When considering where to spend your retirement years, several factors can significantly impact your quality of life. We’ve analyzed neighborhoods across Alabama based on five key criteria: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendliness. These metrics provide a comprehensive view of which areas might be less suitable for retirees seeking comfort, convenience, and enrichment in their golden years.
The Overall Retirement Score incorporates multiple factors including safety, amenities for seniors, healthcare access, and general livability for older adults. Every score in our analysis is based on real-world data and resident surveys, ensuring an accurate representation of each neighborhood’s retirement-friendliness. Here’s the list.
25. City Center / Jacksonville State University
- Overall Retirement Score: 5.92
- Walkability: 25.56
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.93
- Vibrant Score: 47.12
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
With an Overall Retirement Score of 5.92, City Center/Jacksonville State University ranks as the 25th worst neighborhood for retirement in Alabama. The area has poor walkability at just 25.56 and practically non-existent cultural amenities with a score of 0.93. While the neighborhood has moderate vibrancy at 47.12, public transit options are completely absent. The university presence may contribute to noise and a younger demographic that might not align with retirement preferences. The median home price in this area is approximately $168,000.
24. East Birmingham
- Overall Retirement Score: 5.80
- Walkability: 59.22
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.40
- Vibrant Score: 44.78
- Transit-Friendly: 69.48
East Birmingham scores slightly better in walkability at 59.22 and has decent transit options with a 69.48 rating. However, its Overall Retirement Score of 5.80 places it 24th on our list. The neighborhood lacks in cultural amenities with just 3.40 for Urban Sophistication, while the Vibrant Score is moderate at 44.78. These factors suggest limited enrichment opportunities for retirees despite the reasonable transportation options. The median home price in East Birmingham is around $75,000.
23. Tuxedo
- Overall Retirement Score: 5.63
- Walkability: 65.50
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 6.85
- Vibrant Score: 65.56
- Transit-Friendly: 68.62
Tuxedo offers better walkability (65.50) and public transit (68.62) than many neighborhoods on this list. It also has a respectable Vibrant Score of 65.56, indicating some community activity. However, the neighborhood still falls short with an Overall Retirement Score of 5.63 and limited cultural amenities at just 6.85. While transportation infrastructure is adequate, the overall retirement experience remains suboptimal. The median home price in Tuxedo is approximately $89,000.
22. Ensley Junction
- Overall Retirement Score: 5.59
- Walkability: 64.44
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 19.31
- Vibrant Score: 45.38
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Ensley Junction has reasonable walkability at 64.44 and better cultural amenities than many areas on this list with an Urban Sophistication score of 19.31. However, the neighborhood has a mediocre Vibrant Score of 45.38 and completely lacks public transportation options. These factors contribute to its Overall Retirement Score of 5.59, making it the 22nd worst retirement neighborhood in Alabama. The median home price here is approximately $50,000.
21. Troy University
- Overall Retirement Score: 5.36
- Walkability: 66.10
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 12.24
- Vibrant Score: 71.82
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
The Troy University area offers good walkability (66.10) and a high Vibrant Score (71.82), likely due to the university presence. Cultural amenities are modest with an Urban Sophistication score of 12.24. However, like many college areas, it may not be ideal for retirees seeking peace and quiet, and it completely lacks public transportation. Its Overall Retirement Score of 5.36 places it 21st on our list. The median home price near Troy University is approximately $145,000.
20. Brown Springs
- Overall Retirement Score: 5.08
- Walkability: 69.15
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 4.62
- Vibrant Score: 56.56
- Transit-Friendly: 50.69
Brown Springs offers good walkability at 69.15 and moderate transit options with a score of 50.69. The neighborhood has an average Vibrant Score of 56.56, but cultural amenities are severely lacking at just 4.62. These factors contribute to an Overall Retirement Score of 5.08, making it the 20th worst retirement neighborhood in Alabama. The median home price in Brown Springs is approximately $110,000.
19. Fanning Manor
- Overall Retirement Score: 5.06
- Walkability: 46.61
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.64
- Vibrant Score: 77.33
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fanning Manor presents a mixed picture for retirees. While it boasts a high Vibrant Score of 77.33, indicating plenty of community activity, it falls short in most other categories. Walkability is below average at 46.61, cultural amenities are nearly non-existent at 1.64, and there’s no public transportation. These limitations result in an Overall Retirement Score of 5.06. The median home price in Fanning Manor is approximately $135,000.
18. Owens
- Overall Retirement Score: 4.64
- Walkability: 55.15
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.78
- Vibrant Score: 52.46
- Transit-Friendly: 29.79
Owens neighborhood has average scores across most categories: Walkability (55.15), Vibrant Score (52.46), and limited public transit (29.79). The area severely lacks cultural amenities with an Urban Sophistication score of just 2.78. Combined, these factors give Owens an Overall Retirement Score of 4.64, making it unsuitable for retirees seeking enriching and convenient living. The median home price in Owens is approximately $95,000.
17. Bolton
- Overall Retirement Score: 4.35
- Walkability: 67.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 32.73
- Vibrant Score: 87.05
- Transit-Friendly: 24.09
Bolton presents some contradictions for potential retirees. It offers good walkability (67.31), the highest Urban Sophistication on our list so far (32.73), and an excellent Vibrant Score (87.05). However, public transportation is limited at 24.09, and its Overall Retirement Score is just 4.35. This suggests there may be other factors making it less suitable for retirees despite its apparent strengths. The median home price in Bolton is approximately $120,000.
16. East Haven / Fernwood Estates
- Overall Retirement Score: 4.19
- Walkability: 52.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.38
- Vibrant Score: 74.75
- Transit-Friendly: 30.75
East Haven/Fernwood Estates has a high Vibrant Score of 74.75 but falls short in other categories. Walkability is average at 52.88, public transit options are limited (30.75), and cultural amenities are nearly absent with an Urban Sophistication score of just 2.38. These factors contribute to its Overall Retirement Score of 4.19. The median home price in this neighborhood is approximately $112,000.
15. Washington Park East
- Overall Retirement Score: 3.74
- Walkability: 73.47
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.79
- Vibrant Score: 69.22
- Transit-Friendly: 24.10
Washington Park East offers excellent walkability at 73.47 and a good Vibrant Score of 69.22. However, it has minimal cultural amenities (3.79) and limited public transportation (24.10). These limitations, combined with other factors, result in a poor Overall Retirement Score of 3.74. Despite some positive attributes, the neighborhood ultimately isn’t well-suited for retirement. The median home price in Washington Park East is approximately $85,000.
14. Bains Gap Rd
- Overall Retirement Score: 3.59
- Walkability: N/A
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.04
- Vibrant Score: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Bains Gap Rd scores extremely poorly across all measured categories. With zero walkability, zero vibrancy, zero public transportation, and practically no cultural amenities (0.04), it’s clear why this area has an Overall Retirement Score of just 3.59. This neighborhood would require residents to rely completely on personal transportation and would offer virtually no enrichment opportunities. The median home price in Bains Gap Rd is approximately $125,000.
13. Morrisville / Peaceburg
- Overall Retirement Score: 3.56
- Walkability: 0.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.34
- Vibrant Score: 0.17
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Similar to Bains Gap Rd, Morrisville/Peaceburg scores extremely low across all metrics. With practically no walkability (0.31), cultural amenities (0.34), or community vibrancy (0.17), and zero public transportation, this area offers little for retirees seeking an active, engaged retirement. Its Overall Retirement Score is just 3.56. The median home price in this isolated area is approximately $85,000.
12. Bolton North
- Overall Retirement Score: 3.44
- Walkability: 48.58
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 11.46
- Vibrant Score: 89.27
- Transit-Friendly: 34.72
Bolton North presents another contradictory case. It has an excellent Vibrant Score of 89.27, suggesting a lively community atmosphere. However, walkability is average (48.58), public transit is limited (34.72), and cultural amenities are modest (11.46). These factors, combined with others not explicitly measured, result in a poor Overall Retirement Score of 3.44. The median home price in Bolton North is approximately $130,000.
11. Overton South
- Overall Retirement Score: 3.38
- Walkability: 0.42
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.41
- Vibrant Score: 5.97
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Overton South is another neighborhood with extremely poor scores across most categories. With almost no walkability (0.42), minimal cultural offerings (0.41), very little community vibrancy (5.97), and no public transportation, the area offers little to support an active, engaged retirement. Its Overall Retirement Score is just 3.38. The median home price in Overton South is approximately $95,000.
10. Talladega North
- Overall Retirement Score: 3.35
- Walkability: 58.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.53
- Vibrant Score: 43.70
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Talladega North offers reasonable walkability at 58.25 but fails in other important categories. Cultural amenities are virtually non-existent (1.53), community vibrancy is below average (43.70), and there’s no public transportation. These limitations contribute to its low Overall Retirement Score of 3.35. The median home price in Talladega North is approximately $80,000.
9. Rime Village Dr
- Overall Retirement Score: 2.81
- Walkability: 79.98
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 27.31
- Vibrant Score: 65.61
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Rime Village Dr presents a perplexing case. It offers excellent walkability (79.98), decent cultural amenities (27.31), and a good Vibrant Score (65.61). However, it completely lacks public transportation, and its Overall Retirement Score is just 2.81. This suggests there may be significant other factors not captured in our metrics that make this area unsuitable for retirees. The median home price in Rime Village Dr is approximately $175,000.
8. Southwood
- Overall Retirement Score: 2.51
- Walkability: 66.01
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.03
- Vibrant Score: 72.97
- Transit-Friendly: 60.14
Southwood offers good walkability (66.01), a high Vibrant Score (72.97), and decent public transit options (60.14). However, it severely lacks cultural amenities (3.03). Despite scoring well in multiple categories, its Overall Retirement Score is just 2.51, suggesting significant issues with other aspects important for retirees. The median home price in Southwood is approximately $140,000.
7. Airmont
- Overall Retirement Score: 2.45
- Walkability: 45.84
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.96
- Vibrant Score: 55.51
- Transit-Friendly: 33.45
Airmont has below-average walkability (45.84), virtually no cultural amenities (0.96), an average Vibrant Score (55.51), and limited public transportation (33.45). These shortcomings result in a very low Overall Retirement Score of 2.45, making it unsuitable for most retirees seeking convenience and enrichment. The median home price in Airmont is approximately $105,000.
6. Oxford East
- Overall Retirement Score: 1.73
- Walkability: 35.12
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.77
- Vibrant Score: 66.66
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Oxford East has poor walkability (35.12), minimal cultural offerings (1.77), and no public transportation, although it does have a decent Vibrant Score (66.66). These limitations contribute to its very low Overall Retirement Score of 1.73. Retirees in this area would need personal transportation and would find few amenities catering to their needs. The median home price in Oxford East is approximately $115,000.
5. University South
- Overall Retirement Score: 1.62
- Walkability: 72.47
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.03
- Vibrant Score: 89.25
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
University South presents another contradictory case. It offers excellent walkability (72.47) and an outstanding Vibrant Score (89.25), but has minimal cultural amenities (3.03) and no public transportation. Despite some strong points, its Overall Retirement Score is just 1.62, suggesting significant issues with other factors important for retirees. The proximity to a university may contribute to noise, traffic, and a demographic mismatch for retirees. The median home price in University South is approximately $180,000.
4. Arlington
- Overall Retirement Score: 1.17
- Walkability: 39.77
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.15
- Vibrant Score: 38.15
- Transit-Friendly: 39.29
Arlington scores poorly across all metrics: below-average walkability (39.77), minimal cultural amenities (1.15), low community vibrancy (38.15), and limited public transportation (39.29). These shortcomings result in a very low Overall Retirement Score of 1.17, making it clearly unsuitable for most retirees. The median home price in Arlington is approximately $90,000.
3. South Montgomery East
- Overall Retirement Score: 0.75
- Walkability: 46.94
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.01
- Vibrant Score: 81.87
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
South Montgomery East has below-average walkability (46.94), virtually no cultural amenities (1.01), and no public transportation. However, it does have an excellent Vibrant Score (81.87). Despite this one strength, its Overall Retirement Score is just 0.75, making it the third worst neighborhood for retirement in Alabama. The median home price in South Montgomery East is approximately $70,000.
2. Orange Grove
- Overall Retirement Score: 0.61
- Walkability: 56.40
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.97
- Vibrant Score: 23.36
- Transit-Friendly: 61.96
Orange Grove offers average walkability (56.40) and decent public transportation (61.96), but it severely lacks cultural amenities (0.97) and has very low community vibrancy (23.36). These factors contribute to its extremely low Overall Retirement Score of 0.61, making it the second worst neighborhood for retirement in Alabama. The median home price in Orange Grove is approximately $65,000.
1. Titusville
- Overall Retirement Score: 0.51
- Walkability: 75.30
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.55
- Vibrant Score: 37.97
- Transit-Friendly: 47.24
Titusville presents perhaps the most surprising case on our list. It offers excellent walkability (75.30) and moderate public transportation options (47.24). However, it has minimal cultural amenities (3.55) and below-average community vibrancy (37.97). Despite some positive attributes, its Overall Retirement Score is just 0.51, making it the worst neighborhood for retirement in Alabama. This extremely low score suggests there are significant other factors making this area unsuitable for retirees. The median home price in Titusville is approximately $60,000.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates the overall suitability of a neighborhood for retirees, considering factors such as safety, senior-specific amenities, healthcare access, and general livability for older adults.
- Walkability: Measures how pedestrian-friendly a neighborhood is, including factors like sidewalk availability, pedestrian safety, proximity of essential services, and ease of getting around without a vehicle.
- Urban Sophistication: Assesses the availability and quality of cultural amenities such as museums, theaters, libraries, educational institutions, and other enrichment opportunities within the neighborhood.
- Vibrant Score: Evaluates the level of community activity, social engagement opportunities, and general liveliness of the neighborhood, including factors like community events, local businesses, and social spaces.
- Transit-Friendly: Measures the availability, reliability, accessibility, and convenience of public transportation options in the neighborhood, crucial for retirees who may no longer drive.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
Zillow Research Data
Realtor.com Research
Redfin Data Center
CoreLogic Data Solutions
U.S. Census Bureau American Housing Survey
Alabama Town Ratings Directory
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