Best Places to Retire in Alabama

You deserve the best retirement possible. You deserve to get the absolute most of our retirement. That starts with choosing the best location to retire.

Whether you are already in or near Alabama or wondering if it would make for a good retirement destination, you’ve come to the right place.

15 of the Best Cities to Retire in Alabama

• Alabaster
• Alexandria
• Anniston
• Atmore
• Bessemer
• Birmingham
• Foley
• Gadsden
• Helena
• Huntsville
• Muscle Shoals
• Orange Beach
• Selma
• Spanish Fort
• Talladega

Alabaster

Located just south of Birmingham, Alabaster is quite beautiful and has some of the lowest crime rates anywhere, making it known for safe neighborhoods. Abounding with places to go for nature walks like the Buck Creek Trail and loaded with local museums, Alabaster is one of the best places to live in Alabama for retirees.

Alexandria

Alexandria is well known for its agriculture, but active retirees will find the city particularly appealing, as it has plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking.

Anniston

Just a quick ride from the Georgia state line on Interstate 20, Anniston is a great place with plenty to see and do. Attractions like the Longleaf Botanical Garden, the Anniston Museum of Natural History, and the self-proclaimed world’s biggest office chair will keep you entertained. It’s also the home of the Freedom Riders National Monument, for the history buffs out there.

Atmore

Living on the Alabama/Florida state line in Atmore offers some of the most peaceful, relaxing, and stress-free retirements ever. After a long career in the rat race, choosing to retire in Atmore is ideal for anyone looking for a laid-back environment but still wants to be close enough to modern cities like Mobile and Pensacola.

Bessemer

Also close to Birmingham but a bit farther west than Alabaster, Bessemer is great for retirees looking for a low-cost urban neighborhood. A relatively low population density means it’s never crowded, and local attractions like the Bessemer Hall of History are always fun to check out!

Birmingham

If Bessemer isn’t bustling enough for you, Birmingham will definitely tick your boxes. A major metropolitan center with a population of nearly 200,000, Birmingham is a true hub for culture and entertainment in north-central Alabama.

Foley

Foley, Alabama is known for its many great outdoor activities, including the beautiful, 500-acre Graham Creek Nature Preserve, and because of its on the Gulf coast, Foley has a lot to offer boating and water sports enthusiasts, too!

Gadsden

Located about an hour northeast of Birmingham, Gadsden is located among gorgeous natural surroundings. This makes it a fantastic place for active retirees who love spending time outside in nature. The local cultural scene also holds lots of surprises!

Helena

If you’re looking for a small town but still want access to big city amenities, Helena may be the right choice for you. Helena is just 30 minutes from Birmingham. While Summers in Helena can be particularly muggy, temperatures throughout the rest of the year are relatively mild, meaning more time to enjoy outdoor amenities.

Huntsville

Huntsville is considered one of the best towns to retire in Alabama due to its proximity to the northern border, just a hop, skip, and jump from the breathtaking state of Tennessee. In fact, our beautiful retirement community in Huntsville was named one of Money Magazine’s Best Places to Retire. This major city, located right on the banks of the Tennessee River, offers plenty of cultural entertainment. It’s even the home of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, where the famous Space Camp is located.

Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals is located in Northwest Alabama along the Tennessee river. Muscle Shoals is an excellent retirement spot for history buffs and music fans alike, as the world famous FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) Recording Studio is located in the city center!

Orange Beach

Bordering Florida on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Orange Beach is a popular beach destination with tons of annual events, plenty of golf courses, and of course, miles of beach! Because of this, Orange Beach can be very busy with tourists throughout the summer but is much more laid back for the rest of the year.

Selma

Less than an hour west of Montgomery, Selma is steeped in American history, especially the history of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. The architectural wonders of the city are also a huge draw, making living in Selma a delight for the eyes and the soul.

Spanish Fort

Is there anything better than Gulf Coast living? Many consider Spanish Fort one of the best places to live in Alabama for retirees because it’s located right on the east coast of Mobile Bay and gets you all the benefits of being close to the Gulf without being right in the crowded and busy city of Mobile. Yet it’s still close enough – less than 15 minutes away – that you could spend every day in the city if you like! Our retirement community in Spanish Fort offers all the perks of Gulf Coast living while having all the amenities you’d expect from a top-class community.

Talladega

Right on the doorstep of the Talladega National Forest, this city offers great places to enjoy the natural world. And we can’t forget Talladega’s status as the crown jewel of the NASCAR circuit. You don’t have to love racing to live in Talladega, but if you do, you’ll be in heaven for sure.

Retirement Living Spotlight: Huntsville & Spanish Fort

While each of the towns above are among the best places to retire in all of Alabama, we at Acts must give special consideration to two towns – Huntsville, and Spanish Fort. Because Acts has retirement communities in each of these towns (Magnolia Trace in Huntsville and Westminster Village in Spanish Fort), we are keenly aware of the many amenities and advantages these cities have for retirees.    

Popular Attractions & Events in Huntsville. Alabama

Huntsville Museum of Art 

Since 1970, the Huntsville Museum of Art has been enriching lives with its unique exhibits and quality displays. If you love looking at paintings, sculptures, and collections, this museum is the perfect place for you to spend an afternoon getting lost in its work. You can also attend special presentations and discussions by notable people in the arts, academia, politics, and more. The Huntsville Museum of Art welcomes people of all ages — which means it’s a great place to take your kids and grandkids when they come visit, too. In this 75,000-square-foot museum, you’ll never be bored! 

U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum 

As one of the premier military museums in the country, the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum in Huntsville offers a close-up look into the military artifacts and memorabilia dating from the American Revolutionary War to present day. You can also see more than 30 historic military vehicles from World War I and subsequent conflicts — which is an especially powerful experience for those who have served or know someone who has served in the military. This museum, with its indoor and outdoor exhibits, provides you with a great opportunity to engage in conversation with your loved ones when they visit you in your retirement! 

1982 East Restaurant & Tavern 

One of the best local places to eat in Huntsville is this unique food-farmer-neighborhood restaurant. The 1982 East Restaurant & Tavern has some of the highest quality food in town — and all of it is locally grown. The restaurant focuses on one main goal: to “satisfy your good taste.” The menu there is always delicious — but it changes seasonally, which means you can get something new every time you go! 

Popular Attractions & Events in Spanish Fort. Alabama

Historic Blakeley State Park 

In Spanish Fort, Alabama, Historic Blakeley State Park has more than 2,000 acres for you to explore. The park, which encompasses everything from the location of Alabama’s largest Civil War battle to early Native American settlements, offers a fascinating opportunity to not just appreciate nature’s beauty but also learn about our country’s rich history. Whether you’re walking through its more than 16 miles of trails or taking one of its boat cruises on the river, Historic Blakeley State Park is a place you’ll never get tired of visiting. 

Town Center Park 

Spanish Fort Town Center Park is a perfect place to go for a day out. You can take your dog for a walk through the path that runs through the park, or just spend the afternoon perusing the nearby shops. You can also take advantage of the fitness area if you want a more intensive workout. If you’re looking for something fun to do when your grandkids come to visit, the park is also home to a state-of-the-art playground and a splash pad — which is a favorite for local kids. 

R & R Seafood 

If you love seafood, Spanish Fort is one of the best places you could choose for your retirement. R & R Seafood offers a casual, friendly atmosphere with all of its delicious menu items prepared the Southern way. What started as a small bait/shrimp shop soon turned into a seafood market — and now it’s a restaurant that offers some of the best shrimp and crawfish around. Since its grand opening in 1996, this restaurant has been satisfying locals and visitors alike. Whatever you try at R & R Seafood, you definitely won’t be disappointed.   

Is Alabama a Good Place for Retirees?

Alabama has gained popularity as a retirement destination for its affordable cost of living, warm climate, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and cultural activities. However, potential retirees should also consider factors like the state's healthcare availability when making their decision, unless they will be retiring in a Continuing Care Retirement Community.

Weather!

Alabama is well south of the Mason-Dixon line, perfectly suited for older adults from more northerly states who are tired of bitterly cold winters and can kiss those cold, wintry days goodbye. The northern parts of the state can experience below-zero temperatures in the winter, but snow is very rare. If you’ve got aches and pains associated with cold, dry weather, Alabama offers plenty of relief. And if you simply want to be able to enjoy the great outdoors almost all year-long, Alabama has you covered.

Beaches and Hiking

You’ve no doubt seen (and perhaps admired) the pristine white sand beaches of the Gulf Shores. Did you know Alabama also has wonderful opportunities for hiking in nature? It’s the best of all worlds.

Location Location Location

Thanks to its location in the Deep South, Alabama is close to some major cities and attractions. Bordered by Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama offers plenty of opportunities to visit and enjoy all the culture, dining, and entertainment options nearby! Plus, cities like Mobile and towns like Spanish Fort have their own wonderful culture and charm.

Tax-friendliness

Another major reason Alabama is such a great state for retirees is that it is very tax-friendly to those no longer working. Social Security benefits are entirely exempt from income tax in the state, and it’s also home to some of the lowest property tax rates in the entire country. Sales tax is a little bit higher as a result, so don’t worry – the state government still gets its piece of the pie.

Have You Considered a Retirement Community?

Hopefully this list of the best places to retire in Alabama begins to show you that retiring in this state can make for a great next chapter of your life.

But have you thought about where you will live within the city of your choosing? Are you looking to buy a house, rent an apartment, build a cabin in the woods?

Have you considered a modern retirement community, known for gated security, top-notch amenities, and a continuous calendar full of all the activities you could want?

Retirement communities are becoming increasingly popular, because they provide the best of all worlds — luxury independent living, a schedule of events and activities, fine dining, access to pools and fitness centers and walking trails, and oh so much more. All with no home maintenance and no property taxes.

If this sounds interesting, please take a moment to learn more about the Alabama communities operated by Acts Retirement-Life Communities.