Great news for retirees! Huntsville, Alabama, recently took the No. 8 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 list of the Best Places to Retire. With its great quality of life, affordable housing, reasonable taxes, and top-notch health care, it’s easy to see why so many people love calling Huntsville home.
Huntsville is growing fast and actually passed Birmingham in 2021 to become the biggest city in Alabama. Huntsville also has a highly educated population and it’s no surprise—thanks to NASA and the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal, many retirees worked in engineering and defense.
If you're thinking about retiring to Huntsville, look no further than the best place to live the life you love: Magnolia Trace, a premier continuing care retirement community in Huntsville!
Why Live in Huntsville?
Magnolia Trace offers a welcoming, worry-free lifestyle in a city that has so much to offer. You’ll have easy access to incredible cultural attractions and historic landmarks. Here are just a few:
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center – Dive into the history of space exploration with interactive exhibits.
- Huntsville Botanical Garden – Stroll through 112 acres of gorgeous gardens, waterfalls, and scenic walking paths.
- Monte Sano State Park – Hike, picnic, and soak in breathtaking mountain views.
- Huntsville Museum of Art – Always a must-visit for art lovers!
There is also plenty to do at Magnolia Trace! Living in this vibrant, active community is all about comfort and convenience. Enjoy restaurant-style dining, meet up with friends at the fitness center and outdoor pavilion, relax in the library, or explore your creativity in the woodshop. And yes, the community is pet-friendly—your furry companions are always welcome!
"Living on a Cruise Ship" in North Alabama
That is exactly how residents describe it! No need for an ocean or expensive vacation. The resort-like lifestyle at Magnolia Trace is similar to living on a cruise ship that never docks.
“Magnolia Trace offers so many amenities that many of us equate it to living on a cruise ship," said Dot Dickens, a resident. "We have several dining venues and many offerings and recreational outlets for physical, mental health, and many opportunities to pursue your hobbies. It’s a place where you can choose to live and strengthen your mind, spirit, and body.”
Residents love it here so much that Magnolia Trace boasts an impressive 96% satisfaction rate!
“Magnolia Trace is not what you would expect. When you get here, the freedom to do so many new things is just unparalleled," said resident Arlene Garrison. "You get to experience new activities, new art forms; get to meet a lot of fun new people and go on interesting outings. It's just a great way to retire.”
An Easier, Stress-Free Lifestyle
For resident Bill Alkire, it's the best place in Huntsville to retire because it offers the ultimate peace of mind. Having access to a continuum of care, including rehabilitation, assisted living and skilled nursing, if you ever need it, makes Magnolia Trace the best investment in your future.
“You get the security to know that you're going to be taken care of, and your family doesn't have to worry," he said. Relieving yourself of the responsibilities of home ownership also frees up residents to pursue their passions and truly enjoy their retirement.
"It is nearly impossible to be bored," he said. "You have the option to do whatever you like, enjoy whatever you like, continue whatever hobbies you had."
Meet Bill, Dot, Arlene or any of our happy residents to experience first hand all the joys of living at Magnolia Trace.
Schedule a tour with our life care consultant to answer all your senior living questions!