2022 Best Places to Live in Alabama

Homewood

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  64 reviews

Former Resident: My experience at Homewood has been nothing but the best! I was raised in Homewood and went to Homewood City Schools for the majority of my life. The teachers at Homewood want nothing but the best for their students. They go the long mile to provide an environment of learning that enables students to be individuals of their own. Homewood is a family oriented community. They strive to do their best to keep the community going. The community has fundraisers, events, and foundations to give back to the city. As a senior in college finishing up my last semester, I appreciate the people who have raised and helped me achieve my overall success!...Read 64 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 25,534 Population

Madison

• Suburb of Huntsville, AL
• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  220 reviews

Current Resident: Madison is a jewel in North Alabama! Small town feel with lots of small independently owned restaurants , yet many chain restaurants and more coming in regularly. Small business owners compete well with big box stores here. Great place for raising a family or independent living. Plenty of very nice apartment complexes as well as new homes being built all aroundMadison. You can own acres or just take care of a small plot of land. Choices are many! Food is great and breweries are just as unique. The location of Madison is awesome! One hour from Nashville and right next door to Huntsville, home of the Space and Rocket Center. There are no shortages of jobs here. Part-time work or full-time employment for everyone. There is a wonderful mix of cultures here as well as age groups and Madison caters to us all! You will enjoy four seasons here. A very light winter and if it gets to hot in the summer, you are only a few hours from the Coast. Spend a weekend. Then you will want to move here!...Read 220 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 49,327 Population

Vestavia Hills

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  43 reviews

Current Resident: Big city, small town charm! Lots of small businesses and restaurants all over this many square mile city. Schools are excellent. Children are well behaved and seem to have been put through manners training-Well done Mothers! City services are top notch. Police and fire protection ranked high enough for a rate drop from my insurance carrier! Garbage pickup twice a week is pure luxury. Senior Center activities, transportation. Parks that will be the envy of all surrounding communities once they are completed. Ordinances that protect a peaceful way of life. Noise, fireworks, construction all have an ordinance that addresses their affect on tax payers quality of life. ...Vestavia Hills is just a grand place to live! Some people are wealthy, some have a little money, so struggle and some are dirt poor, but they are all HARD working citizens! That is what makes this city unique. Everyone understands because everyone works for what they have. This is a dying trend in America. Well done VH!...Read 43 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 34,307 Population

Indian Springs Village

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: It's country living in a sub-urban area. It is primarily residential, with some commercial areas at the periphery. It's quiet, minimum traffic, wooded. Indian Springs Village is right across the highway from Alabama's largest (10,000 acre) state park...Read 8 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• 2,549 Population

Hoover

• Town in Alabama
• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  213 reviews

Current Resident: I love the diverse community and the small-town feeling without feeling too small. By that I mean, I can still travel to events in Birmingham at the BJCC but you still will see people you know all the time at the grocery store. There are tons of restaurants and activities to participate in around the area and the school system is one that I'm proud to have been involved in myself. I feel like the only thing I have a problem with within Hoover is that because it is trying to become well-known and popular it is tearing down some of the forests that add to the scenery of the area. There is Moss Rock Preserved locally but even then building is impeding on the natural aspects of Hoover's beauty. Overall, it has ample opportunity for jobs, places for students to thrive, and community aspects that encourage personal growth in whatever avenues necessary for the individual...Read 213 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 85,175 Population

Meadowbrook

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: Meadow Brook is a friendly neighborhood very convenient to shopping and restaurants. A beautiful neighborhood for taking a walk or run. All different age groups here from young children to senior citizens. School bus service to very good schools. Many residents making improvements and updates to the older homes...Read 11 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• 9,468 Population

Mountain Brook

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  24 reviews

Current Resident: Everyone in Mountain Brook is very friendly and the education is amazing. There are so many opportunities to stay active in the community. My only complaints are that there is a lack of diversity and the lack of street lights. For all of the young drivers out there, it makes it difficult once it gets dark out. Other than that, Mountain Brook is amazing. I could not have asked for a better place to live!...Read 24 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 20,436 Population

Pelham

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  63 reviews

Current Resident: Pelham is a small suburb town south of Birmingham, AL. I would like to see more opportunities dmfir diversity within communities and schools. This could be achieved by housing grants and programs that facilitate...education scholarships and programs to afford opportunities to students of other races and socioeconomic backgrounds to become Pelham residents and students. Moreover, I would like to more homeschool cooperatives that allow students to work independently as we as attend school half-time.These and other educational initiatives would empower more children of color or ethnicities to realize the quiet living in Pelham and to become assets to schools and the community as a whole.Read 63 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 23,428 Population

Auburn

• Town in Alabama
• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  242 reviews

Current Resident: Auburn, as a college town, is by far one of the prettiest towns I have ever been to. It's blend of history and innovation makes it the perfect college town for students to explore and build their homes. Outside of the college experience, it is a fantastic place to raise a family and build a community. The concept of the "Auburn Family" extends past the campus and to those who have decided to place their roots in the town. For great food, conversation, and community engagement, Auburn provides multiple opportunities to bridge the gap between students and permanent residents...Read 242 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 64,054 Population

Helena

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  86 reviews

Current Resident: Helena is a small suburban town outside of Birmingham, AL. It hosts a diversified group of families. One of the great things about Helena is the little town of Helena. It is a great gathering place for families and friends alike to come and enjoy food, festivities and local Mom and Pop shops. People just love the small town feel and the family atmosphere. It is a little off the beaten path but well worth the drive. It could use some better alternatives for night life though. The town shuts down after dark...Read 86 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• 18,463 Population

Fairhope

• Town in Alabama
• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  69 reviews

Current Resident: Fairhope is an amazing little coastal town in south Alabama. Wonderful schools, friendly people and a beautiful town! Downtown if very well kept and always has seasonal flowers on almost every street corner. There are sidewalks throughout most of the town which makes it easy to get out and exercise and enjoy the amazing weather! Fairhope is known for its beauty. But, I must say it is phenomenal during the Christmas season! The entire downtown is decorated. Twinkling trees line the streets. Every year Fairhope has a special tree lighting ceremony for the season! People come from all over to see this! You will even see "southern snow" falling! Although Fairhope is one of the fastest growing places in the southeast, it still has that small-town feeling. Fairhope is a must-see town for all!...Read 69 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• 21,083 Population

Daphne

• Town in Alabama
• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  57 reviews

Current Resident: Daphne is such a nice city along the Alabama gulf coast. It’s location puts you close to shopping, restaurants, and family fun activities. The drive to the beach is short too! Love our beautiful jubilee city!...Read 57 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• 25,901 Population

Huntsville

• City in Alabama
• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  734 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Huntsville, AL a month before the COVID-19 shutdown. I was able to enjoy many outside activities during the lockdown, without coming into contact with people. The are plenty of caves, trails, and rivers to explore. As things have started to open back up, there have been many additions added to the city. We are getting a AA baseball team, restaurants and hotels continue to open everyday, and there are social distanced events that happen throughout the city such as music venues showing free local artists. The food scene is on the rise with classic southern food, the integration of food trucks/trailers, and even European inspired food is starting to show up. I like that Huntsville has diverse culture and is a very transient city. You never know who you will meet and hear the stories of how we all ended up in town!...Read 734 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• 196,219 Population

Trussville

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  74 reviews

Current Resident: Trussville is a pretty subtle town for the most part. It has beautiful neighborhoods to go along with a great school system! There are many attractions that are being built in the downtown area that will be great for family gatherings. Due to improvements like these as well as the multiple shopping outlets, the population of Trussville is increasing every year which has caused some heavy traffic at times. Overall I would recommend anybody to give Trussville, Alabama a chance when looking to buy a new home...Read 74 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• 21,876 Population

Alabaster

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  114 reviews

Current Resident: Alabaster has a small town feel- but with interstate access comes lots of dining/shopping choices! Property values are on the rise. Since the city took over the school system, much improvement has occurred and more is on the way!...Read 114 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• 33,176 Population

Spanish Fort

• Suburb of Mobile, AL
• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  33 reviews

Current Resident: The town is beautiful and the people are friendly. However, there is not much added to the town. There is room for growth. Instead of building businesses, more and more houses are being built.Read 33 Reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• 8,601 Population

Brook Highland

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  6 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• 7,147 Population

Orange Beach

• Suburb in Alabama
• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: Many festivals and activities year round for all age groups provide entertainment for all. Beach and water sports provide relaxation and various sports. Many restaurants provide great food, especially seafood. Food can be healthy or really bad for you! Take your choice. Many hiking and bike trails are in the area as well as kayaking and boating. Museums and historical sites are educational and entertaining. Housing prices are low off beach and reasonable water and beach front. While roads are in good repair, the traffic design patterns are poor at best! It is a friendly and welcoming community to both locals and the many tourists who visit yearly. Glad we discovered Orange Beach!...Read 8 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• 6,019 Population

Chelsea

• Suburb of Birmingham, AL
• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  38 reviews

Current Resident: Overall it is a good town with friendly people. I have lived here my entire life. Growing up it was a small town but it is rapidly growing. At the end of the day the community is a family, including some bickering. However despite our differences we band together when needed. It's got the small town appeal with several local small businesses. Like every town though it is experiencing growing pains in this transition...Read 38 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• 13,098 Population

Meridianville

• Suburb of Huntsville, AL
• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: I like the small town feel of the city and the fact that a lot of people don’t live there. However, as a liberal it is often tough living in the mostly conservative city.Read 17 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• 7,087 Population

Florence

• Town in Alabama
• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  135 reviews

Current Resident: This is my favorite river town, and I've lived in a few! Being a University town is another thing that makes Florence a vibrant community. At school and work, I've made friends from all over the world. My family loves the outdoors, so access to bike trails, mountains, canoeing, and rock-climbing were all on our list. For those rainy days, we can't get enough of the local eateries and the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library. It does get hot here but the sun has been amazing for my seasonal depression, and again, the Tennessee river is huge, fun, and inviting with white chalk cliffs and RV camping right downtown!...Read 135 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• 40,309 Population

Athens

• Town in Alabama
• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  105 reviews

Current Resident: Friendly town, would love to see more businesses and housing catering to the 20-30s working professionals demographic. An entertainment district would be fabulous - there is zero nightlife right now. Brand new high school - diverse student population, both ethnically and socioeconomically. Nice sports facilities. Swan Creek Trail is a gorgeous greenway with crushed gravel - perfect for runners, easy on the joints!...Read 105 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• 25,922 Population

Opelika

• Town in Alabama
• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  87 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• 30,232 Population

Muscle Shoals

• Town in Alabama
• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  51 reviews

Current Resident: Muscle Shoals is a very open, friendly place! You can find multiple restaurants, beautiful views and the FAME building is a sight to see!Read 51 Reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• 14,103 Population

Harvest

• Suburb of Huntsville, AL
• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  40 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Harvest for over 18 years. Just like any other city, it has its pros and cons. Some of the shining points are that it's relatively close to entertainment and shopping, it's affordable, and the schools are excellent. Job-wise, most people work in Huntsville or Madison and the commute is pretty good for the most part. However, I personally am not a fan of all of the housing that seemed to have exploded onto the scene over the past few years. The roads cannot handle this much traffic and there are accidents all the time. Once they get the roads figured out, it will be a better situation for everyone...Read 40 Reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• 5,819 Population