12 of the Best Places To Retire in Alabama in 2025

With a low cost of living and plenty of scenic and lively places to settle down, it’s no surprise that Alabama is a popular retirement destination in the U.S. But if you’re approaching that age, you’re likely curious about the best places to retire in Alabama. The state is home to over 60 miles of picturesque shorelines, great BBQ, and a deeply rooted history — among many other things — and it attracts new retired residents each year. In fact, 18 percent of the population is 65 or older. But where do these retirees choose to live? What places should you have on your radar? Here are our top choices for the best places to retire in Alabama.

Pros and Cons of Living in Alabama

If you’re considering moving to Alabama, you’re in good company — after all, it’s among the most popular states people are moving to in 2024. And you don’t just get to enjoy that sweet southern charm in Alabama. There are plenty of other reasons to move to the “Heart of Dixie.” For example, you can expect perks such as: 

• An affordable cost of living: With a cost of living index of 84.1, it’s much more affordable to live in Alabama than it is to live in many other parts of the country, as the national cost of living index is 100.
• A warm climate: With warm summers and mild winters, residents in Alabama have plenty of time to enjoy the state’s various beaches, parks, and lakes.
• Favorable tax rates: Alabama is considered tax-friendly toward retirees, as there is no tax on Social Security income or public and private pension income.

Of course, every state has its not-so-fabulous aspects, and Alabama is no exception. For instance, although Alabama has that favorable climate, there are several natural disaster risks that are important to be mindful of. Severe storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods are the most common within the state. And in the summertime? The humidity in Alabama can be pretty tough to bear.

Places To Retire in Alabama — FAQs

Q: Where in Alabama is the best place to retire?
A: What is the best city in Alabama to retire in? According to Niche, Indian Springs Village is the best place to retire in Alabama in 2024, followed by Orange Beach.

Q: Is Alabama a good state for retirees?
A: Is Alabama a good state to retire in? With an affordable cost of living and ideal tax benefits for retirees, retiring in Alabama is a very good idea!

Q: Is it cheaper to retire in Florida or Alabama?
A: While Florida may offer more benefits tax-wise for its retired residents, the cost of living index in Florida of 103.1 is significantly higher than Alabama’s. 

Q: Which is better to retire in, Alabama or Georgia?
A: Both Alabama and Georgia offer fabulous amenities for their retired populations, from plenty of natural beauty to explore and rich history to charming southern hospitality. While Georgia is very tax-friendly for retirees, the overall cost of living is still higher than in Alabama. 

Best Places To Retire in Alabama

With plenty of outdoor beauty to explore and a variety of exciting attractions to entertain you, these are 12 of the best places to retire in Alabama. 

Whether you enjoy shopping, seeing live music, or going to the beach, Orange Beach is one of the best places to retire in Alabama. 

1. Orange Beach, AL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Average home value: $709,400
• Great for: Local events, shopping, entertainment, dining

The small community of Orange Beach is located near the Florida-Alabama border and is ranked No. 2 for the best places to retire in Alabama, according to Niche. It used to be a farming and fishing village but eventually incorporated in 1984. Today, it's a lovely beach resort that’s full of tourists during the summer season!

The Orange Beach Arts Center's annual Festival of Art is a fun way for retirees to celebrate the local performing and visual arts scene. The facility also hosts acoustic concerts. If you’d like a larger show, the Mobile Symphony Orchestra and other concert headliners sometimes visit the area, as well.

And for dining, shopping, and entertainment, The Wharf provides a scenic adventure — along with everything you may want or need. 

2. Alexandria, AL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $201,200
• Great for: Community engagement, outdoor recreation

Located in Calhoun County, the town of Alexandria is known for its agricultural community that’s mainly focused on producing soybeans, cotton, and corn. 

The welcoming atmosphere in Alexandria is a major draw for those who like staying engaged with the community. Don’t be surprised if you strike up a few conversations with other residents while dining at the popular Cutter’s Pizzeria, for example. And Alexandria is a great place to live if you want to stay active, as you can engage in various recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, and camping at nearby parks like the Alexandria Community Center and Park. 

3. Foley, AL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $307,500
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, dining, shopping

South Baldwin County's major hub of Foley is located on the Gulf Coast and is the 8th best place to retire in Alabama, according to Niche. It has plenty of outdoor activities available, from hiking the trails at Graham Creek Nature Preserve to perusing the Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail in downtown.

The OWA amusement park is a popular attraction in Foley, as well, as it offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. And when it comes to snagging deals, you can’t miss visiting the popular Tanger Outlet Center.

Fairhope is among the very best places to retire in Alabama, according to Niche rankings, and an especially great place for retirees who enjoy boating, fishing, and sailing. 

4. Fairhope, AL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $480,500
• Great for: Waterfront atmosphere, boating, golfing

Located on a bluff overlooking Mobile Bay, the community of Fairhope was established in 1894 by a group of reformers. Interestingly, it was initially an experimental colony.

The area's waterfront stays busy, and the Fairhope Pier, which was constructed in the 1920s, features a variety of facilities, like the duck pond and rose gardens. The sunsets over the Bay are also a must-see.

There are three main marinas in the area, so boaters can enjoy a variety of water-based activities. Charter boats are also available for fishing and sailing. And the area's mild climate allows for year-round golf. (We recommend checking out the Lakewood Club and Quail Creek Municipal Golf Course.) Fairhope is also the 9th best place to retire in Alabama, according to Niche. 

5. Vestavia Hills, AL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325
• Average home value: $524,200
• Great for: Outdoor beauty, bowling leagues, outdoor recreation

Another one of the best places to retire in Alabama, Vestavia Hills is located in the Appalachian Chain's foothills on top of Shades Mountain. As you can imagine, the area offers a magnificent view of the Appalachian Mountains to the south and the Valley to the north.

Participating in the Vestavia Bowl (a local bowling league) is a great way to get involved in the community, but there are plenty of ways to stay active around town for both you and your grandkids, as well! Some great local parks include McCallum Park and Meadowlawn Park. 

6. Helena, AL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $950
• Average home value: $343,700
• Great for: Outdoor attractions, local festivals, small-town feel

North Shelby County's Helena maintains a small-town feel, even as its population of 22,400-plus is growing rapidly. As a result, it’s more of an urban area that offers a variety of conveniences, yet it still maintains its traditional family atmosphere.

Located about 30 minutes south of Birmingham, Helena has plenty of outdoor attractions to choose from, such as perusing Buck Creek Trail. Looking to stay active in the community? You can attend vibrant annual festivals like Helena’s Buck Creek Festival. 

Helena is one of the best places to retire in Alabama thanks, in particular, to its exceptionally low crime rate — it’s 72 percent below the national average, giving it an A+ safety rating on AreaVibes. Not only that, but it earns an A+ rating overall on Niche, sitting high on many superlative lists, like best places to live in Alabama and best suburbs to buy a house in Alabama. Excellent news if you’re looking to buy a new home in your golden years. 

If hitting balls on the golf course or catching some sun on the beach sound like how you want to spend your golden years, Gulf Shores may be the best place to retire in Alabama for you.
(Source: Taylan Saydar via Facebook)

7. Gulf Shores, AL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,400
• Average home value: $466,700
• Great for: Beaches, golfing, seafood restaurants

The upscale resort town of Gulf Shores is located on Alabama's barrier island, which is easily accessed by Mobile Bay. Its beaches are known for their beautiful turquoise waters and crystal clear white sand — perfect for relaxation!

But besides its beautiful beaches, Gulf Shores also has plenty of golf courses. In fact, there are eight courses within 20 miles of the city, and two of Alabama's top-rated resorts — Kiva Dunes and Craft Farms — are located here. With so many great golf clubs and courses to choose from, you'll have no problem finding something that suits your needs.

Top seafood and fish dishes in Gulf Shores are prepared with the same flavors that you would find in New Orleans, and they’re sure to make your taste buds tingle! Some of the must-visit restaurants? Those include LuLu's, Kitty's Kafe, and Bahama Bob's.

8. Muscle Shoals, AL

• Average rent (all sizes): $1,400
• Average home value: $466,700
• Great for: Beaches, golfing, seafood restaurants

The upscale resort town of Gulf Shores is located on Alabama's barrier island, which is easily accessed by Mobile Bay. Its beaches are known for their beautiful turquoise waters and crystal clear white sand — perfect for relaxation!

But besides its beautiful beaches, Gulf Shores also has plenty of golf courses. In fact, there are eight courses within 20 miles of the city, and two of Alabama's top-rated resorts — Kiva Dunes and Craft Farms — are located here. With so many great golf clubs and courses to choose from, you'll have no problem finding something that suits your needs.

Bonus: Top seafood and fish dishes in Gulf Shores are prepared with the same flavors that you would find in New Orleans, and they’re sure to make your taste buds tingle! Some of the must-visit restaurants? Those include LuLu's, Kitty's Kafe, and Bahama Bob's.

9. Pelham, AL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $302,800
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, scenic neighborhoods

Pelham is the best place to retire in Alabama if you’re looking for a small-town feel with big-city amenities. The town’s population is just over 25,100, and it boasts over 5,500 businesses. You’ll also be in a great location with two exits just off of I-65, meaning easy access to state beaches and other attractions.  

The Pelham Civic Complex, the Pelham Racquet Club, and the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, are just some of the many recreational opportunities that the city has to offer. So whether you want to go to big-name concerts, enjoy ice skating, or get a game of tennis in on the weekends, you’ll be able to do it all in Pelham.

Cullman is the best place to retire in Alabama if lakeside living and natural beauty are important parts of your vision for retirement. 

10. Cullman, AL 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $244,500
• Great for: Lake activities, environmental enthusiast

One of the fastest-growing cities in the state, Cullman is known for its natural beauty. In fact, if lakeside living is appealing to you, Cullman might just be the best place to retire in Alabama. It’s known for its access to one of the cleanest lakes in the state, Smith Lake, which is located between Birmingham and Huntsville. This lake features a variety of winding streams and bluffs and has numerous marinas and recreation areas.

Retirees who value a strollable community will value the fact that Cullman is a highly walkable city with a similarly high quality of life. One-fifth of its population is 65 years old or above, contributing to its reputation as one of the best places to retire in Alabama. 

Community and environmental preservation are especially important to the residents of Cullman. The local North Alabama Agriplex group, for example, states that their mission is to “cultivate a community passionate about preserving our agricultural heritage, educating and feeding our neighbors, and growing a sustainable future.” The facility offers seven programs per month and community outreach initiatives throughout the city for different age groups.

11. Cedar Bluff, AL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $233,200
• Great for: Outdoor beauty, lake activities

Situated on the shore of Weiss Lake, Cedar Bluff is a small town in northeast Alabama surrounded by Civil War battlefield sites.

Over 30,000 acres are covered by the lake, which is fed by three rivers. So it’s no surprise that it’s known for its bass fishing, water skiing, and boating. You’ll be able to find ranch-style and plantation homes along the lake, or even condominiums, if you’re looking for something smaller. 

And if you're a fisherman or camper who enjoys spending time at Weiss Lake, you might want to consider a long-term campsite at The Cove At Riverside Campground. This facility allows you to set up camp once and spend the day fishing, boating, and relaxing.

12. Indian Springs Village, AL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,350
• Average home value: $558,000
• Great for: Local amenities, shopping, close proximity to major cities

Is Alabama a good place to retire? To answer that question, look no further than Indian Springs Village, the best place to retire in Alabama, according to Niche. Indian Springs Village is best described as a friendly and tight-knit community, located in the northern portion of Shelby County. Just 12 miles south of the city of Birmingham, Indian Springs Village offers just about every amenity you could need, such as a post office, a bank, and plenty of shops to choose from. Whether you’re on the hunt for eclectic goods at the local Brass Bear Antiques or checking fresh produce off your list at Valleydale Farmers' Market, you’ll be able to find just what you want right in your new hometown.

And residents of Indian Springs Village can relish in the fact that they’re situated so close to Birmingham, but they’re able to enjoy the more laid-back lifestyle of a rural Alabama setting.

Once you have a sense of the best places to retire in Alabama, call on PODS to help make retiring there as easy as possible. 

Move to One of the Best Places To Retire in Alabama With PODS

If you’re planning on retiring in Alabama, let PODS assist you with the move by delivering a portable storage container to your driveway. This will allow you to pack and load your belongings at your own pace, and you can schedule its pickup whenever you’re ready. One month of storage is included in the price of every move, so you can easily unload your items without feeling rushed, as well.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.