2017 Best Places to Raise a Family in AlabamaAbout this List

Madison

• Town in Alabama
• 126

Current Resident: This town is booming. It's growing so fast, we don't know what to do with it! Our community is much more diverse than most in Alabama because of a nearby army base and loads of engineering opportunities.
Read 126 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 45,590 Population

Mountain Brook

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• 11

Former Resident: Mountain Brook is a charming city comprised of three walkable villages. It is an underrated gem of the southern United States!
Read 11 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 20,518 Population

Vestavia Hills

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• 23

Current Resident: I have lived in Vestavia Hills since I was a kid, and I wouldn't have it any other way! Vestavia is a great city that is full of a large variety of shops and restaurants, and there is always something for the kids to do. Also, Vestavia police are extremely kind while still knowing how to enforce the rules, and the school systems couldn't be better!
Read 23 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 34,116 Population

Homewood

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• 36

Current Resident: It is an amazing place to live! I grew up here and have always loved homewood. It is very diverse and has a lot of stuff to do with friends, family, or any new person you meet.
Read 36 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 25,535 Population

Hoover

• Town in Alabama
• 126

Current Resident: Mid-sized city with small town feel. Lots of shopping, outdoor activities, and regular events available. People are friendly, energetic, and passionate about their home!
Read 126 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 83,547 Population

Meadowbrook

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• 7

Niche User: Crime is not a major concern in this area. There are police that live throughout the neighborhood, and they can be seen riding through the neighborhood during the day.
Read 7 Reviews

• A+

• A-

• A+

• 8,752 Population

Helena

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• 62

Niche User: The police are generally good here, though they are way behind the times in knowing how to deal with domestic/family disturbance calls. Generally approachable and reasonable, and they don't seem especially trigger happy.
Read 62 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A+

• 17,589 Population

Indian Springs Village

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• 5

Nearby Resident: There is not much nightlife but the cost of living, safety, public school, family friendliness, and diversity is all pretty good.
Read 5 Reviews

• A+

• A-

• A+

• 2,505 Population

Auburn

• Town in Alabama
• 139

Current Resident: I moved to Auburn about four years ago to attend Auburn University. At first, I was overwhelmed by the number of people that resided here, but the population has no affect on the friendliness of its people. Everyone smiles to each other as they walk past and the school spirit is high. The cost of living is reasonable, besides housing. There isn't enough housing as of now for everyone, but there is tons of it being built now! Auburn is growing more every day and offering better apartments, restaurants, and bars. The commute time is nice, but on game days it's pretty hectic wherever you go, so plan on searching for a parking spot for an hour and a half. If you can't find a job within the town, there is always a place in the University, which brings in a lot of international students and creates diversity. There is a great mix of just about everything and I would't change a thing if I could.
Read 139 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A

• 58,693 Population

Fairhope

• Town in Alabama
• 25

Current Resident: Fairhope is amazing! Everushing is gorgeous here! Even the grocery stores and dollar stores are nice... You're never far from the water. There are so many great local restaurants (we still haven't tried them all). There a ton of things to do for fun, with or without kids. And even though my son isn't quite old enough for school yet, I have heard nothing but amazing things about their school system.
Read 25 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 17,309 Population

Alabaster

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• 65

Current Resident: I have lived in Alabaster for basically all of my life. I was in the school system from K-12. I am glad to see that we have our own school system and are building a much bigger high school. I am not sure that will help alleviate morning and afternoon traffic problems because the schools are already pretty close to each other on or near Thompson Road and the new high school is on Thompson Road too. But I do see that they have adjusted the lanes near the traffic lights and added more officers to direct traffic so it is a work in progress. I did not do many things in Alabaster, I worked and dined out mostly in Pelham and shopped in Hoover and went to church in Bessemer. However, last summer I had a seasonal job in Alabaster at the Y and that was very nice. I'm excited to see how Alabaster expands in the next decade so I can compare to now and track our growth!
Read 65 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 31,905 Population

Pelham

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• 37

Current Resident: Pelham has been home to me since I was eight years old, and although I may be a little bit biased, I love the place. The people show a genuine love for the community and all come together to help make the city a better place, and that's what I love. The schools are great and have dedicated teachers and the local businesses flourish. Although, I do wish that there would be more attractions that would bring in revenue in the city. It's hard when the city is locked between two others that both have movie theaters and major shopping areas. If more businesses would take a chance at Pelham, it would really help spruce the place up and fill up those unsightly empty strip malls we seem to have an abundance of.
Read 37 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 22,346 Population

Chelsea

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• 25

Current Resident: Chelsea is a quiet, safe area to live. I enjoy living there because my neighbors are friendly and I feel safe getting out and walking my neighborhood
Read 25 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 11,386 Population

Calera

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• 20

Current Resident: I love that this town is small and friendly. The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is a ton of fun for the holidays. The town has remarkable history! I love this it is safe for myself and my family!
Read 20 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 12,593 Population

Trussville

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• 48

Niche User: Area has all conveniences very close. Good schools, shopping and low crime. Has easy access to all local interstates
Read 48 Reviews

• A-

• A-

• A

• 20,351 Population

Muscle Shoals

• Town in Alabama
• 31

Niche User: Muscle Shoals is a great and quiet place to live with a relatively low crime rate. I feel safe here and also comfortable with local schools being a good choice for my children. The area is growing and there is many more businesses choosing this area. Muscle Shoals is a great tourist spot for lovers of music history. It is also a great place to travel for what is offered, such as hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, and many other activities. I would recommend visiting Muscle Shoals, AL to all who haven't!
Read 31 Reviews

• A-

• A

• A

• 13,492 Population

Hartselle

• Town in Alabama
• 19

Nearby Resident: Welcome to the city Hartselle! Hartselle, Alabama is great! It has so many great quality's. Like sweet hospitality everywhere you go. They have many different schooling options such as, public an or private schools. You will always fill safe here! There is no hard crime, you just better not speed! There is nightlife, just teenagers running the roads to friends houses that's about it. It's not a really tourist stop so therefore, Hartselle really doesn't have a nightlife. We apply good healthy living and many jobs opportunities for just about anyone. Hartselle is a great southern place to visit. So, come and enjoy a laid back simple life.
Read 19 Reviews

• A-

• A

• A

• 14,455 Population

Huntsville

• City in Alabama
• 471

Current Resident: Huntsville is a wonderful city- with NASA's Space and Rocket Center and Redstone Arsenal the city has become a melting pot of different people. The city is booming and has grown tremendously in recent years. There are great shopping areas- such as the beautiful Bridge Street- which offers an amazing movie theater with an upstairs bar! There is a wonderful art and music culture centered around the Lowe Mill- A place filled with true artisans! One of the most unique art galleries you will ever step foot into. Your greeted at the front entrance by taking an old school freight elevator! there are vintage shops, record shops, tea shops, and almost always a musical or theatrical performance going on! And how could we forget the beautiful mountains surrounding the city- a great place for hikes.
Read 471 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 185,594 Population

Enterprise

• Town in Alabama
• 85

Current Resident: Welcome to Enterprise! Better known as "The City of Progress". Enterprise is a thriving, southern community with a strong history of growth and progress. Enterprise is currently ranked in the Best Top 3 Alabama Towns by Niche!
Read 85 Reviews

• A

• A

• A

• 27,785 Population

Oxford

• Town in Alabama
• 49

Current Resident: It is an amazing place to live! The churches, people, and businesses are amazing! The city is kept clean, I never see any trash on the sides of the roads. The people are very friendly, and there are many family owned business.
Read 49 Reviews

• A-

• A

• A

• 21,243 Population

Florence

• Town in Alabama
• 81

Current Resident: From the historical scenery to the people that live there, this place is worth the visit. Florence has a reputation of why it is one of the best places to live in; whether you like to be outdoors or just like to sit down and eat, it has some of the best. It also is home to one of the best educational systems in Alabama in both private and public school systems. With great educational opportunities as well as a somewhat established "nightlife" its worth a spot on your places to visit!
Read 81 Reviews

• A

• A

• A-

• 39,855 Population

Brook Highland

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• 6

• A

• A-

• A-

• 7,032 Population

Athens

• Town in Alabama
• 62

Current Resident: Athens is a great town for those who wish to live financially comfortable while commuting to Decatur, Madison, and Huntsville for work. Athens has a great high school that offers courses that prepare its students for college and jobs after graduation. This town has a nice sports recreation facility and beautiful sports fields that many children and adults utilize year round. The historic downtown area has sites to see and enjoy, like Founder's Hall at Athens State University and the Houston Library.

Athens is a hotspot for travelers driving up and down I-65. It offers several fast-food and dine-in restaurants, as well as, diverse choices in hotels and gas stations.

Athens is also a
Read 62 Reviews

• A-

• A

• A-

• 23,938 Population

New Market

• Town in Alabama
• 1

Current Resident: I love my little town of New Market, Alabama. It is a very small and quiet little city. It is very small and very country. I wouldn't change anything about it. It has a lot of history and lots of caring people. I was born and raised in New Market, Alabama and wouldn't change it. When I was younger I thought it would be cool to live anywhere but new market. but now since ive grown up and had kids of my own I want to raise them in new market as well. It is a very kid friendly place and hardly any trouble in the streets. The schools are awesome and blue ribbon schools. But like I said even though it is a small little country city I would recommend it to anybody to live here!!
Read 1 Reviews

• B+

• A-

• A-

• 1,410 Population

Killen

• Town in Alabama
• 7

Current Resident: I have lived in Killen my entire life. Although small, it has its charm and enjoyment. It is centrally located to be anywhere in a short amount of time for fun activities with anyone you wish.
Read 7 Reviews

• B+

• B+

• A-

• 1,177 Population