell Boulevard South areas score poorly across all luxury metrics, with a very low Urban Sophistication score of 1.43, a mediocre Quiet Score of 46.17, and a poor Retirement Score of 9.65. With an Overall Luxury Score of just 1.97 and no nautical or vacation amenities, this neighborhood offers little appeal to affluent buyers. The median home price in this area is estimated at $160,000.
12. East Prichard North
- Overall Luxury Score: 1.73
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.40
- Quiet Score: 44.21
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 8.28
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
East Prichard North shows below-average scores in all categories with a poor Urban Sophistication score of 3.40, a mediocre Quiet Score of 44.21, and a very low Retirement Score of 8.28. With an Overall Luxury Score of 1.73 and no nautical or vacation amenities, this neighborhood ranks among Alabama’s least luxurious areas. The median home price in East Prichard North is approximately $159,000.
11. Alabama City
- Overall Luxury Score: 1.63
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 7.80
- Quiet Score: 36.25
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 6.29
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Alabama City has the second-highest Urban Sophistication score (7.80) among the bottom tier neighborhoods, though this remains very low on the overall scale. With a poor Quiet Score of 36.25 and an extremely low Retirement Score of 6.29, its Overall Luxury Score is just 1.63. The neighborhood lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Alabama City is approximately $158,000.
10. Talladega North
- Overall Luxury Score: 1.54
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.53
- Quiet Score: 21.04
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 3.35
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Talladega North scores extremely poorly across all luxury metrics, with an abysmal Urban Sophistication score of 1.53, a very low Quiet Score of 21.04, and an extremely poor Retirement Score of 3.35. With an Overall Luxury Score of just 1.54 and no nautical or vacation amenities, this neighborhood has little to offer affluent residents. The median home price in Talladega North is approximately $158,000.
9. Arlington
- Overall Luxury Score: 1.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.15
- Quiet Score: 27.92
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 1.17
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Arlington scores extremely poorly across all luxury metrics, with a very low Urban Sophistication score of 1.15, a poor Quiet Score of 27.92, and an almost non-existent Retirement Score of 1.17. With an Overall Luxury Score of just 1.45 and no nautical or vacation amenities, Arlington offers very little appeal to luxury buyers. The median home price in this neighborhood is estimated at $157,000.
8. Washington Park East
- Overall Luxury Score: 1.43
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.79
- Quiet Score: 15.35
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 3.74
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Washington Park East performs poorly across all luxury metrics, with a low Urban Sophistication score of 3.79, an extremely poor Quiet Score of 15.35, and a very low Retirement Score of 3.74. With an Overall Luxury Score of just 1.43 and no nautical or vacation amenities, this neighborhood ranks among Alabama’s least desirable luxury areas. The median home price in Washington Park East is approximately $157,000.
7. Titusville
- Overall Luxury Score: 1.22
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.55
- Quiet Score: 10.66
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 0.51
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Titusville scores extremely poorly across all luxury metrics, with a low Urban Sophistication score of 3.55, an abysmal Quiet Score of 10.66, and a nearly non-existent Retirement Score of 0.51. With an Overall Luxury Score of just 1.22 and no nautical or vacation amenities, Titusville offers very little appeal to affluent buyers. The median home price in this neighborhood is estimated at $156,000.
6. Selmont / Casey
- Overall Luxury Score: 0.90
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.58
- Quiet Score: 67.09
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 25.96
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Selmont / Casey presents an interesting contrast with a good Quiet Score of 67.09 and a moderate Retirement Score of 25.96, yet it has an extremely low Urban Sophistication score of 3.58 and the sixth-worst Overall Luxury Score at just 0.90. The neighborhood lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Selmont / Casey is approximately $155,000.
5. Overton South
- Overall Luxury Score: 0
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.41
- Quiet Score: 99.61
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 3.38
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Overton South presents a stark contrast with a near-perfect Quiet Score of 99.61 but an Overall Luxury Score of 0. The area has virtually no Urban Sophistication at 0.41 and a very poor Retirement Score of 3.38. Despite its exceptional quietness, the complete lack of luxury amenities makes it one of Alabama’s least desirable neighborhoods for affluent buyers. The median home price in Overton South is approximately $150,000.
4. Pelham Northeast
- Overall Luxury Score: 0
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.40
- Quiet Score: 99.62
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 12.48
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Pelham Northeast shows a similar pattern to Overton South with an excellent Quiet Score of 99.62 but an Overall Luxury Score of 0. The area has virtually no Urban Sophistication at 0.40 and a low Retirement Score of 12.48. Despite its exceptional quietness, the complete absence of luxury amenities makes it one of Alabama’s worst neighborhoods for affluent buyers. The median home price in Pelham Northeast is approximately $150,000.
3. Bains Gap Rd
- Overall Luxury Score: 0
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.04
- Quiet Score: 100
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 3.59
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Bains Gap Rd has the perfect Quiet Score of 100 but an Overall Luxury Score of 0. The area has essentially no Urban Sophistication at 0.04 and a very poor Retirement Score of 3.59. Despite being the quietest neighborhood in the entire dataset, the complete absence of luxury amenities makes it Alabama’s third-worst neighborhood for affluent buyers. The median home price in Bains Gap Rd is approximately $150,000.
2. Morrisville / Peaceburg
- Overall Luxury Score: 0
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.34
- Quiet Score: 99.70
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 3.56
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Morrisville / Peaceburg is nearly identical to Bains Gap Rd with a near-perfect Quiet Score of 99.70 but an Overall Luxury Score of 0. The area has practically no Urban Sophistication at 0.34 and a very poor Retirement Score of 3.56. Despite its exceptional quietness, the complete absence of luxury amenities makes it Alabama’s second-worst neighborhood for affluent buyers. The median home price in Morrisville / Peaceburg is approximately $150,000.
1. Oxford West
- Overall Luxury Score: 0
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.36
- Quiet Score: 99.67
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 6.09
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Oxford West ranks as Alabama’s worst luxury neighborhood with an Overall Luxury Score of 0, despite having an excellent Quiet Score of 99.67. The area has virtually no Urban Sophistication at 0.36 and a very poor Retirement Score of 6.09. The complete absence of luxury amenities, combined with its isolated location, makes Oxford West the least desirable neighborhood for affluent buyers in Alabama. The median home price in Oxford West is approximately $150,000.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Luxury Score: A comprehensive metric measuring the overall luxury appeal of a neighborhood, incorporating factors such as high-end amenities, premium services, upscale dining and shopping options, architectural distinction, and prestige among affluent homebuyers. This score synthesizes multiple luxury-related factors into a single metric.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Measures access to cultural institutions like museums, theaters, galleries, fine dining, and high-end shopping. This score reflects the cosmopolitan appeal of a neighborhood and its ability to satisfy refined cultural tastes.
- Quiet Score: Evaluates the neighborhood’s tranquility, noise levels, and peaceful atmosphere. While seemingly counterintuitive in luxury rankings, many affluent buyers seek serene environments away from urban hustle, making this an important complementary factor to urban sophistication.
- Nautical Index: Assesses proximity to water features (oceans, lakes, rivers) and availability of boating amenities, marinas, and water-related lifestyle options. This metric is particularly relevant in Alabama with its coastal areas and inland waterways.
- Retirement Score: Measures the neighborhood’s appeal to affluent retirees, including factors like healthcare access, age-appropriate amenities, and community activities catering to older residents. This score reflects the growing luxury retirement market segment.
- Vacation Home Score: Evaluates the neighborhood’s suitability for second homes and vacation properties, considering factors like seasonal appeal, rental potential, and recreational amenities. This metric recognizes the significant portion of luxury real estate purchased as non-primary residences.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
