When evaluating the suitability of Alabama towns for affluent residents, we consider six key criteria: Overall Luxury Score, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Quiet Score, Nautical Index, Retirement Score, and Vacation Home Score. The Overall Luxury Score encompasses numerous factors including housing quality, high-end dining options, premium shopping availability, private services, and exclusivity factors that collectively define a luxury living experience.
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 luxurious towns. The median home prices mentioned provide additional context to the living standards in each community.
Here’s the list.
25. Linden
- Overall Luxury Score: 10.96
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 6.42
- Quiet Score: 80.33
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 59.47
- Vacation Home Score: 55.11
Linden ranks as the 25th worst luxury town on our list with a score of 10.96. While offering good quietness at 80.33, average retirement potential at 59.47, and moderate vacation home appeal at 55.11, its low Urban Sophistication of 6.42 and lack of nautical features keep it from being truly luxurious. The median home price in Linden reflects its mixed luxury profile.
24. Lynn
- Overall Luxury Score: 10.60
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.72
- Quiet Score: 88.38
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 48.41
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Lynn scores 10.60 for luxury living. With very low Urban Sophistication at 3.72 and average retirement potential at 48.41, the town offers excellent quietness at 88.38 but lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Lynn reflects its limited luxury offerings despite some positive attributes.
23. Vredenburgh
- Overall Luxury Score: 10.56
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 13.11
- Quiet Score: 98.82
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 80.69
- Vacation Home Score: 71.39
Vredenburgh scores 10.56 for luxury living. Despite having the highest quietness rating on our list at 98.82, excellent retirement potential at 80.69, and good vacation home appeal at 71.39, its low Urban Sophistication of 13.11 and lack of nautical features impact its overall luxury ranking. The median home price in Vredenburgh is moderate compared to truly luxurious Alabama communities.
22. Lisman – Pennington
- Overall Luxury Score: 10.05
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 8.24
- Quiet Score: 94.60
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 51.22
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Lisman – Pennington scores 10.05 for luxury living. While offering excellent quietness at 94.60 and average retirement potential at 51.22, its low Urban Sophistication of 8.24 and lack of nautical features limit its luxury appeal. The median home price in Lisman – Pennington is modest compared to more affluent Alabama communities.
21. Allgood
- Overall Luxury Score: 9.97
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.06
- Quiet Score: 70.83
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 25.95
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Allgood scores 9.97 for luxury living. With low Urban Sophistication at 5.06, average quietness at 70.83, and poor retirement potential at 25.95, the town offers limited appeal to wealthy residents. The median home price in Allgood reflects its lack of luxury amenities.
20. York – Bellamy
- Overall Luxury Score: 9.63
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.42
- Quiet Score: 83.73
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 94.81
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
York – Bellamy scores 9.63 for luxury living. Despite having excellent retirement potential at 94.81 and very good quietness at 83.73, its extremely low Urban Sophistication of 2.42 and lack of nautical features significantly impact its overall luxury ranking. The median home price in York – Bellamy reflects its mixed luxury profile.
19. Verbena
- Overall Luxury Score: 9.56
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 11.08
- Quiet Score: 94.03
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 34.51
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Verbena scores 9.56 for luxury living. While offering excellent quietness at 94.03, the town has low Urban Sophistication at 11.08 and poor retirement potential at 34.51. It lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Verbena is modest compared to more upscale communities in Alabama.
18. Clayton
- Overall Luxury Score: 9.36
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.19
- Quiet Score: 74.65
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 41.76
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Clayton scores 9.36 for luxury living. The town has one of the lowest Urban Sophistication scores on our list at just 1.19, with good quietness at 74.65 but below-average retirement potential at 41.76. It lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Clayton reflects its limited luxury offerings.
17. Brighton
- Overall Luxury Score: 9.14
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.22
- Quiet Score: 33.33
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 28.02
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Brighton scores 9.14 for luxury living. With low Urban Sophistication at 10.22, poor quietness at 33.33, and low retirement potential at 28.02, the town offers little appeal to wealthy residents. The median home price in Brighton reflects its limited luxury amenities.
16. Gainesville
- Overall Luxury Score: 8.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.98
- Quiet Score: 61.10
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 72.42
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Gainesville scores 8.88 for luxury living. Despite having good retirement potential at 72.42, the town has extremely low Urban Sophistication at 1.98, average quietness at 61.10, and lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Gainesville reflects its mixed luxury profile.
15. Fort Deposit
- Overall Luxury Score: 8.64
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.64
- Quiet Score: 87.59
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 50.01
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Fort Deposit scores 8.64 for luxury living. With low Urban Sophistication at 5.64 and average retirement potential at 50.01, the town offers very good quietness at 87.59 but lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Fort Deposit reflects its limited luxury offerings.
14. Gilbertown
- Overall Luxury Score: 8.52
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 7.63
- Quiet Score: 95.94
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 65.91
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Gilbertown scores 8.52 for luxury living. While offering excellent quietness at 95.94 and decent retirement potential at 65.91, its low Urban Sophistication of 7.63 and lack of nautical features limit its luxury appeal. The median home price in Gilbertown is modest compared to more affluent communities in Alabama.
13. Billingsley
- Overall Luxury Score: 8.42
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.27
- Quiet Score: 79.67
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 32.17
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Billingsley scores 8.42 for luxury living. With low Urban Sophistication at 5.27 and poor retirement potential at 32.17, the town offers good quietness at 79.67 but lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Billingsley reflects its limited luxury amenities.
12. Five Points
- Overall Luxury Score: 8.11
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 12.30
- Quiet Score: 96.55
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 85.89
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Five Points scores 8.11 for luxury living. While offering excellent quietness at 96.55 and very good retirement potential at 85.89, its low Urban Sophistication of 12.30 and lack of nautical features limit its luxury appeal. The median home price in Five Points is moderate compared to truly luxurious Alabama communities.
11. Fyffe
- Overall Luxury Score: 7.72
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.60
- Quiet Score: 79.00
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 67.75
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Fyffe scores 7.72 for luxury living. With very low Urban Sophistication at 2.60, the town offers good quietness at 79.00 and decent retirement potential at 67.75, but lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Fyffe reflects its limited luxury offerings despite some positive attributes.
10. Carrollton
- Overall Luxury Score: 7.69
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.00
- Quiet Score: 88.23
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 75.65
- Vacation Home Score: 60.83
Carrollton scores 7.69 for luxury living. Despite having excellent quietness at 88.23, good retirement potential at 75.65, and being one of the few towns with a vacation home score (60.83), its extremely low Urban Sophistication of 2.00 drags down its overall luxury appeal. The median home price in Carrollton reflects its mixed luxury profile.
9. Beatrice
- Overall Luxury Score: 7.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.50
- Quiet Score: 96.11
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 87.95
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Beatrice scores 7.31 for luxury living, despite having excellent quietness at 96.11 and a very good retirement potential at 87.95. The town’s extremely low Urban Sophistication score of 3.50 and lack of nautical features significantly impact its overall luxury ranking. The median home price in Beatrice is modest compared to more upscale communities.
8. Tarrant
- Overall Luxury Score: 7.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.12
- Quiet Score: 34.49
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 10.01
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Tarrant scores just 7.25 for luxury living and performs poorly across all metrics. With low Urban Sophistication at 5.12, poor quietness at 34.49, and the lowest retirement score on our list at 10.01, the town offers little appeal to wealthy residents. The median home price in Tarrant reflects its lack of luxury amenities.
7. East Brewton
- Overall Luxury Score: 6.95
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.14
- Quiet Score: 84.81
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 30.33
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
East Brewton scores a low 6.95 for luxury living. While offering very good quietness at 84.81, the town has minimal Urban Sophistication at 5.14 and poor retirement potential at 30.33. It lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in East Brewton is modest compared to more affluent Alabama communities.
6. Vina – Hodges
- Overall Luxury Score: 6.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.75
- Quiet Score: 77.62
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 29.78
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Vina – Hodges scores just 6.25 for luxury living. With low Urban Sophistication at 5.75 and below-average retirement potential at 29.78, the town offers good quietness at 77.62 but lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Vina – Hodges reflects its limited luxury offerings.
5. Autaugaville
- Overall Luxury Score: 5.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.43
- Quiet Score: 94.69
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 69.32
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Autaugaville ranks fifth-worst for luxury with a score of 5.78. While it offers excellent quietness at 94.69 and good retirement potential at 69.32, its Urban Sophistication remains very low at 9.43. The town lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Autaugaville is modest compared to more upscale communities in Alabama.
4. Union Springs
- Overall Luxury Score: 4.98
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.25
- Quiet Score: 65.59
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 51.54
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Union Springs scores poorly for luxury at 4.98, with the lowest Urban Sophistication score on our list at just 1.25. The town offers average quietness at 65.59 and retirement potential at 51.54, but lacks nautical features and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Union Springs reflects its limited luxury amenities.
3. Bayou La Batre
- Overall Luxury Score: 4.82
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.61
- Quiet Score: 72.24
- Nautical Index: 97.51
- Retirement Score: 32.77
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Bayou La Batre scores a mere 4.82 for luxury living, despite having an exceptional Nautical Index of 97.51 due to its coastal location. The town suffers from extremely low Urban Sophistication at 2.61 and moderate quietness at 72.24. Its retirement appeal is also below average at 32.77. The median home price in Bayou La Batre is modest compared to more affluent Alabama communities.
2. Empire
- Overall Luxury Score: 4.80
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 6.27
- Quiet Score: 97.25
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 49.06
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Empire ranks second-worst for luxury living with a score of just 4.80. While the town boasts an excellent Quiet Score of 97.25, its Urban Sophistication is minimal at 6.27. The town offers average retirement potential at 49.06 but lacks nautical attractions and vacation home appeal. The median home price in Empire reflects its limited luxury offerings.
1. Boykin
- Overall Luxury Score: 1.26
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.71
- Quiet Score: 73.21
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 18.83
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Boykin ranks as the absolute worst luxury town in Alabama with an extremely low Overall Luxury Score of 1.26 out of 100. The town scores poorly on Urban Sophistication at just 2.71, indicating minimal cultural amenities. While it offers reasonable quietness at 73.21, it lacks any nautical attractions and scores poorly for retirement living at 18.83. The median home price in Boykin reflects its lack of luxury appeal.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Luxury Score: A comprehensive evaluation measuring high-end amenities, premium housing quality, exclusive services, upscale shopping, fine dining options, and other factors that collectively define luxury living on a scale of 1-100.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Measures the availability and quality of cultural offerings including museums, theaters, art galleries, fine dining establishments, and intellectual engagement opportunities that appeal to affluent residents seeking enrichment.
- Quiet Score: Evaluates the peacefulness and tranquility of a location, factoring in noise levels, privacy, population density, and overall serenity – important for wealthy residents seeking exclusivity and respite.
- Nautical Index: Assesses waterfront proximity, marine amenities, boating facilities, yacht clubs, and water-based recreation opportunities that are highly valued by affluent residents with interests in maritime activities.
- Retirement Score: Measures a location’s suitability for affluent retirees, considering healthcare quality, climate comfort, adult recreation options, social opportunities, and accessibility features.
- Vacation Home Score: Evaluates a location’s appeal as a secondary residence destination, considering seasonal attractions, rental potential, property management services, and recreational opportunities for part-time wealthy residents.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
