Best Small Towns For Retiring In Alabama

Alabama is one of the top active adult retirement locations. With a mild climate in winter, a low crime rate, and a good selection of quality homes, you’ll find many advantages to retiring in Alabama! For fishermen, it’s home to some of the best lakes in the nation. And, for history buffs, it’s an honor to live so close to the heart of the Civil Rights Movement.

So, which small towns are best for retiring in Alabama?

Best Small Towns in Alabama

Eufaula, AL

(Barbour County) Eufaula is located in southeastern Alabama along the Alabama-Georgia border, approximately 90 miles southeast of Montgomery. Retire in Eufaula and enjoy the fishing or just the scenery. Very peaceful! Live in a historic refurbished house at a fraction of the cost in other locations. Also, the historic downtown is neat!

Fairhope, AL

(Baldwin County) In Money Magazine’s “25 Best Places To Retire,” they say “this peaceful, pedestrian-friendly town on the shores of Mobile Bay has long drawn artists attracted to the small-town ambiance and prevalence of local galleries and studios for displaying their work. Fairhope offers plenty of recreational opportunities aside from artistic pursuits and shopping. Residents enjoy fishing off the pier or boating and kayaking in the bay. There are two golf courses in town and paths for biking and jogging.” Also, Fairhope is only a half-hour to historic Mobile, AL!

Related: Is Small Town Retirement For You?

Gulf Shores, Alabama

If great vacation spots make great places to retire to, then Gulf Shores is hot! Uncrowded towns along the beach that rival anything in the Sunshine state. Great beaches, fresh seafood every day, parks for bird and wildlife watching and relaxing; what else could you need? Wait, I know: no traffic jams!

Albertville, AL

Albertville is a friendly, all-American town with a Main Street near Lake Guntersville State Park, which is a whopping 69,000 acres!

Cullman, AL

Cullman is located about 40 miles from both Birmingham and Huntsville, in the heart of Alabama. Historic downtown and many farms are nearby. Also, Smith Lake has 21,000 acres to enjoy. Here, you can find affordable housing for retirement or for anyone.

Dothan, AL

Fort Rucker is located here, which means lots of military families live here and retire here!

Birmingham, AL

Located within the suburbs of Pelhan, Hoover, Helena, and Alabaster, Alabama, Birmingham boasts low crime rates and many middle to upper-class communities.

Need a 55-plus community suggestion in Alabama?

Welcome to The Springs of Mill Lakes, Auburn/Opelika’s thoughtfully master-planned community for 55+ active adults seeking easy living, beautiful new homes, and generous amenities. The natural setting is quiet and undisturbed, with two lakes, wandering creeks, natural waterfalls, and an adjacent wildlife preserve. The Springs of Mill Lakes offers resort-style living with a Clubhouse that features a Gathering Lounge with Fireplace, Ballroom Dance Floor, Fitness Center, and Catering Kitchen. Outside amenities will include a Zero Entry Pool, Pickleball Courts, and two lakes, one for recreation, and one stocked for fishing. The well-designed community, with its monumental entry, will be further enhanced by walkways, nature trails, and a dock. Single-level homes start from the $290s.