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Best Places To Live in Alabama

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Best Places To Live in Alabama

Alabama is blessed with Southern charm, natural beauty and rich culture. Read on to see what makes these 9 cities unique.

By Livability on December 12, 2023

Alabama combines geographical diversity with cultural richness, which makes it aa great place to live. The state’s varied landscape and temperate climate make it easy to enjoy outdoor adventures amid stunning Gulf Coast beaches, rolling hills, lush forests and even vibrant cities like Birmingham and Huntsville. The affordable cost of living sweetens the deal, with a reasonable housing market and lower than average expenses. Alabama also happens to be a haven for history buffs, music enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a wealth of experiences such as exploring the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Montgomery, dancing to live jazz music in Mobile or hiking the picturesque Appalachian foothills. With their welcoming communities, natural beauty and abundant cultural offerings, these 9 cities are the best places to live in Alabama. 

Athens

Sailboats are lined up at the Joe Wheeler State Park Marina in Athens, AL. Athens is a great place to live in Alabama.
©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins
Sailboats are lined up at the Joe Wheeler State Park Marina in Athens, Alabama.

What makes Athens a best place to live in Alabama?

Located in the northern part of the state, Athens, Alabama, is the place to be if you want to enjoy a harmonious blend of Southern charm and modern amenities. One of the city’s greatest perks is its abundance of outdoor recreation. Surrounded by beautiful views of the Tennessee Valley, Athens is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Nearby Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is a treasured escape for birdwatchers and hikers, while the Tennessee River provides locals with opportunities to go boating and fishing, as well as participate in a myriad of water sports in the summer months. Golfers also appreciate spending the day at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, an undeniable golfer’s paradise. 

The downtown district is bursting with activity. The streets are lined with local restaurants, serving up everything from Southern cuisine to international dishes. You can easily find something to suit any palate here, whether that’s classic comfort food or gourmet delicacies. Athens also comes alive with a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. The annual Athens Grease Festival celebrates the local love for fried foods, and the Athens Storytelling Festival is beloved by residential families. The Athens Old Time Fiddlers Convention is another highlight of the year, where traditional music and art take center stage. 

What is the job market like in Athens?

The job market in Athens is both diverse and steady. Newcomers can find employment opportunities in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, aerospace, health care, education and retail. The city’s proximity to Huntsville, home to the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and numerous technology companies, provides locals with access to an even wider range of career choices. The robust job market, combined with its affordable cost of living and high quality of life, makes Athens an appealing place to put down roots for job seekers and those hoping to build long-term careers. 

Learn more about living in Athens, AL.

Auburn

A historic building on the campus of Auburn University in Auburn, AL. Athens is a best place to live in Alabama.
iStock/RobHainer
A historic building on the campus of Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama.

Why Auburn is a great place to live in Alabama.

Tucked away in Lee County, Auburn, Alabama, has managed to marry the renowned academia of Auburn University with the warm and welcoming hospitality of a tight-knit southern community. Nicknamed the “Loveliest Village on the Plains,” Auburn exudes a strong sense of community where neighbors become lifelong friends. Paired with its thriving job market, newcomers can expect to easily balance their professional goals with the charm of small-town life. Auburn boasts numerous parks and recreational facilities, making it a great place for active individuals and outdoor enthusiasts. Chewacla State Park and Donald E. Davis Arboretum are both great spots for hiking, picnicking and wildlife observation. Just a short drive away is Lake Martin, which broadens the recreational offerings with its boating, fishing and water sports. 

Auburn’s cultural scene is dynamic and diverse, offering residents an array of arts, music and entertainment options. The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art showcases impressive collections and exhibitions, while the historic downtown area hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. You might be surprised to find everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine here, too. Whether you’re savoring local dishes at Toomer’s Drugs or exploring global flavors at one of the many downtown restaurants, Auburn’s got something for everyone. 

What is Auburn known for? 

Auburn has a wealth of notable features, but perhaps the most prominent one is the renowned Auburn University. Recognized for both its academic programs, including everything from engineering to veterinary medicine, and passionate fan base for the college football team, the Auburn Tigers, the school plays a significant role in the city’s culture and economy. 

Learn more about living in Auburn, AL.

Birmingham

An aerial view of the skyscrapers in Birmingham, Alabama.

Birmingham is a best city in Alabama.

Often referred to as the “Magic City,” Birmingham, Alabama, is known for its combination of rich history and vibrant culture. The city is dotted with museums, theaters and music venues that cater to a wide range of interests. The Birmingham Museum of Art boasts an impressive visual collection, while the Alabama Theatre often puts on Broadway shows and live musical performances. History buffs love to linger at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which explores the city’s historical significance in the Civil Rights Movement, and the local culinary scene ranges from traditional Southern comfort food like barbecue and fried chicken to an impressive display of international cuisine. Birmingham also is a surprisingly inclusive city, earning accolades for its LGBTQ-friendly organizations and businesses.

Those hoping to move to enhance their career won’t be disappointed. The market is robust and diverse with opportunities in everything from health care and finance to technology and education. Major employers in Birmingham include, but are not limited to, UAB Medicine, Regions Financial Corporation and Southern Company. Considering the cost of living is lower than the national average, the temperate climate invites outdoor recreation year-round, and the variety of city parks invite locals to hike, bike and picnic on the regular, is it any wonder this charming Southern city is a great place to call home? 

Is Birmingham a family-friendly city?

Welcoming neighborhoods, quality schools and affordability are among the many reasons Birmingham is often considered a family-friendly city. The number of museums, theaters and educational opportunities mean there is no shortage of educational and recreational activities for children of all ages. The city is home to numerous green spaces, parks and playgrounds, and the accessibility to quality health care and a reasonable housing market only add to the city’s long list of family-friendly accolades. 

Learn more about living in Birmingham, AL

Hoover

Enviable outdoor amenities like Moss Rock Preserve make Hoover, AL, one of the best places to live in Alabama.
City of Hoover
Enviable outdoor amenities like Moss Rock Preserve make Hoover, AL, one of the best places to live in Alabama.

Hoover is a great place to live in Alabama.

Hoover, Alabama, spoils residents for choice when it comes to recreational activities. The city boasts an extensive park system, with gems like the serene Bluff Park, where families can hike scenic trails or enjoy picnics amid breathtaking views of Shades Mountain. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, while sports enthusiasts can meet up with friends for heated games at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The city also boasts a strong commitment to education, providing several top-notch schools that appeal to growing families in the area. 

Visitors are often surprised to discover the rich culinary scene in the city. Must-visit restaurants include The Boot at Preserve Village, which serves authentic Italian dishes, and The Bright Star, which has been an Alabama institution for over a century and serves Southern classics in a beautiful, historic setting. Food trucks are popular as well. As far as events are concerned, you’ll never want for entertainment. The Celebrate Hoover Day festival is a highlight, featuring live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities. Additionally, the city hosts seasonal events like the Hoover Hayride and Family Night during Halloween and the festive Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The abundance of recreation, dining and events understandably make Hoover a great place to live. Bonus: Hoover ranks as one of the 5 Most Affordable Cities in Alabama.

What is Hoover known for? 

Your mind might stray to the Hoover vacuum when you think about Hoover, Alabama, but this charming city isn’t associated with the nationwide brand. Its reputation is actually tied up with Riverchase Galleria. This massive shopping mall is one of the largest in the Southeastern United States and is a popular shopping and entertainment destination, complete with more than 150 stores and a hotel.

Learn more about living in Hoover, AL.

Huntsville

Ducks perch along a lake in a city park in downtown Huntsville, Alabama.

What makes Huntsville a best place to live in Alabama?

Huntsville, Alabama, is easily one of the best places to live in The Yellowhammer State. The vibrant city is home to a thriving economy, diverse recreational opportunities and a rich cultural scene. As the fourth-largest city in the state, Huntsville boasts impressive stats, including a growing population, low unemployment rates and a strong job market. This is especially true in fields of aerospace, engineering and technology. The presence of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the Redstone Arsenal understandably earned the city its reputation as the “Rocket City,” exciting residents and tourists alike with cutting-edge research and career opportunities.

Nature enthusiasts appreciate the abundance of natural beauty in the area. Locals enjoy everything from hiking and biking to water sports at places like Monte Sano State Park and Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Back in the city, there’s a full calendar of events and plenty of opportunities to soak up a range of cultural experiences. The renowned Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and Broadway shows at the Von Braun Center are just a few local gems, and newcomers love exploring the growing craft beer scene. Families are equally thrilled to call Huntsville home, especially with access to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a top-tier space museum that hosts the Space Camp program for budding astronauts of all ages. Paired with the relatively affordable cost of living, Huntsville is definitely a top contender for anyone looking to relocate to Alabama.

What is Huntsville famous for?

Huntsville, Alabama, is famous for its pivotal role in the development of space exploration and technology. Often referred to as the “Rocket City,” Huntsville is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, where visionary scientists and engineers designed the Saturn V rocket that carried astronauts to the moon during the Apollo program. Additionally, the Redstone Arsenal, located in Huntsville, played a crucial role in the development of military technology and missile defense systems. This rich aerospace and technology heritage has earned Huntsville its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research, innovation, and space-related industries, making it a prominent center for space exploration in the United States — and an excellent place to pursue a STEM career.

Learn more about living in Huntsville, AL.

Mobile

A photo of Bienville Square, a historic city park with an old ornate fountain in downtown Mobile, Alabama.
iStock/benedek
A photo of Bienville Square, a historic city park with an old ornate fountain in downtown Mobile, Alabama.

Mobile is a great city to live in Alabama.

Mobile, Alabama is a great place to be if you’re hoping to enjoy a combination of Southern charm, arts and culture, and a strong sense of community. The city’s population has been steadily climbing, but it manages to retain that inviting, small-town atmosphere that long-term residents know and love. Families are often drawn to the area because of its relatively low cost of living, which makes homeownership a more realistic possibility for those living on a budget. Job opportunities are equally attractive, especially in local industries such as health care, manufacturing and aerospace. 

New residents are often surprised by the amount of arts and culture available in Mobile. The annual Mobile Arts Festival is a local favorite, and the historic Saenger Theatre is the place to go for live performances. Artists and admirers alike also appreciate the impressive collections on display at the Mobile Museum of Art. For outdoor enthusiasts, Mobile’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means you can easily spend weekends on the beach and indulging in a variety of water sports. Back in the city, the multitude of parks and green spaces are perfect for hiking, picnicking and soaking up the sun with friends and family. Paired with the historical attractions, such as the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park and the historic neighborhoods of Oakleigh and De Tonti Square, there’s no argument that Mobile is a great place to put down roots. 

Is Mobile a family-friendly city?

With its warm and welcoming community, affordable cost of living and wealth of recreational and educational activities, Mobile is often considered a family-friendly city. There are several top-rated public and private schools in the area, and many of the community events and local attractions, such as the interactive Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum, appeal to families of all ages. You can often find locals taking advantage of places like Bienville Square and Medal of Honor Park, where groups often gather for picnics, playgrounds and a variety of outdoor games and sports. 

Learn more about living in Mobile, AL.

Montgomery

An aerial panoramic view of the city of Montgomery, AL. Montgomery is a best place to live in Alabama.
iStock/Kruck20
An aerial view of the city of Montgomery, Alabama.

Montgomery is a best city to live in Alabama.

Montgomery, Alabama, may be known as the state capital, but it’s also a great place to call home. With a diverse and ever-growing population, this affordable city boasts a steady job market with opportunities in everything from government and education to health care and manufacturing, which make it an attractive place to live for families and professionals alike. It also has a rich history in the Civil Rights Movement with local landmarks such as the Rosa Parks Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. 

People hoping to spend a good amount of time outdoors will appreciate the multitude of city parks. Blount Cultural Park and the Riverfront Park along the Alabama River are two local spots that welcome residents to hike, bike or walk the scenic trails, picnic on a breezy summer afternoon or engage in a variety of outdoor recreation activities. Downtown is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with places like the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Festivals and events are numerous and include the locally loved Montgomery Biscuits minor league baseball games, the annual Alabama National Fair and the Montgomery Dragon Boat Race and Festival. 

What is Montgomery famous for?

Montgomery, Alabama is best known as the location where Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955, an event that sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The city is also known as the location of the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, which played a significant role in the eventual passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Montgomery is also home to several famous landmarks, such as the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and the Rosa Parks Museum. 

Learn more about living in Montgomery, AL.

Prattville

A view of the downtown scenes in Prattville, AL.
©Journal Communications
A view of downtown Prattville, Alabama.

Why Prattville is a great place to live in Alabama.

Often described as charming and family-friendly, Prattville, Alabama, is an affordable and welcoming place to put down roots. Newcomers often comment on the combination of small-town charm and modern amenities, which stand out in a place that also boasts affordability and a steady job market. Opportunities for job seekers and those interested in growing their career are available in industries such as manufacturing, education and health care, and a few of the major employers include Autauga County School System, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) and Prattville Baptist Hospital. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will find a lot to love in Prattville, thanks to the area’s multitude of parks and recreational areas. Autauga Creek and the Alabama River are great places to go fishing, kayaking or take riverfront walks. Golfers rave about the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill, which offers three championship golf courses with excellent views. Finally, families often take advantage of the local parks, such as Wilderness Park and Cooter’s Pond Park, for its many hiking trails, playgrounds and picnicking spots. 

What are some things to do in Prattville?

Prattville hosts several events and festivals throughout the year to gather the community together, including the popular Prattville CityFest and the Prattauga Art Guild events. The Prattville Creative Arts Center hosts exhibits and classes, while the downtown area is full of boutiques, galleries and local restaurants. Living here also gives residents easy day trip access to nearby destinations such as Montgomery and Selma. 

Learn more about living in Prattville, AL.

Tuscaloosa

The Federal Building and Courthouse in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
iStock/traveler1116
The Federal Building and Courthouse in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

What makes Tuscaloosa a best place to live in Alabama.

Known around the country as the home of the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is the place to be for sports enthusiasts. The renowned Crimson Tide boasts a passionate fan base on and off the field, and the university certainly influences life in the city and its surrounding suburbs (you’ll find an excellent sports bar scene). In addition to the school, the city enjoys a robust job market with major employers that also include DCH Health System and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International. Paired with a reasonable cost of living, Tuscaloosa has become an attractive option for both individuals and families who want to put down roots in a vibrant and active community. 

From the scenic Black Warrior River to the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, residents have plenty of opportunity to get outside. Hiking, picnicking, fishing and boating are popular pastimes at Lake Lurleen State Park, and the football games are another obvious local treat. Recreation and sports aside, Tuscaloosa hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals, and history buffs can explore places like the Historic Drish House and Capitol Park, both of which give visitors a glimpse into Tuscaloosa’s rich and storied past. 

Is it expensive to live in Tuscaloosa?

Tuscaloosa is generally considered to be an affordable place to live, but it depends on where you’re coming from. The cost of living is around 15% higher than the state average but 1% lower than the rest of the country. Housing hovers around 24% more affordable than the national average, and utilities are a little bit higher. Health care costs are considered generally competitive as well, and residents have ample access to medical services and facilities. Tuscaloosa is handily one of the best places to live in Alabama.

Learn more about living in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Thinking of moving to Alabama?

Picking a great place to live in Alabama is simple. We have several resources for moving to Alabama as well as other best places to live in the Southeast. No matter where you want to go, we can help you decide where to move and discover the best places to live in the U.S.

Other Great Places To Live Near Alabama

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