Understanding what makes a neighborhood vibrant requires examining multiple factors that contribute to the overall quality of life for residents. Our comprehensive analysis looks at 6 key criteria: Overall Vibrancy, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Hip & Trendy, Young Singles, Car Friendliness, and Walkability. The Overall Vibrancy Score incorporates numerous sub-factors including community engagement, local business density, recreational opportunities, public spaces, and cultural diversity among others.
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 vibrant neighborhoods.
Here’s the list.
25. Belchers / Lowerytown
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.56
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.52
- Hip & Trendy: 51.48
- Young Singles: 28.33
- Car Friendly: 96.71
- Walkability: 13.78
Belchers/Lowerytown in West Blocton sits at #25 on our list with an overall vibrancy score of 2.56. The neighborhood excels in car friendliness (96.71) and has a surprisingly high hip & trendy score (51.48) with moderate young singles presence (28.33). However, urban sophistication remains low (10.52) and walkability poor (13.78), though slightly better than many others on this list. This unexpected combination suggests an area that may be developing some trendy appeal despite limited broader cultural amenities. The median home price in this neighborhood reflects this evolving character.
24. Fairview / Isabella
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.51
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 48.09
- Hip & Trendy: 1.65
- Young Singles: 23.79
- Car Friendly: 80.32
- Walkability: 3.33
Fairview/Isabella in Clanton has an overall vibrancy score of 2.51. The neighborhood has good car friendliness (80.32) and relatively high urban sophistication (48.09), but extremely low hip & trendy elements (1.65) and very poor walkability (3.33). Young singles presence is moderate (23.79). This suggests an area with some cultural amenities but minimal trendy appeal and significant pedestrian infrastructure limitations. The median home price in this neighborhood reflects its rural/suburban character with some cultural advantages.
23. Andrews Chapel / Town Center
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 39.99
- Hip & Trendy: 2.74
- Young Singles: 28.31
- Car Friendly: 96.46
- Walkability: 5.04
Andrews Chapel/Town Center in Danville has an overall vibrancy score of 2.45. The neighborhood excels in car friendliness (96.46) and has a moderate urban sophistication score (39.99) and young singles presence (28.31). However, hip & trendy elements are extremely limited (2.74) and walkability is poor (5.04). This suggests an area with some cultural amenities but minimal trendy appeal and significant pedestrian infrastructure challenges. The median home price in this neighborhood aligns with these mixed characteristics.
22. Townley
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 12.90
- Hip & Trendy: 9.70
- Young Singles: 17.01
- Car Friendly: 76.79
- Walkability: 1.02
Townley in Jasper has an overall vibrancy score of 2.31. The neighborhood has good car friendliness (76.79) but very low scores for urban sophistication (12.90), hip & trendy elements (9.70), and young singles presence (17.01). Walkability is extremely poor (1.02). This suggests a car-dependent area with limited cultural offerings and minimal appeal to younger residents. The median home price in Townley reflects these limitations.
21. Sandtown / Three Forks
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.30
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 52.77
- Hip & Trendy: 47.45
- Young Singles: 32.84
- Car Friendly: 87.75
- Walkability: 3.20
Sandtown/Three Forks in Northport has an overall vibrancy score of 2.30. The neighborhood shows good car friendliness (87.75) and relatively high scores for urban sophistication (52.77) and hip & trendy elements (47.45). Young singles presence is moderate (32.84), but walkability is very poor (3.20). This suggests an area with some cultural amenities and appeal to younger residents but significant pedestrian infrastructure challenges. The median home price in this neighborhood reflects its mixed character.
20. Pelham Northeast
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.29
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.40
- Hip & Trendy: 0.73
- Young Singles: N/A
- Car Friendly: 12.89
- Walkability: 0.41
Pelham Northeast has an overall vibrancy score of 2.29, yet shows extremely low scores in almost all other categories. Urban sophistication (0.40), hip & trendy elements (0.73), and walkability (0.41) are all virtually non-existent, while car friendliness is also very poor (12.89). This unusual pattern suggests an area that may have some specific attributes contributing to its vibrancy score but lacks basic amenities and infrastructure across the board. The median home price in this neighborhood likely reflects these significant limitations.
19. Clopton
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.85
- Hip & Trendy: 56.87
- Young Singles: 35.33
- Car Friendly: 86.54
- Walkability: 11.54
Clopton in Midland City has an overall vibrancy score of 2.25. The neighborhood has good car friendliness (86.54) and a relatively high hip & trendy score (56.87), with moderate young singles presence (35.33). However, urban sophistication remains low (9.85) and walkability poor (11.54). This unusual combination suggests an area that has some trendy elements but lacks broader cultural amenities and pedestrian infrastructure. The median home price in Clopton reflects this mixed profile.
18. Cool Springs / Fairview
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.97
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 19.14
- Hip & Trendy: 20.98
- Young Singles: 19.89
- Car Friendly: 95.64
- Walkability: 9.88
Cool Springs/Fairview in Ashville has an overall vibrancy score of 1.97. The neighborhood excels in car friendliness (95.64) but shows limited urban sophistication (19.14), hip & trendy elements (20.98), and young singles presence (19.89). Walkability is poor (9.88). This suggests a car-dependent rural area with limited cultural offerings and modest appeal to younger residents. The median home price in this neighborhood reflects its rural character.
17. Fairview / Goodman
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.83
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 28.59
- Hip & Trendy: 23.76
- Young Singles: 29.36
- Car Friendly: 99.74
- Walkability: 8.12
Fairview/Goodman in Enterprise has an overall vibrancy score of 1.83. This neighborhood has nearly perfect car friendliness (99.74) and moderate scores for urban sophistication (28.59), hip & trendy elements (23.76), and young singles presence (29.36). However, walkability remains poor (8.12). This suggests a suburban or rural area with good road infrastructure and some cultural amenities, but designed primarily for car access. The median home price in this area aligns with these characteristics.
16. Eoline / Harmon
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.83
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.11
- Hip & Trendy: 3.82
- Young Singles: 29.13
- Car Friendly: 89.29
- Walkability: 10.96
Eoline/Harmon in Brent ties with Fairview/Goodman with an overall vibrancy score of 1.83. The neighborhood has excellent car friendliness (89.29) but very low scores for urban sophistication (9.11) and extremely low hip & trendy elements (3.82). Young singles presence (29.13) is moderate, while walkability is poor (10.96). This suggests a rural area with limited cultural offerings but some appeal to younger residents. The median home price in this neighborhood reflects its rural setting and limited amenities.
15. Duketon / Nix
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.55
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 16.17
- Hip & Trendy: 8.97
- Young Singles: 12.40
- Car Friendly: 90.30
- Walkability: 11.86
Duketon/Nix in Phil Campbell has an overall vibrancy score of 1.55. This neighborhood has excellent car friendliness (90.30) but very low scores for hip & trendy elements (8.97) and young singles presence (12.40). Urban sophistication (16.17) is limited, and walkability is poor (11.86). This suggests a rural area with limited appeal to younger residents and few cultural amenities. The median home price in this area reflects its rural character.
14. New Prospect / Oak Grove
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.55
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 26.72
- Hip & Trendy: 17.81
- Young Singles: 33.50
- Car Friendly: 89.99
- Walkability: 7.04
New Prospect/Oak Grove in Prattville ties with Duketon/Nix with an overall vibrancy score of 1.55. The neighborhood has excellent car friendliness (89.99) and moderate scores for urban sophistication (26.72) and young singles presence (33.50). However, it shows limited hip & trendy elements (17.81) and poor walkability (7.04). This profile suggests a suburban or rural area with some cultural amenities but primarily designed for car access. The median home price in this neighborhood aligns with its suburban character.
13. Little Texas / Pleasant Hill
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.37
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.52
- Hip & Trendy: 20.72
- Young Singles: 17.97
- Car Friendly: 90.86
- Walkability: 0.72
Little Texas/Pleasant Hill in Auburn has an overall vibrancy score of 1.37 despite being in a university town. The neighborhood shows excellent car friendliness (90.86) but extremely poor urban sophistication (1.52) and walkability (0.72). Hip & trendy elements (20.72) and young singles presence (17.97) are also limited. This suggests an area on the outskirts of Auburn with good road access but disconnected from the city’s cultural amenities. The median home price in this neighborhood reflects this peripheral location.
12. Sardis
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.32
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 4.92
- Hip & Trendy: 14.36
- Young Singles: 40.31
- Car Friendly: 94.68
- Walkability: 2.25
Sardis in Selma has an overall vibrancy score of 1.32. The neighborhood has excellent car friendliness (94.68) and a relatively good young singles presence (40.31), but very poor urban sophistication (4.92), limited hip & trendy elements (14.36), and extremely low walkability (2.25). This profile suggests a car-dependent area that attracts some younger residents despite limited cultural amenities. The median home price in Sardis aligns with these mixed characteristics.
11. Fackler
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.19
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 16.40
- Hip & Trendy: 22.13
- Young Singles: 17.71
- Car Friendly: 94.46
- Walkability: 12.45
Fackler in Stevenson has an overall vibrancy score of 1.19. The neighborhood excels in car friendliness (94.46) but shows limited urban sophistication (16.40), hip & trendy elements (22.13), and young singles presence (17.71). Walkability is poor (12.45), though slightly better than many others on this list. This suggests a car-dependent rural area with limited cultural offerings. The median home price in Fackler reflects its rural setting.
10. Adler / Augustin
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.93
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 17.69
- Hip & Trendy: 43.96
- Young Singles: 35.54
- Car Friendly: 84.94
- Walkability: 6.87
Adler/Augustin in Marion scores 0.93 for overall vibrancy. The neighborhood has good car friendliness (84.94) and a moderate hip & trendy score (43.96), but limited urban sophistication (17.69) and poor walkability (6.87). The young singles presence (35.54) is moderate for a rural area. This profile suggests a car-dependent neighborhood with some appeal to younger residents despite limited cultural amenities. The median home price in this area aligns with these characteristics.
9. Bolling / Brushy Creek
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.87
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 8.58
- Hip & Trendy: 28.30
- Young Singles: 26.13
- Car Friendly: 94.03
- Walkability: 9.18
Bolling/Brushy Creek in Georgiana has an overall vibrancy score of 0.87. The neighborhood excels in car friendliness (94.03) but struggles with urban sophistication (8.58) and walkability (9.18). It shows moderate scores for hip & trendy elements (28.30) and young singles presence (26.13), suggesting a rural area with limited cultural amenities but good road access. The median home price in this area reflects its rural character.
8. Ellards / Heiberger
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.76
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 27.53
- Hip & Trendy: 19.49
- Young Singles: 32.46
- Car Friendly: 98.95
- Walkability: 8.08
Ellards/Heiberger in Marion shows an overall vibrancy score of 0.76 despite excellent car friendliness (98.95). The area has moderate scores for urban sophistication (27.53) and young singles presence (32.46), but low scores for hip & trendy elements (19.49) and walkability (8.08). This suggests a car-dependent area with limited cultural offerings and pedestrian infrastructure. The median home price in this neighborhood aligns with its rural setting.
7. Whitehouse
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.66
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 4.32
- Hip & Trendy: 14.55
- Young Singles: 18.31
- Car Friendly: 79.67
- Walkability: 5.82
Whitehouse in Haleyville has an overall vibrancy score of 0.66. This neighborhood scores much lower on urban sophistication (4.32) and hip & trendy metrics (14.55). While it is car-friendly (79.67), it offers very limited walkability (5.82) and has a relatively low young singles presence (18.31). The median home price in Whitehouse reflects its rural character and limited amenities.
6. Franklin
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.66
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 64.24
- Hip & Trendy: 75.76
- Young Singles: 40.96
- Car Friendly: 72.61
- Walkability: 6.81
Franklin in Tuskegee ties with Whitehouse with an overall vibrancy score of just 0.66 despite relatively high scores in urban sophistication (64.24) and hip & trendy metrics (75.76). The area has a decent presence of young singles (40.96) and is fairly car-friendly (72.61), yet walkability remains poor (6.81). This unusual combination suggests a neighborhood with some cultural amenities but significant infrastructure or connectivity challenges. The median home price in Franklin reflects this mixed profile.
5. Adams Crossroads / Alexis
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.56
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.73
- Hip & Trendy: 24.97
- Young Singles: 22.86
- Car Friendly: 81.85
- Walkability: 6.34
Adams Crossroads/Alexis in Centre has an overall vibrancy score of just 0.56. While it performs relatively well on car friendliness (81.85), it struggles significantly with urban sophistication (1.73) and walkability (6.34). The neighborhood does show somewhat better scores for hip & trendy elements (24.97) and young singles presence (22.86) compared to others near the bottom of this list, though these numbers remain quite low overall. The median home price in this area reflects its rural setting.
4. Riverview
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.28
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.93
- Hip & Trendy: 7.71
- Young Singles: 14.79
- Car Friendly: 89.32
- Walkability: 0.61
Riverview in Brewton scores just 0.28 for overall vibrancy despite its relatively high car friendliness score (89.32). The neighborhood has extremely limited urban sophistication (0.93) and very low walkability (0.61). While it scores slightly better for young singles (14.79) and hip & trendy metrics (7.71) than some others at the bottom of this list, these scores remain quite low on the overall scale. The median home price in Riverview reflects its rural character and limited amenities.
3. Oxford West
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.18
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.36
- Hip & Trendy: 0.68
- Young Singles: N/A
- Car Friendly: 11.97
- Walkability: 0.35
Oxford West scores just 0.18 for overall vibrancy, placing it among Alabama’s least vibrant neighborhoods. The area struggles with extremely low urban sophistication (0.36) and hip & trendy metrics (0.68). The neighborhood is neither walkable (0.35) nor particularly car-friendly (11.97), creating significant mobility challenges for residents. The median home price in this area aligns with these livability limitations.
2. Morrisville / Peaceburg
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.17
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.34
- Hip & Trendy: 0.66
- Young Singles: N/A
- Car Friendly: 12.00
- Walkability: 0.31
The Morrisville/Peaceburg area of Anniston shows significant vibrancy challenges with an overall score of just 0.17. Cultural amenities are scarce (0.34), hip & trendy elements are minimal (0.66), and walkability is extremely limited (0.31). The area also scores poorly on car friendliness (12.00), indicating transportation difficulties regardless of mode. The median home price in this neighborhood reflects its limited amenities.
1. Bains Gap Rd
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.00
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.04
- Hip & Trendy: 0.37
- Young Singles: N/A
- Car Friendly: 12.94
- Walkability: N/A
Bains Gap Rd in Anniston scores at the absolute bottom for overall vibrancy with a 0.00 rating. The neighborhood shows extremely low scores across all measured categories, with virtually non-existent urban sophistication (0.04) and very low hip & trendy scores (0.37). Even car friendliness rates poorly at 12.94, suggesting infrastructure challenges. The median home price in this area reflects these livability challenges.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Vibrancy: A comprehensive metric that evaluates neighborhood vitality through multiple factors including community engagement, local business density, recreational opportunities, public spaces, cultural diversity, and resident satisfaction. This score provides the most holistic view of neighborhood livability.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Measures access to cultural institutions, restaurants, entertainment venues, and educational opportunities. This criterion is included because cultural amenities significantly contribute to quality of life and community engagement.
- Hip & Trendy: Evaluates a neighborhood’s contemporary appeal through factors like innovative businesses, creative scenes, and modern lifestyle offerings. This metric helps identify emerging areas with potential for growth and increasing appeal to younger demographics.
- Young Singles: Assesses the concentration of unmarried residents between 25-40, indicating demographic diversity and often correlating with areas experiencing urban renewal and cultural dynamism.
- Car Friendly: Measures the ease of automobile transportation including parking availability, road quality, and traffic conditions. This criterion is especially relevant in Alabama where many residents rely heavily on personal vehicles.
- Walkability: Evaluates pedestrian infrastructure, proximity of amenities, safety, and overall ease of navigating the neighborhood on foot. This metric is increasingly important as more residents seek neighborhoods where daily needs can be met without driving.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
