Understanding a town’s livability involves examining multiple factors that contribute to residents’ quality of life. Our comprehensive analysis evaluates six key criteria: Overall Walkability, Retirement Score, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, Cycling-Friendly, and Transit-Friendly. The Overall Walkability Score encompasses numerous factors including pedestrian infrastructure, proximity to amenities, street connectivity, population density, and safety metrics to provide a holistic view of how pedestrian-friendly a municipality is.
All scores presented in this analysis are derived from real-world data and resident surveys, ensuring an accurate representation of each town’s characteristics. None of these metrics are manufactured or artificially generated. Instead, they reflect the actual lived experiences of residents and visitors, combined with objective measurements of infrastructure and amenities. Here’s the list.
25. Hayneville
- Overall Walkability: 3.25
- Retirement Score: 66.24
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.27
- Vibrant Score: 7.4
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Hayneville ranks as the 25th worst town for walkability in Alabama with a score of just 3.25 out of 100. While it performs relatively well on the Retirement Score (66.24), it falls short in Urban Sophistication (9.27) and Vibrancy (7.4). The town lacks cycling and public transit infrastructure entirely. The median home price in Hayneville is approximately $85,000, making it one of the more affordable communities on this list despite its walkability challenges.
24. Dauphin Island
- Overall Walkability: 3.22
- Retirement Score: 64.98
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 46.27
- Vibrant Score: 30.43
- Cycling-Friendly: 24.69
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Dauphin Island scores only 3.22 for walkability, but shows relatively stronger performance in Urban Sophistication (46.27) and Vibrancy (30.43) compared to other towns on this list. It’s also the only town among the 25 with any measurable cycling infrastructure, scoring 24.69. The median home price on Dauphin Island is approximately $345,000, reflecting its status as a coastal community despite its poor walkability.
23. Lowndesboro
- Overall Walkability: 3.18
- Retirement Score: 89.69
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 8.66
- Vibrant Score: 2.69
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
With a walkability score of 3.18, Lowndesboro ranks 23rd on our list. Despite its poor walkability, the town boasts an impressive Retirement Score of 89.69, suggesting it may be appealing to retirees for reasons other than pedestrian access. Urban Sophistication (8.66) and Vibrancy (2.69) scores are quite low. The median home price in Lowndesboro is approximately $127,000.
22. Hillsboro
- Overall Walkability: 3.10
- Retirement Score: 78.97
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 14.55
- Vibrant Score: 8.53
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Hillsboro scores just 3.10 for walkability, placing it 22nd on our list. Like many towns with poor walkability, it performs much better as a retirement destination with a score of 78.97. The town has limited cultural amenities (14.55) and vibrancy (8.53). The median home price in Hillsboro is approximately $98,000.
21. Moundville
- Overall Walkability: 3.10
- Retirement Score: 47.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.62
- Vibrant Score: 21.80
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Moundville shares the same walkability score as Hillsboro at 3.10, but has notably higher scores for Urban Sophistication (41.62) and Vibrancy (21.80), likely due to its archaeological park and museum. Its Retirement Score is lower at 47.78. The median home price in Moundville is approximately $145,000.
20. Salem
- Overall Walkability: 3.08
- Retirement Score: 72.58
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 19.30
- Vibrant Score: 5.61
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Salem scores 3.08 for walkability, earning it the 20th position on our list. With a Retirement Score of 72.58, it appears to be more suitable for retirees despite limited cultural offerings (19.30) and minimal vibrancy (5.61). The median home price in Salem is approximately $135,000.
19. Margaret
- Overall Walkability: 3.05
- Retirement Score: 59.22
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 44.47
- Vibrant Score: 20.41
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Margaret ranks 19th with a walkability score of 3.05. It performs moderately well in Urban Sophistication (44.47) compared to other towns on this list, with a respectable Vibrancy score of 20.41. Its Retirement Score is average at 59.22. The median home price in Margaret is approximately $165,000.
18. Fulton
- Overall Walkability: 2.91
- Retirement Score: 62.91
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 15.52
- Vibrant Score: 5.04
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fulton scores only 2.91 for walkability, placing it 18th on our list. With a Retirement Score of 62.91, it’s moderately appealing to retirees. The town has limited cultural amenities (15.52) and very low vibrancy (5.04). The median home price in Fulton is approximately $89,000, making it one of the more affordable options in Alabama.
17. Vredenburgh
- Overall Walkability: 2.83
- Retirement Score: 80.69
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 13.11
- Vibrant Score: 0.88
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 12.88
With a walkability score of 2.83, Vredenburgh ranks 17th on our list. Despite poor walkability, it has a strong Retirement Score of 80.69. The town has one of the lowest Vibrancy scores (0.88) but is one of the few towns on this list with any Transit-Friendly score (12.88). The median home price in Vredenburgh is approximately $67,000.
16. York – Bellamy
- Overall Walkability: 2.82
- Retirement Score: 94.81
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.42
- Vibrant Score: 4.38
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 0.16
York – Bellamy ranks 16th with a walkability score of 2.82. Despite being among the worst for walkability, it has the highest Retirement Score (94.81) of any town on this list, suggesting strong appeal to retirees for reasons other than pedestrian accessibility. Cultural amenities are extremely limited (2.42) and vibrancy is low (4.38). The median home price in the York – Bellamy area is approximately $78,000.
15. Daviston
- Overall Walkability: 2.64
- Retirement Score: 66.05
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.63
- Vibrant Score: 6.58
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Daviston scores only 2.64 for walkability, placing it 15th on our list. With a Retirement Score of 66.05, it’s moderately appealing to retirees despite having limited cultural amenities (9.63) and low vibrancy (6.58). The median home price in Daviston is approximately $93,000.
14. Brookwood
- Overall Walkability: 2.61
- Retirement Score: 42.79
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 18.09
- Vibrant Score: 23.15
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
With a walkability score of 2.61, Brookwood ranks 14th on our list. It has a relatively low Retirement Score (42.79) compared to other towns on this list but performs slightly better in Vibrancy (23.15). Urban Sophistication is limited at 18.09. The median home price in Brookwood is approximately $157,000.
13. Ethelsville
- Overall Walkability: 2.60
- Retirement Score: 86.50
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.70
- Vibrant Score: 4.91
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 3.44
Ethelsville ranks 13th with a walkability score of 2.60. It has a high Retirement Score of 86.50, suggesting strong appeal to retirees despite walkability challenges. Urban Sophistication (25.70) is moderate, but vibrancy is quite low (4.91). It’s one of the few towns on this list with even minimal transit options (3.44). The median home price in Ethelsville is approximately $78,000.
12. Allgood
- Overall Walkability: 2.60
- Retirement Score: 25.95
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.06
- Vibrant Score: 3.58
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Allgood ties with Ethelsville with a walkability score of 2.60, placing it 12th on our list. Unlike many towns with poor walkability, it has a low Retirement Score (25.95), suggesting limited appeal across multiple metrics. Urban Sophistication (5.06) and Vibrancy (3.58) scores are both very low. The median home price in Allgood is approximately $116,000.
11. Chatom
- Overall Walkability: 2.57
- Retirement Score: 73.68
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 23.76
- Vibrant Score: 11.02
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
With a walkability score of 2.57, Chatom ranks 11th on our list. It has a solid Retirement Score of 73.68 and moderate Urban Sophistication (23.76) compared to other towns with similar walkability scores. Vibrancy is limited at 11.02. The median home price in Chatom is approximately $104,000.
10. Epes
- Overall Walkability: 2.46
- Retirement Score: 94.09
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 8.03
- Vibrant Score: 13.91
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Epes scores only 2.46 for walkability, placing it 10th on our list. Despite poor walkability, it has one of the highest Retirement Scores (94.09) among all towns analyzed. Urban Sophistication is very limited (8.03) and vibrancy is low (13.91). The median home price in Epes is approximately $71,000.
9. Vinegar Bend
- Overall Walkability: 2.40
- Retirement Score: 69.99
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.74
- Vibrant Score: 4.90
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
With a walkability score of 2.40, Vinegar Bend ranks 9th on our list of towns with poor walkability. It has a moderate Retirement Score (69.99) but very low Urban Sophistication (10.74) and Vibrancy (4.90) scores. The median home price in Vinegar Bend is approximately $83,000.
8. Cropwell
- Overall Walkability: 2.32
- Retirement Score: 77.16
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 50.24
- Vibrant Score: 17.07
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Cropwell ranks 8th with a walkability score of just 2.32. Despite poor walkability, it has the highest Urban Sophistication score (50.24) among all towns on this list, suggesting access to cultural amenities despite pedestrian challenges. It also has a strong Retirement Score (77.16). The median home price in Cropwell is approximately $185,000.
7. Lisman – Pennington
- Overall Walkability: 2.27
- Retirement Score: 51.22
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 8.24
- Vibrant Score: 1.70
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
With a walkability score of 2.27, Lisman – Pennington ranks 7th on our list. It has an average Retirement Score (51.22) but very low Urban Sophistication (8.24) and one of the lowest Vibrancy scores (1.70) among all towns analyzed. The median home price in the Lisman – Pennington area is approximately $68,000.
6. Vandiver – Sterrett
- Overall Walkability: 2.19
- Retirement Score: 93.89
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 14.80
- Vibrant Score: 7.03
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Vandiver – Sterrett scores only 2.19 for walkability, placing it 6th from the bottom. Despite poor walkability, it has one of the highest Retirement Scores (93.89) of any town on this list. Urban Sophistication (14.80) and Vibrancy (7.03) remain quite low. The median home price in the Vandiver – Sterrett area is approximately $212,000, reflecting its appeal to retirees despite walkability challenges.
5. Leroy
- Overall Walkability: 2.08
- Retirement Score: 66.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 12.93
- Vibrant Score: 1.08
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Leroy scores only 2.08 for walkability, placing it 5th from the bottom. It has a moderate Retirement Score (66.88) but very limited Urban Sophistication (12.93) and among the lowest Vibrancy scores (1.08) of all towns analyzed. The median home price in Leroy is approximately $86,000.
4. Hamilton
- Overall Walkability: 2.04
- Retirement Score: 79.56
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 18.85
- Vibrant Score: 10.61
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
With a walkability score of just 2.04, Hamilton ranks 4th from the bottom on our list. Despite poor walkability, it has a strong Retirement Score (79.56). Urban Sophistication (18.85) and Vibrancy (10.61) are both quite low. The median home price in Hamilton is approximately $125,000.
3. Spruce Pine
- Overall Walkability: 1.10
- Retirement Score: 77.66
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.32
- Vibrant Score: 9.78
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Spruce Pine has a walkability score of just 1.10, making it the third worst town for walkability in Alabama. The score represents a significant drop from the previous entries. Despite extremely poor walkability, it maintains a strong Retirement Score (77.66). Urban Sophistication is nearly non-existent (1.32) and Vibrancy is very low (9.78). The median home price in Spruce Pine is approximately $92,000.
2. McIntosh
- Overall Walkability: 0.84
- Retirement Score: 9.44
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.05
- Vibrant Score: 11.97
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
McIntosh scores a mere 0.84 for walkability, placing it as the second worst town in Alabama for pedestrians. Unlike many towns with poor walkability, it also has a very low Retirement Score (9.44), suggesting limited appeal across multiple metrics. Urban Sophistication (5.05) and Vibrancy (11.97) scores are also very low. The median home price in McIntosh is approximately $67,000.
1. Addison
- Overall Walkability: 0.78
- Retirement Score: 25.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 4.23
- Vibrant Score: 3.57
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Addison earns the dubious distinction of having the worst walkability score in Alabama at just 0.78 out of 100. The town also scores poorly across other metrics, with a low Retirement Score (25.31), minimal Urban Sophistication (4.23), and extremely limited Vibrancy (3.57). The median home price in Addison is approximately $95,000.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Walkability: A comprehensive measurement of how accessible and conducive an area is to walking as a primary mode of transportation, considering factors such as sidewalk availability, street connectivity, pedestrian safety, proximity to amenities, and density.
- Retirement Score: A metric evaluating how suitable an area is for retirees, considering factors such as healthcare access, community services for seniors, climate, cost of living, and recreational opportunities.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): A measure of an area’s cultural offerings, including access to museums, theaters, galleries, fine dining, educational institutions, and other indicators of cosmopolitan living.
- Vibrant Score: An assessment of the energy and liveliness of an area, including factors such as nightlife, events, commercial activity, population density, and general bustle of daily life.
- Cycling-Friendly: A rating of how conducive an area is to bicycle travel, considering bike lanes, trails, road conditions, driver awareness, and overall cycling infrastructure. This metric is included because cycling offers an alternative mobility option that complements walkability and contributes to a community’s overall accessibility without automobile dependence.
- Transit-Friendly: A measure of public transportation quality and availability, including bus routes, frequency of service, reliability, and coverage area. This metric is included because robust public transit systems enhance overall mobility options and can significantly improve quality of life for residents who don’t drive, connecting walkable neighborhoods and extending the practical range of car-free living.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
Zillow Research Data
Realtor.com Research
U.S. Census Bureau Housing Vacancy Survey
Alabama Association of Realtors Market Statistics
HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy Data
