Best places to live in Alabama
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Alabama
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Alabama using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Hartselle
- Population: 14,428
- Median home value: $148,600 (72% own)
- Median rent: $681 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $59,697
- Top public schools: Hartselle High School (A), Barkley Bridge Elementary School (A), Hartselle Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Bethel Baptist School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3090 Celestial Dr SW, Hartselle ($2.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $148,600 (72% own)
- Median rent: $681 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $59,697
- Top public schools: Hartselle High School (A), Barkley Bridge Elementary School (A), Hartselle Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Bethel Baptist School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3090 Celestial Dr SW, Hartselle ($2.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#24. Muscle Shoals
- Population: 14,103
- Median home value: $147,100 (76% own)
- Median rent: $831 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $60,629
- Top public schools: Muscle Shoals Middle School (A), McBride Elementary School (A), Muscle Shoals High School (A)
- Top private schools: Covenant Christian School (A-)
- Pictured: 295 Lee Dr, Muscle Shoals ($999,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $147,100 (76% own)
- Median rent: $831 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $60,629
- Top public schools: Muscle Shoals Middle School (A), McBride Elementary School (A), Muscle Shoals High School (A)
- Top private schools: Covenant Christian School (A-)
- Pictured: 295 Lee Dr, Muscle Shoals ($999,900, 5 bedrooms)
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#23. Florence
- Population: 40,309
- Median home value: $142,400 (52% own)
- Median rent: $643 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $40,526
- Top public schools: Forest Hills School (A), Kilby Laboratory School (A), Florence High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shoals Christian School (A), Mars Hill Bible School (B+), St. Joseph Regional Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 109 Longleaf Way, Florence ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $142,400 (52% own)
- Median rent: $643 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $40,526
- Top public schools: Forest Hills School (A), Kilby Laboratory School (A), Florence High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shoals Christian School (A), Mars Hill Bible School (B+), St. Joseph Regional Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 109 Longleaf Way, Florence ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#22. Harvest
- Population: 5,819
- Median home value: $183,500 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,233 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $83,677
- Top public schools: Sparkman High School (A-), Madison Cross Roads Elementary School (A-), Harvest School (B+)
- Pictured: 175/191 David Douglass Rd, Harvest ($629,900, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $183,500 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,233 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $83,677
- Top public schools: Sparkman High School (A-), Madison Cross Roads Elementary School (A-), Harvest School (B+)
- Pictured: 175/191 David Douglass Rd, Harvest ($629,900, 6 bedrooms)
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#21. Meridianville
- Population: 7,087
- Median home value: $178,000 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,122 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $80,476
- Top public schools: Mt. Carmel Elementary School (A), Lynn Fanning Elementary School (A), Buckhorn Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 11556 Highway 231 431 N, Meridianville ($848,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $178,000 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,122 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $80,476
- Top public schools: Mt. Carmel Elementary School (A), Lynn Fanning Elementary School (A), Buckhorn Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 11556 Highway 231 431 N, Meridianville ($848,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#20. Athens
- Population: 25,922
- Median home value: $161,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $664 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $53,165
- Top public schools: Athens High School (A), Brookhill Elementary School (A-), Julian Newman Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Athens Bible School (B)
- Pictured: 13422 Hatchie Ln, Athens ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $161,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $664 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $53,165
- Top public schools: Athens High School (A), Brookhill Elementary School (A-), Julian Newman Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Athens Bible School (B)
- Pictured: 13422 Hatchie Ln, Athens ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#19. Chelsea
- Population: 13,098
- Median home value: $232,700 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,448 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $97,727
- Top public schools: Mt. Laurel Elementary School (A-), Chelsea Middle School (A-), Chelsea Park Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 350 Crossbrook Dr, Chelsea ($2.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $232,700 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,448 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $97,727
- Top public schools: Mt. Laurel Elementary School (A-), Chelsea Middle School (A-), Chelsea Park Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 350 Crossbrook Dr, Chelsea ($2.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#18. Orange Beach
- Population: 6,019
- Median home value: $297,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,117 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $81,883
- Top public schools: Gulf Shores Middle School (A), Gulf Shores Elementary School (A), Orange Beach Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 5362 Mississippi Ave, Orange Beach ($7.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $297,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,117 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $81,883
- Top public schools: Gulf Shores Middle School (A), Gulf Shores Elementary School (A), Orange Beach Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 5362 Mississippi Ave, Orange Beach ($7.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#17. Spanish Fort
- Population: 8,601
- Median home value: $242,600 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,172 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $83,913
- Top public schools: Spanish Fort High School (A-), Rockwell Elementary School (A-), Spanish Fort Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 8463 Pine Run, Spanish Fort ($1.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $242,600 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,172 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $83,913
- Top public schools: Spanish Fort High School (A-), Rockwell Elementary School (A-), Spanish Fort Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 8463 Pine Run, Spanish Fort ($1.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#16. Brook Highland
- Population: 7,147
- Median home value: $323,200 (42% own)
- Median rent: $1,029 (58% rent)
- Median household income: $57,184
- Top public schools: Spain Park High School (A+), Greystone Elementary School (A+), Berry Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 2052 Brook Highland Rdg, Birmingham ($750,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $323,200 (42% own)
- Median rent: $1,029 (58% rent)
- Median household income: $57,184
- Top public schools: Spain Park High School (A+), Greystone Elementary School (A+), Berry Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 2052 Brook Highland Rdg, Birmingham ($750,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#15. Alabaster
- Population: 33,176
- Median home value: $173,000 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,088 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $80,072
- Top public schools: Calera Elementary School (A), Helena High School (A), Creek View Elementary (A-)
- Top private schools: Evangel Classical Christian School (A-), Westwood Baptist Weekday Education Ministry (unavailable), The Day Program (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3669A Smokey Rd, Alabaster ($950,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $173,000 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,088 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $80,072
- Top public schools: Calera Elementary School (A), Helena High School (A), Creek View Elementary (A-)
- Top private schools: Evangel Classical Christian School (A-), Westwood Baptist Weekday Education Ministry (unavailable), The Day Program (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3669A Smokey Rd, Alabaster ($950,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#14. Daphne
- Population: 25,901
- Median home value: $201,400 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,200 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $71,882
- Top public schools: Fairhope High School (A), Fairhope Primary School (A), Daphne Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Bayside Academy (A+), Christ the King School (unavailable), The Community School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1013 Captain Oneal Dr, Daphne ($7.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $201,400 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,200 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $71,882
- Top public schools: Fairhope High School (A), Fairhope Primary School (A), Daphne Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Bayside Academy (A+), Christ the King School (unavailable), The Community School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1013 Captain Oneal Dr, Daphne ($7.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#13. Huntsville
- Population: 196,219
- Median home value: $182,900 (57% own)
- Median rent: $827 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $55,305
- Top public schools: New Century Technology High School (A+), Heritage Elementary School (A+), Virgil Grissom High School (A)
- Top private schools: Randolph School (A+), St. John Paul II Catholic High School (A+), Westminster Christian Academy (A)
- Pictured: 3 Ledge View Dr SE, Huntsville ($3.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $182,900 (57% own)
- Median rent: $827 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $55,305
- Top public schools: New Century Technology High School (A+), Heritage Elementary School (A+), Virgil Grissom High School (A)
- Top private schools: Randolph School (A+), St. John Paul II Catholic High School (A+), Westminster Christian Academy (A)
- Pictured: 3 Ledge View Dr SE, Huntsville ($3.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#12. Trussville
- Population: 21,876
- Median home value: $255,100 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,414 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $97,226
- Top public schools: Hewitt-Trussville High School (A), Magnolia Elementary School (A), Cahaba Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Noahs Park Weekday Early Education (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8097 Gadsden Hwy, Trussville ($2.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $255,100 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,414 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $97,226
- Top public schools: Hewitt-Trussville High School (A), Magnolia Elementary School (A), Cahaba Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Noahs Park Weekday Early Education (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8097 Gadsden Hwy, Trussville ($2.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#11. Fairhope
- Population: 21,083
- Median home value: $299,200 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,196 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $75,197
- Top public schools: Fairhope High School (A), Fairhope Primary School (A), Daphne Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Eastern Shore Early Childhood Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 17747 Scenic Highway 98, Fairhope ($7.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $299,200 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,196 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $75,197
- Top public schools: Fairhope High School (A), Fairhope Primary School (A), Daphne Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Eastern Shore Early Childhood Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 17747 Scenic Highway 98, Fairhope ($7.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#10. Helena
- Population: 18,463
- Median home value: $195,100 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,341 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $87,781
- Top public schools: Hoover High School (A+), Robert F. Bumpus Middle School (A+), Brock's Gap Intermediate School (A)
- Top private schools: Riverside Christian Academy (unavailable), Gospel Light Baptist Academy (unavailable), Primrose School of Riverwoods (unavailable)
- Pictured: 603 County Road 13, Helena ($2.3 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $195,100 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,341 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $87,781
- Top public schools: Hoover High School (A+), Robert F. Bumpus Middle School (A+), Brock's Gap Intermediate School (A)
- Top private schools: Riverside Christian Academy (unavailable), Gospel Light Baptist Academy (unavailable), Primrose School of Riverwoods (unavailable)
- Pictured: 603 County Road 13, Helena ($2.3 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#9. Pelham
- Population: 23,428
- Median home value: $189,000 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,119 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $80,510
- Top public schools: Oak Mt. High School (A), Calera Elementary School (A), Helena High School (A)
- Top private schools: Hope Christian School (B-)
- Pictured: 101 Grant Chester, Pelham ($2.1 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $189,000 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,119 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $80,510
- Top public schools: Oak Mt. High School (A), Calera Elementary School (A), Helena High School (A)
- Top private schools: Hope Christian School (B-)
- Pictured: 101 Grant Chester, Pelham ($2.1 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#8. Auburn
- Population: 64,054
- Median home value: $266,200 (46% own)
- Median rent: $884 (54% rent)
- Median household income: $47,318
- Top public schools: Cary Woods Elementary School (A+), Dean Road Elementary School (A+), Richland Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 2603 Danbury Dr, Auburn ($2.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $266,200 (46% own)
- Median rent: $884 (54% rent)
- Median household income: $47,318
- Top public schools: Cary Woods Elementary School (A+), Dean Road Elementary School (A+), Richland Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 2603 Danbury Dr, Auburn ($2.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#7. Mountain Brook
- Population: 20,436
- Median home value: $628,800 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,561 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $152,355
- Top public schools: Mt. Brook High School (A+), Mt. Brook Elementary School (A+), Mt. Brook Junior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Highlands School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3555 Spring Valley Ct, Mountain Brook ($6.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $628,800 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,561 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $152,355
- Top public schools: Mt. Brook High School (A+), Mt. Brook Elementary School (A+), Mt. Brook Junior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Highlands School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3555 Spring Valley Ct, Mountain Brook ($6.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#6. Meadowbrook
- Population: 9,468
- Median home value: $299,200 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,406 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $109,650
- Top public schools: Oak Mt. High School (A), Inverness Elementary School (A), Oak Mt. Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Westminster School at Oak Mountain (A+)
- Pictured: 325 Windchase Trc, Birmingham ($699,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $299,200 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,406 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $109,650
- Top public schools: Oak Mt. High School (A), Inverness Elementary School (A), Oak Mt. Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Westminster School at Oak Mountain (A+)
- Pictured: 325 Windchase Trc, Birmingham ($699,900, 5 bedrooms)
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#5. Vestavia Hills
- Population: 34,307
- Median home value: $376,200 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,218 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $109,485
- Top public schools: Vestavia Hills High School (A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary School East (A+), Liberty Park Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Southminster Day School (unavailable), St. Mark United Methodist Kindergarten (unavailable), Ascension Episcopal Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 620 Lake Colony Pointe, Vestavia Hills ($2.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $376,200 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,218 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $109,485
- Top public schools: Vestavia Hills High School (A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary School East (A+), Liberty Park Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Southminster Day School (unavailable), St. Mark United Methodist Kindergarten (unavailable), Ascension Episcopal Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 620 Lake Colony Pointe, Vestavia Hills ($2.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#4. Hoover
- Population: 85,175
- Median home value: $291,000 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,123 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $89,452
- Top public schools: Spain Park High School (A+), Hoover High School (A+), Riverchase Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Hoover Christian School (A), Prince of Peace Catholic School (A+), Riverchase United Methodist Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1082 Greystone Crst, Hoover ($3.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $291,000 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,123 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $89,452
- Top public schools: Spain Park High School (A+), Hoover High School (A+), Riverchase Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Hoover Christian School (A), Prince of Peace Catholic School (A+), Riverchase United Methodist Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1082 Greystone Crst, Hoover ($3.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#3. Indian Springs Village
- Population: 2,549
- Median home value: $367,200 (95% own)
- Median rent: No data available (5% rent)
- Median household income: $119,091
- Top public schools: Oak Mt. High School (A), Inverness Elementary School (A), Oak Mt. Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Indian Springs School (A+), Our Lady of the Valley School (unavailable), Joseph S. Bruno Montessori Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2723 Cahaba Valley Rd, Indian Springs Village ($2.4 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $367,200 (95% own)
- Median rent: No data available (5% rent)
- Median household income: $119,091
- Top public schools: Oak Mt. High School (A), Inverness Elementary School (A), Oak Mt. Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Indian Springs School (A+), Our Lady of the Valley School (unavailable), Joseph S. Bruno Montessori Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2723 Cahaba Valley Rd, Indian Springs Village ($2.4 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#2. Madison
- Population: 49,327
- Median home value: $253,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $946 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $99,188
- Top public schools: Bob Jones High School (A+), James Clemens High School (A+), Madison Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Madison Baptist Academy (A), St. John the Baptist Catholic School (unavailable), Primrose School of Madison (unavailable)
- Pictured: 114 Grand Cove Pl, Madison ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $253,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $946 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $99,188
- Top public schools: Bob Jones High School (A+), James Clemens High School (A+), Madison Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Madison Baptist Academy (A), St. John the Baptist Catholic School (unavailable), Primrose School of Madison (unavailable)
- Pictured: 114 Grand Cove Pl, Madison ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#1. Homewood
- Population: 25,534
- Median home value: $347,800 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,112 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $84,157
- Top public schools: Homewood High School (A+), Homewood Middle School (A+), Hall Kent Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: John Carroll Catholic High School (A), Islamic Academy of Alabama (A-), Our Lady of Sorrows School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1506 Grove Pl, Homewood ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $347,800 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,112 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $84,157
- Top public schools: Homewood High School (A+), Homewood Middle School (A+), Hall Kent Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: John Carroll Catholic High School (A), Islamic Academy of Alabama (A-), Our Lady of Sorrows School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1506 Grove Pl, Homewood ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
