10 Best Places To Retire In Alabama
You would be surprised how quickly retirement comes. One day, you are in your 20s planning your best outfit for that yearly outdoor festival, and the next, you are planning your retirement in the blink of an eye. And with planning comes research that aligns with your lifestyle, including lower housing prices, suitable senior activities, a slower pace of life, and perhaps even nearby medical facilities. In the spirit of research, here are the 10 best places to retire in Alabama for your consideration.
Florence
The state of Alabama has a median home price of around $220,000. However, the median home price in Florence is $174,000, making it an affordable place to retire. With a population of 41,000, Florence offers a small-town vibe with the resources and activities you crave.
If you're looking for activities, the area around Florence offers numerous museums to spend the day exploring and pondering the artwork on display. You could visit the Florence Indian Mound and Museum and enjoy the day at your own pace. If you're an architecture lover, take a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House and view the unique designs he's created. If you're concerned about senior facilities and services, the city of Florence offers a searchable directory that lists names, numbers, and addresses to meet your everyday needs. It provides information on senior living, hospitals, vision care, and many other medical facilities. It is called the Senior Directory, and it is a valuable resource for anyone retiring in Florence.
Gadsden
If affordability is at the top of your list, Gadsden, Alabama, is a stellar option. The median home price in Gadsden is approximately $110,000, making it one of the most affordable places to retire in the state of Alabama. With a population of just above 33,000, this town can feel cozy at that slower pace you might be looking for.
Activities in Gadsden range from Christian groups that meet at Bellevue Baptist Church, which hosts events like the Covered Dish and Game Night, to day trips around town. If that's not your thing and you prefer outdoor fun, Noccalula Falls is a great place to hike, mountain bike, or explore the beauty at your leisure.
Selma
According to Clever real estate listings, Selma's median house value is $84,687, which is a notable figure if you're looking for good and inexpensive options in Alabama, and the population is relatively small (around 16,000).
Selma, Alabama, has a lot of history. If that's something you're into, the sites correspond to this educational chapter. For instance, you can visit the oldest ghost town called Old Cahawba. This cute town was carved out of the wilderness and became Alabama's capital. Even after the state changed its capital in 1826, Cahawba continued to grow and thrive. However, by 1870, the population had dropped to 300, and by the 1900s, the town's residents had entirely disappeared. You can learn why and how in this museum. The Old Town Historic District is also a local favorite. It provides all the essentials a big town has, like restaurants, galleries, and more. If you are looking for more senior-related activities, AARP Local has online classes you can take from the comfort of your own home. They offer mediation, line dance classes, and more.
Anniston
Another low-cost-of-living area in Alabama is Anniston. Their median housing prices are approximately 20% lower than the state's, and the area has a small-town vibe with a population of around 20,000. With that said, there are plenty of things to do in Anniston if you're planning on moving here.
The Anniston Museums and Gardens has a spectacular historical museum that's great for people of all ages. The sarcophagi and the fossils are enough to get anyone excited about their visit; Anniston butts up against Oxford (which is the next town over). Oxford has a large park for all sports lovers who want to run, walk, play baseball and soccer, or stay active daily. It's called Choccolocco Park. Although it's technically not in Anniston, it's a valuable resource to be aware of. Now, if you'd rather stay within the confines of Annison, you can go hiking on the Chief Ladiga Trail. It's a 40-mile trail that goes all the way to the Georgia border.
Talladega
Talladega is one of the most famous towns in Alabama, thanks in part to Hollywood movies like Talladega Nights, starring Will Ferrell. The film, set in Alabama, primarily focuses on car racing. And just like the movie Talladega Nights, it has a Talladega Superspeedway NASCAR track that is well known. However, Talladega is more than just a racecar town. With a population of around 14,000 and a median housing price of $149,000, this town is a perfect retirement opportunity.
If you're looking for something other than a race car event, you can check out the Ritz Theater, which hosts many musical events and summer parties for all ages 21 and over. While you are here, remember to visit the Majestic Cavers, about a 20-minute drive away. It's an outdoor experience with safety in mind for people of all ages.
Cullman
The city of Cullman's housing prices fluctuate year to year, and sometimes exceed the state's median. However, it hovers around it. Since 2020, the population has risen to around 20,000, indicating its growth. So you should consider this area before this trend continues. Despite these statistics, Cullman has a small-town, relaxed vibe with plenty to do.
While you're touring your next potential hometown, visit the Historic Clarkson Covered Bridge. Built in 1904, it is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many people also flock to the Ave Maria Grotto. Located at St. Bernard Abbey, the Ave Maria Grotto is Alabama's sole Benedictine monastery for men. Visitors love this unique site, which showcases a picturesque hillside adorned with 125 small stone-and-cement structures. These artistic creations are the work of Brother Joseph Zoetl, O.S.B., who dedicated almost 70 years of his life to the Abbey. If you enjoy the outdoors, fishing at Lewis Smith Lake is a local favorite, boasting around 500 miles of shoreline.
Scottsboro
If you love the outdoors and have always wanted to retire in a nature-filled environment, why not Scottsboro, Alabama? Now, Scottsboro is a town of approximately 15,000, with a median household value of a spectacular $175,000. It makes for a highly affordable retirement plan that offers peace, quiet, and more money in your pocket.
The town of Scottsboro is situated on Lake Guntersville, offering a wealth of water recreation, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. Lake Guntersville is huge. It spans miles and touches various nearby communities and towns. It contains 6,000 acres of natural woodlands. In other words, you can hike, bike, fish, boat, and explore this area every day and never run out of things to do. If you are looking for something less intense, try Carver Park. They also have hiking trails in a wooded area, as well as a pavilion with tables and a fireplace for those days you just want to sit by the fire with your plus one. A 15-minute drive from Scottsboro, you'll find Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve, a beautiful area with gigantic caves you can explore. Scottsboro really is a town for nature lovers.
Eufaula
Eufaula, Alabama (not to be confused with Eufaula, Oklahoma), is another charming town in Alabama with a median home price significantly below the state's national average (around $157,000) and a population of approximately 12,000. So, if you're looking for that quaint small town vibe, check out what Eufaula has to offer.
What are the things to do in Eufaula? Here are a few options for you. Explore Shorter Mansion, a very popular 9,000-square-foot home. So popular that locals use it for many events, including weddings. Like Shorter Manion, Fender Hall is also a historic home that showcases the architectural beauty of this era. If you would rather spend your days on the water, check out Lakepoint State Park, where you have many options to choose from. Here you can go hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating, not to mention plenty of wildlife and bird-watching to keep you busy.
Greenville
Greenville, Alabama, feels and looks quaint. With a population of around 7,000, you will have plenty of space to stretch out during your retirement. A house goes for around $116,000 according to Zillow.
Greenville offers a wide range of activities for its residents. If you love to golf, check out the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Cambian Ridge). Perhaps you prefer camping, fishing, or boating? Sherling Lake Park is the place you'll want to discover. If nature is not your thing, take a walk through their historic downtown. Don't forget to visit Court Square Cafe for delicious home cooking and a generous selection of coffee. Court Square Cafe is a breakfast and lunch spot that will make you feel at home.
Prattville
With a population of around 40,000, Prattville feels like a small town with a touch of bigger city vibes. While the median home price hovers above the state's median by a bit, it might be worth it if you need to compromise less on things you require for retirement.
Prattville is also very close to a bigger city like Montgomery, so anything you might miss from your days of living in the city, you'll get right around the corner in Montgomery. So, while Prattville is smaller, you can still dine and wine at places like The Oak Tavern, located inside a Marriott hotel. Downtown is charming and walkable. Don't forget to grab a coffee at West Main Coffeehouse and Creamery. There's nothing quite like artisan coffee houses. They're all so unique! Your support makes a significant difference in helping them thrive. And if you're looking for wellness classes, consider checking out your local YMCA for activities such as diabetes prevention, fitness challenges, and more.
Whatever your plan is, these 10 places to retire to in Alabama will meet your criteria. Whether you are looking for a quiet small town, something more vibrant with lots of culture, or perhaps a town that's adjacent to a big city, Alabama has it all.
So, what type of retirement are you looking for? A place to relax while taking dance classes at night? Perhaps quiet evenings, but painting during the day? Or maybe you want some serenity. Regardless of your goals, there's a city in Alabama that's right for you, and these 10 small towns are definitely worth looking into.
