8 Wallet-Friendly Small Towns To Retire In Alabama

Many expect Alabama's warmth, music, and food to come at a high price, but the state remains surprisingly affordable for retirees. With the state median list price at $315,833, and the median sale price at $258,000, your future home is already available at a price below the national medians. Additionally, Alabama does not tax Social Security or most pension benefits. You can rest assured, then, that you have chosen right to spend your twilight years in the Heart of Dixie.

Eufaula

Signs, memorabilia, and statues throughout town celebrate Eufaula as the Big Bass Capital of the World.. It attracts anglers from far and wide. Many bait shops are located near Lake Eufaula, a popular location for bass tournaments. One such shop is the innovative Strikezone Lures, their latest creation being the “Ledgebuster,” a spinnerbait for deep water fishing. At Lakepoint State Park, visitors can fish, dine, and relax at the marina or swimming complex. The best part of occupying yourself with fishing is that even if you do not catch anything, you are still immersed in nature.

Regarding house prices, the median list price is $254,350. If you would like to learn more about the opulent antebellum homes found throughout town, contact Eufaula Historic Tours. They will take you through historic neighborhoods, downtown, and along the river bluff, entertaining and educating you along the way. For healthcare, there is the Medical Center Barbour. Their emergency room is open 24/7, they have inpatient services, and they are a hub for clinics to help with any medical issues you might have.

Fort Payne

Situated in Wills Valley by Lookout Mountain, Fort Payne prides itself on being a town with natural beauty, excellent transportation, and a caring community. They are fortunate to have the Wills Valley Recreation Center, one of Alabama’s finest indoor facilities. The center includes a walking track, steam room, and sauna, with senior discounts available.. DeKalb County Council on Aging & Rural Public Transportation hosts bridge club, ballroom dancing, and Tai Chi, along with offering free rides within the county, so long as you call ahead.

As far as housing is concerned, the median list price is $287,600. The Fort Payne Housing Authority provides safe, inclusive housing to promote self-sufficiency while also building up neighborhoods and communities. To enjoy some of that natural beauty Fort Payne is known for, DeSoto State Park is only eight miles away, nestled atop Lookout Mountain, accented by rushing waterfalls, fragranced by wildflowers. Stop at the Mountain Inn Restaurant for a breakfast buffet on weekends, with biscuits and gravy, French toast sticks, grits, and hashbrowns, while overlooking the West Fork of Little River from the canyon’s edge.

Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals is on the banks of the Tennessee River. There are several theories about how it claimed such a name: it could have been from mussel shell piles along the shoals, perhaps the shape of the river resembled a formidable arm, or maybe the strength of the rapids. On the topic of currents, Muscle Shoals is one of the fastest-growing towns in the region. The median list price is $295,800. Several living facilities are also available, such as Brentwood Retirement Community. They provide therapeutic programs, personal assistance, and security to those with significant cognitive impairment.

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is a legendary recording venue in “The Hit Recording Capital of the World.” Since recording Cher’s debut, the studio has hosted legends from Aretha Franklin to The Rolling Stones.. They give numerous tours daily from Tuesday to Saturday. There is also the Alabama Music Hall of Fame nearby, honoring the state’s rich musical heritage. Admission for seniors is only $12, and they even have a recording studio so you can record your dream tune, whether it be country, gospel, or rhythm and blues.

Bessemer

With houses at a median list price of $185,617, living in Bessemer is a bargain, and there is no better time than now to capitalize. Their “Gameplan for Growth” aims to improve infrastructure, public services, and transportation while preserving historic neighborhoods and downtown with contributions from residents. Economic growth and development are what this town is known for, with facilities from Amazon and Dollar General calling it home. There is also the UAB Medical West, offering diagnostic, surgical, and emergency services with 310 beds.

Birmingham is close, with its big-city fun, which is where the family tradition of Bob Sykes BBQ started. Every day at 3 a.m., they have been smoking pork shoulders over hickory coals. The classic spread includes smoked pork, fried okra, baked beans, coleslaw, and pecan pie; a long-standing local favorite.. After that, walk it off at Debardeleben Park, an “oasis” in downtown’s heart named after the city’s founder, Henry Debardeleben. There you will find the Doughboy statue inscribed with the names of Bessemer natives who served during World War I. The park also hosts the annual Bob Sykes Blues and BBQ festival, summer concerts, and various community gatherings.

Cullman

Cullman, the “City of Festivals,” hosts events dedicated to everything from strawberries to arts and crafts to bluegrass. It also boasts its German heritage proudly. The Cullman Christkindlmarkt runs from Nov. 20 to Dec. 23 with free admission and parking. They have a Ferris wheel, artisan workshops, and authentic food and beverages like schnitzel, raclette, brats, Liège waffles, and hot apple cider. The market is a festive stop for seasonal gifts and regional food.. The equally numinous Ave Maria Grotto is a hillside of 125 small stone and cement structures, a must-see.

The median sale price is $247,667. The Cullman Housing Authority does have Section 8 housing assistance for those 62 or older, people with disabilities, and very low-income households. It is a “finder’s keepers” program, meaning it is up to you to find an appropriate unit, and then the authority will pay the majority of the rent. There is also the Cullman Senior Center for arts, crafts, meals, music, and much more. They are run with aid from the Cullman County Commission on Aging, who assist with Medicare, paperwork, and Social Security.

Enterprise

Founded by an entrepreneur, Enterprise is a fitting name for this Wiregrass town. Cotton production was heavy in the region until the boll weevil, a beetle and cotton pest, ran amok in 1919. Farmers had no choice but to diversify crops. Peanuts then took off and have been a mainstay in the economy ever since. Now, there is the Boll Weevil Monument to honor the lesson ultimately garnered from this antagonistic insect. Visit the Enterprise Farmers Market for your fix of boiled peanuts. Buying local produce ensures it is at its peak, and it is often more affordable and flavorful.

Enterprise’s median sale price is currently $250,417. Medical Center Enterprise specializes in dealing with strokes, joints, sleep, as well as knee and hip replacements. They also provide geriatric care, including preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services, to ensure seniors stay healthy and happy. The park’s open trails and fresh air offer a refreshing way to stay active.. Visit the Enterprise Recreational Complex, also known as Johnny Henderson Park. It has been awarded national and state-level awards and features walking trails. Some have even spotted mockingbirds, wrens, doves, and starlings.

Florence

Florence is part of the “Shoals” area, so it benefits from being in close proximity to all the attractions the adjacent towns have to offer. The median sale price is $194,167, a steal. Join “The Club,” Florence Senior Center. They empower older adults through mental, physical, and social activities like mobility classes, bingo, square dances, motor coach tours, international trips, and even offer meals and vouchers for the local farmers’ market.

For all your clothing and accessory needs, Ye Ole General Store in historic Downtown Florence carries a curated range of American-made goods alongside nearby antique shops and cafés.. If art piques your interest, the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts is housed in two homes on the National Register of Historic Places. They hold year-round workshops and feature themed exhibits. Lastly, for the music lovers, there’s the W.C. Handy Museum, dedicated to Florence’s own “Father of the Blues.” The original log cabin of his birth has been preserved and is available for viewing.

Jasper

Upon entering Downtown Jasper, one is greeted with the sign reading “flourish with us,” a reminder that this town champions its public art. You can find murals of Revolutionary War heroes as well as an outdoor gallery, but without a doubt, the most unique are the hand-painted mule statues found throughout Walker County. There are over 70 to spot. For a delightful culinary experience, Tallulah Kitchen and Brewery serves inventive food and house-brewed beer. Appetizers are half-price on Wednesdays, and Thursday is trivia night. New beers are always released on Fridays.

Jasper’s median sale price is $244,667. Memorial Park is this town’s oldest and largest park. It was named in honor of armed forces service members from Jasper who lost their lives in service. There you will find a mile-long outdoor walking track, natatorium, pond, and the Jasper Senior Activity Center (JSAC). JSAC runs educational programs and classes for art, ceramics, computing, cooking, dance, and “seniorcize.” Other activities include arts and crafts, board games, movies, day trips, and monthly dances.

Alabama Retirement Towns Easy on the Wallet

Alabama combines affordability with soul, tradition, and hospitality. Summers are hot, winters are mild, and life moves at a comfortable pace. All these towns have houses available below state medians, along with tax-friendly policies. There are numerous incentives to help elders. Alabama is not simply a place to live, but a place to belong. The food is phenomenal; the culture is rich and diverse. Your wallet will stay full and your mind at ease knowing you made the right decision.