When planning for retirement, location plays a crucial role in your overall quality of life. Our analysis examines five key criteria that impact retirement living: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly rating. The Overall Retirement Score encompasses numerous factors including safety, healthcare access, recreational opportunities, cost of living, and climate suitability for seniors.
It’s important to note that all scores presented are based on real-world data and resident surveys, not arbitrary rankings. Each town is evaluated on a scale of 1 to 100, with higher scores indicating better retirement living conditions across the five criteria. Scores below 50 generally indicate areas that may present challenges for retirees seeking specific amenities or services. Many Alabama towns have no measurable public transportation options, indicated by N/A in the Transit-Friendly category – a significant consideration for retirees who may eventually need to limit or stop driving.
Here’s the list.
25. Loxley
- Overall Retirement Score: 34.25
- Walkability: 23.30
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 36.94
- Vibrant Score: 26.44
- Transit-Friendly: 20.69
Loxley ranks as the 25th worst town for retirement in Alabama with an Overall Retirement Score of 34.25. The town performs below average across all metrics, with its highest score in Urban Sophistication at 36.94. Walkability is limited at 23.30, and the transit options are minimal with a score of 20.69. The town’s vibrant score of 26.44 indicates limited community activities and amenities for seniors. The median home price in Loxley is approximately $235,000.
24. Munford
- Overall Retirement Score: 33.54
- Walkability: 14.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 24.56
- Vibrant Score: 14.68
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Munford scores 33.54 on the Overall Retirement Score, making it the 24th worst town for retirees in Alabama. The town has very poor walkability at 14.45 and no public transit infrastructure. Cultural amenities are limited with an Urban Sophistication score of 24.56, and the low Vibrant Score of 14.68 suggests few entertainment and social options for seniors. The median home price in Munford is approximately $187,000.
23. Marbury
- Overall Retirement Score: 33.51
- Walkability: 14.66
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 60.90
- Vibrant Score: 13.32
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Marbury has an Overall Retirement Score of 33.51. While the town scores relatively well on Urban Sophistication at 60.90, suggesting some cultural amenities, it falls short in other areas. Walkability is poor at 14.66, there is no public transportation, and the community lacks vibrancy with a score of 13.32. The median home price in Marbury is approximately $225,000.
22. Powell
- Overall Retirement Score: 33.44
- Walkability: 21.99
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.22
- Vibrant Score: 17.71
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Powell ranks as the 22nd worst retirement town with an Overall Retirement Score of 33.44. The town has very poor scores in Urban Sophistication (9.22) and Vibrant Score (17.71), indicating minimal cultural amenities and community activities. Walkability is limited at 21.99, and there are no public transit options. The median home price in Powell is approximately $162,000.
21. Fairfield
- Overall Retirement Score: 32.94
- Walkability: 59.23
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 20.56
- Vibrant Score: 55.94
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fairfield scores 32.94 on the Overall Retirement Score. While the town has decent walkability (59.23) and vibrancy (55.94), it lacks in cultural amenities with an Urban Sophistication score of 20.56. The absence of public transportation is a significant drawback for seniors who may not drive. The median home price in Fairfield is approximately $81,000.
20. Bayou La Batre
- Overall Retirement Score: 32.77
- Walkability: 24.41
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.61
- Vibrant Score: 22.63
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Bayou La Batre has an Overall Retirement Score of 32.77. The town scores extremely low in Urban Sophistication at just 2.61, indicating very few cultural amenities. Walkability is poor at 24.41, the Vibrant Score is low at 22.63, and there is no public transportation infrastructure. The median home price in Bayou La Batre is approximately $112,000.
19. Billingsley
- Overall Retirement Score: 32.17
- Walkability: 8.29
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.27
- Vibrant Score: 3.05
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Billingsley ranks as the 19th worst retirement town with an Overall Retirement Score of 32.17. The town performs poorly across all metrics, with extremely low walkability (8.29), minimal cultural amenities (5.27), and an almost non-existent Vibrant Score (3.05). There is no public transportation, making it challenging for seniors who don’t drive. The median home price in Billingsley is approximately $157,000.
18. Geraldine
- Overall Retirement Score: 31.84
- Walkability: 18.89
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 6.76
- Vibrant Score: 21.09
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Geraldine has an Overall Retirement Score of 31.84. The town has limited walkability at 18.89 and very few cultural amenities with an Urban Sophistication score of 6.76. The Vibrant Score is low at 21.09, and there are no public transit options. The median home price in Geraldine is approximately $139,000.
17. Parrish
- Overall Retirement Score: 31.14
- Walkability: 23.75
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 29.61
- Vibrant Score: 18.36
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Parrish scores 31.14 on the Overall Retirement Score. The town has poor walkability (23.75) and limited cultural amenities (29.61). The Vibrant Score is low at 18.36, indicating few community activities and amenities for seniors. There is no public transportation available. The median home price in Parrish is approximately $95,000.
16. East Brewton
- Overall Retirement Score: 30.33
- Walkability: 5.53
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.14
- Vibrant Score: 14.77
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
East Brewton has an Overall Retirement Score of 30.33. The town has extremely poor walkability at just 5.53 and minimal cultural amenities with an Urban Sophistication score of 5.14. The Vibrant Score is low at 14.77, and there is no public transportation infrastructure. The median home price in East Brewton is approximately $71,000.
15. Elkmont
- Overall Retirement Score: 30.24
- Walkability: 17.09
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.29
- Vibrant Score: 10.93
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Elkmont ranks as the 15th worst retirement town with an Overall Retirement Score of 30.24. The town has poor walkability (17.09) and limited cultural amenities (31.29). The Vibrant Score is very low at 10.93, indicating minimal community activities. There are no public transit options available. The median home price in Elkmont is approximately $195,000.
14. Maplesville
- Overall Retirement Score: 30.13
- Walkability: 7.11
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 6.55
- Vibrant Score: 4.58
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Maplesville scores 30.13 on the Overall Retirement Score. The town performs poorly across all metrics, with extremely low walkability (7.11), minimal cultural amenities (6.55), and an almost non-existent Vibrant Score (4.58). There is no public transportation, making it challenging for seniors who don’t drive. The median home price in Maplesville is approximately $108,000.
13. Vina – Hodges
- Overall Retirement Score: 29.78
- Walkability: 8.06
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.75
- Vibrant Score: 1.78
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Vina – Hodges has an Overall Retirement Score of 29.78. The town has extremely poor walkability at 8.06 and very few cultural amenities with an Urban Sophistication score of 5.75. The Vibrant Score is alarmingly low at 1.78, indicating almost no community activities or amenities for seniors. There is no public transportation available. The median home price in Vina – Hodges is approximately $84,000.
12. Fort Rucker
- Overall Retirement Score: 28.91
- Walkability: 4.21
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 32.05
- Vibrant Score: 22.44
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fort Rucker ranks as the 12th worst retirement town with an Overall Retirement Score of 28.91. The town has extremely poor walkability at just 4.21, making it difficult for seniors to get around without a vehicle. While the Urban Sophistication score is moderate at 32.05, the Vibrant Score is low at 22.44, and there are no public transit options. The median home price in Fort Rucker is approximately $175,000.
11. Brighton
- Overall Retirement Score: 28.02
- Walkability: 59.52
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.22
- Vibrant Score: 35.80
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Brighton scores 28.02 on the Overall Retirement Score. While the town has decent walkability at 59.52, it lacks in cultural amenities with an Urban Sophistication score of just 10.22. The Vibrant Score is below average at 35.80, and there is no public transportation infrastructure. The median home price in Brighton is approximately $62,000.
10. Chickasaw
- Overall Retirement Score: 27.75
- Walkability: 55.13
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 7.96
- Vibrant Score: 54.83
- Transit-Friendly: 31.80
Chickasaw has an Overall Retirement Score of 27.75. While the town has decent walkability (55.13) and vibrancy (54.83), it scores very poorly in Urban Sophistication at just 7.96, indicating minimal cultural amenities. The Transit-Friendly score is low at 31.80, suggesting limited public transportation options. The median home price in Chickasaw is approximately $93,000.
9. Clay
- Overall Retirement Score: 26.30
- Walkability: 21.59
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 46.59
- Vibrant Score: 18.39
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Clay ranks as the 9th worst retirement town with an Overall Retirement Score of 26.30. The town has poor walkability at 21.59 and a low Vibrant Score of 18.39. While the Urban Sophistication score is moderate at 46.59, suggesting some cultural amenities, there is no public transportation infrastructure. The median home price in Clay is approximately $198,000.
8. Brookside
- Overall Retirement Score: 26.28
- Walkability: 16.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 40.30
- Vibrant Score: 10.76
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Brookside scores 26.28 on the Overall Retirement Score. The town has poor walkability at 16.88 and a very low Vibrant Score of 10.76, indicating minimal community activities. While the Urban Sophistication score is moderate at 40.30, there are no public transit options available. The median home price in Brookside is approximately $142,000.
7. Allgood
- Overall Retirement Score: 25.95
- Walkability: 2.60
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.06
- Vibrant Score: 3.58
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Allgood has an Overall Retirement Score of 25.95. The town performs extremely poorly across all metrics, with almost non-existent walkability (2.60), minimal cultural amenities (5.06), and a very low Vibrant Score (3.58). There is no public transportation, making it challenging for seniors who don’t drive. The median home price in Allgood is approximately $127,000.
6. Midfield
- Overall Retirement Score: 25.93
- Walkability: 53.08
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 13.54
- Vibrant Score: 64.76
- Transit-Friendly: 15.42
Midfield ranks as the 6th worst retirement town with an Overall Retirement Score of 25.93. While the town has decent walkability (53.08) and a good Vibrant Score (64.76), it lacks in cultural amenities with an Urban Sophistication score of just 13.54. The Transit-Friendly score is low at 15.42, indicating limited public transportation options. The median home price in Midfield is approximately $78,000.
5. Addison
- Overall Retirement Score: 25.31
- Walkability: 0.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 4.23
- Vibrant Score: 3.57
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Addison scores 25.31 on the Overall Retirement Score. The town has virtually no walkability with a score of just 0.78, making it extremely difficult for seniors to get around without a vehicle. Cultural amenities are minimal with an Urban Sophistication score of 4.23, and the Vibrant Score is very low at 3.57. There is no public transportation available. The median home price in Addison is approximately $132,000.
4. Center Point
- Overall Retirement Score: 20.44
- Walkability: 50.33
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 13.70
- Vibrant Score: 46.80
- Transit-Friendly: 15.45
Center Point has an Overall Retirement Score of 20.44. While the town has moderate walkability (50.33) and vibrancy (46.80), it scores poorly in Urban Sophistication at just 13.70, indicating limited cultural amenities. The Transit-Friendly score is low at 15.45, suggesting limited public transportation options. The median home price in Center Point is approximately $124,000.
3. Boykin
- Overall Retirement Score: 18.83
- Walkability: 3.86
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.71
- Vibrant Score: 7.67
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Boykin ranks as the 3rd worst retirement town with an extremely low Overall Retirement Score of 18.83. The town performs poorly across all metrics, with almost non-existent walkability (3.86), minimal cultural amenities (2.71), and a very low Vibrant Score (7.67). There is no public transportation infrastructure. The median home price in Boykin is approximately $91,000.
2. Tarrant
- Overall Retirement Score: 10.01
- Walkability: 69.67
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.12
- Vibrant Score: 50.24
- Transit-Friendly: 55.26
Tarrant scores a very low 10.01 on the Overall Retirement Score, making it the 2nd worst town for retirement in Alabama. Despite having good walkability (69.67), decent vibrancy (50.24), and moderate public transportation (55.26), the town scores extremely poorly in Urban Sophistication at just 5.12, indicating minimal cultural amenities. Other factors not reflected in these five metrics must be significantly impacting the overall retirement score. The median home price in Tarrant is approximately $89,000.
1. McIntosh
- Overall Retirement Score: 9.44
- Walkability: 0.84
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.05
- Vibrant Score: 11.97
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
McIntosh ranks as the absolute worst town for retirement in Alabama with an extremely low Overall Retirement Score of 9.44. The town has virtually no walkability with a score of just 0.84, making it impossible for seniors to get around without a vehicle. Cultural amenities are minimal with an Urban Sophistication score of 5.05, and the Vibrant Score is very low at 11.97. There is no public transportation available. The median home price in McIntosh is approximately $97,000.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive index that evaluates a location’s suitability for retirees, considering factors such as safety, healthcare access, recreational opportunities, cost of living, climate, and senior-friendly services.
- Walkability: Measures how easy it is to access amenities, services, and daily needs on foot, which is particularly important for seniors who may not drive or prefer not to.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Evaluates the availability and quality of cultural institutions, entertainment options, educational opportunities, and dining experiences in the area.
- Vibrant Score: Assesses the energy and liveliness of a community, including social activities, community events, and opportunities for engagement and interaction.
- Transit-Friendly: Rates the accessibility and convenience of public transportation options, which is crucial for seniors who may not drive or have limited mobility.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
