Retirement Living in Alabama
Alabama is truly one of the best states for retirees. Over the last few years, the state has gained a lot of attention as a destination not only for the young but also for the young at heart.
For the most part, the state’s cost of living is very affordable. The climate is warm year-round, which means abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are plenty of cultural activities, too. So, when making a retirement decision that includes a relocation don’t forget to consider Alabama—the state that has it all: a beautiful coastline, a rugged northern section that provides great opportunities for hiking and outdoor actives, and plenty of large cities that have cultural activities along with plenty of upscale dining and shopping.
Looking for Continuing Care Retirement Community? Alabama has these as well.
What about Alabama’s Weather!
First thing most retirees want to know is “What is the weather like?” Alabama is perfectly suited for older adults. A couple of reasons is the diversity of the state’s weather from the northern part of the state where there are beautiful hiking trails to the southern pristine coastline. Because the state is situated south of the Mason-Dixon line, it is a total shift from more northerly states that have bitterly cold winters.
While the northern parts of Alabama can experience some cold temperatures in the winter, snow is rare. If you are wanting to enjoy the great outdoors almost all year-long, Alabama has you covered.
Tax-friendliness
Another reason retirees like Alabama is that it is a tax friendly state to those who are no longer working. Social Security benefits are fully exempt from state income tax, and property tax rates are among the lowest in the country. Sales tax is higher to ensure the state government still receives revenue.
Have You Considered a Retirement Community?
Here’s a list of some of the many retirement communities and best places to retire in Alabama. It should show you just how much opportunity is available for this next chapter of your life.
As you look through the various cities, ask yourself some important questions:
- Where would you like to live within the city of your choosing? Downtown areas with cultural vibes or quieter slower pace communities that offer plenty of neighborhood connection.
- Are you looking to buy a house, rent an apartment, or take the plunge into a retirement community?
- Speaking of a retirement community: Have you considered a modern retirement community, with gated security, amenities, and a calendar full of activities and the chance to meet others? Many retirement communities offer luxury independent living, events and activities, fine dining, access to pools, fitness centers, walking trails, and more, all without home maintenance or property taxes.
You can learn even more by taking a moment to read the information listed on Alabama communities operated by Acts Retirement-Life Communities. Here are a few of the cities that standout as great retirement cities to live and play.
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, Money Magazine named it one of the Best Places to Retire in the US. This major city is located on the banks of the Tennessee River and 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.
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
Active retirees will find this city particularly appealing, as it has plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities that include golfing, fishing, boating, and hiking. It’s the small city with a huge heart for its residents.
Anniston
This Alabama city is a quick ride from the Georgia state line on Interstate 20. It has plenty to see and do and attractions include the Longleaf Botanical Garden, and the Anniston Museum of Natural History. For history buffs, it’s the home of the Freedom Riders National Monument.
Atmore
Atmore is located on the Alabama/Florida state line and offers some of the most peaceful, relaxing, and stress-free retirement opportunities. Choosing to retire in Atmore is ideal for anyone looking for a laid-back environment but still have the advantage of being close to modern cities like Mobile and Pensacola.
Bessemer
Close to Birmingham, Bessemer is a great city for retirees who are looking for a low-cost urban neighborhood. Its low population density is attractive to many. It’s never too crowded, has local attractions, a family atmosphere and plenty of history to boot!
Birmingham
Like some of the other larger cities mentioned in this list, Birmingham is a bustling major metropolitan center with a population of nearly 200,000, As a hub for culture and entertainment, active retirees will find plenty to do and enjoy with shopping, eateries, and lots of upscale living.
Foley
Because it is located on the Gulf coast, Foley is known for its many great outdoor activities including the beautiful, 500-acre Graham Creek Nature Preserve. The city offers retirees places for boating, beach walking, golf along with many outdoor adventures!
Gadsden
Gadsden is located an hour northeast of Birmingham. It is known for its gorgeous natural surroundings, which makes this a fantastic place for active retirees to live. If you love spending time outside this is the cultural city for you.
Helena
Helena has a small-town vibe but is only 30 minutes from Birmingham. Summers in Helena might feel a little “muggy” at times but the rest of the year, the temperatures are mild and near perfect! This means more time spent outside with friends and family.
Muscle Shoals
Muscle Shoals is an excellent retirement spot for history buffs and music fans. In fact, the city’s website states: “Muscle Shoals is a thriving town in the heart of “The Shoals” and is known as a family-friendly place for our residents to live, work, and play. The city overlooks the Tennessee river and is where the world-famous FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) Recording Studio is located in the city center! Muscle Shoals offers upscale living and plenty of nightlife activities and eateries.
Orange Beach
Beautiful Orange Beach! It borders Florida on Alabama’s Gulf Coast and is a popular destination with plenty of annual events, pristine golf courses, and of course, miles of white sandy beaches! Because of this, Orange Beach can be very busy with tourists throughout the summer, but the winter months have a much more laid-back atmosphere.
Spanish Fort
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 has 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 to larger city areas that offer top level healthcare. Spanish Fort offers all the perks of Gulf Coast living while having all the amenities you’d expect from a top-class community.
Talladega
Located right on the doorstep of the Talladega National Forest, this city offers great places to enjoy nature with plenty of walking trails and places to relax. Don’t overlook 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 love being a fan for sure.
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