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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. The state is home to of picturesque shorelines, great BBQ, and a deeply rooted history — among many other things — and it attracts new retired residents each year. In fact, 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.

Planning a move to Alabama? Start by getting a quote from ÐÓ°ÉPro.

Pros and Cons of Living in Alabama

You won’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 , 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 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: What is the best city in Alabama to retire in?
A: , Orange Beach is the best place to retire in Alabama in 2023. 

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

Q: Is it cheaper to retire in Florida or Alabama?
A: While Florida may offer for its retired residents, the 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. However, the cost of living and tax benefits for retirees in Alabama versus are much more ideal. 

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. 

Orange Beach, Alabama

1. Orange Beach, AL

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The small community of Orange Beach is located near the Florida-Alabama border and is currently ranked #1 for the for retirees, 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 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 and other concert headliners sometimes visit the area, as well.

And for all of your dining, shopping, and entertainment needs, provides a scenic adventure — along with everything you may want or need. 

2. Alexandria, AL

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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. 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 . 

3. Foley, AL

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South Baldwin County's major hub of is located on the Gulf Coast and is the seventh best place to retire in Alabama, . It has plenty of outdoor activities available, from hiking the trails at to perusing the in downtown.

The 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 .

Fairhope, Alabama

4. Fairhope, AL

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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 and .)

5. Vestavia Hills, AL

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The City of Vestavia Hills is one of the best cities to retire in Alabama, . It’s located in the on top of Shades Mountain. The area offers a magnificent view of the Appalachian Mountains to the south and the Valley to the north.

The (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 and . 

6. Helena, AL

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North Shelby County's Helena maintains a small-town feel, even as its population 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 and the . Looking to stay active in the community? You can attend vibrant annual festivals like . 

Gulf Shores, Alabama
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7. Gulf Shores, AL

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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 — and — 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 , , and .

8. Muscle Shoals, AL

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Located in the heart of “,” Muscle Shoals is a thriving town that’s currently one of the best places to retire in the state, . In addition to civic groups like the and the , the city also offers fellowship and activities for senior adults through the . 

The FAME Recording Studios is one of the most fascinating attractions that can be found in the city's center. Fun fact: During the 1970s, artists from different genres visited the facility to record their music. This made Muscle Shoals the ".”

9. Pelham, AL

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Pelham is a great place to retire if you’re looking for a small-town feel with big-city amenities. The is just over 24,700, 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 , the , and the , 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, Alabama

10. Cullman, AL 

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One of the in the state, for its natural beauty. In particular, it’s known for its access to one of the cleanest lakes in the state, , which is located between Birmingham and Huntsville. This lake features a variety of winding streams and bluffs and has numerous marinas and recreation areas.

Community and environmental preservation are especially important to the residents of Cullman. The local 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

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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 . This facility allows you to set up camp once and spend the day fishing, boating, and relaxing.

12. Indian Springs Village, AL

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Indian Springs Village is best described as a , 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 . Whether it’s , , or , you’ll be able to find just what you want.

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.

Get to Alabama With the Help of ÐÓ°ÉPro

If you’re planning on retiring in Alabama, let ÐÓ°ÉPro assist you with the move by delivering a portable storage container to your doorstep. 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: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.