The 9 Most Beautiful Places to Live In Alabama That Are Still Affordable

Alabama is known for being one of the most affordable places to live in the United States, with a low cost of living second only to Mississippi. With lush, natural settings, there are also several towns worth exploring and putting down roots in. Unfortunately, places like Dauphin Island and Fairhope—while lovely—are expensive.

In this article, we’ll cover 9 of the most beautiful places to live in Alabama that are still affordable.

Eufaula

If you like natural settings and historic buildings, Eufaula may be the place for you. With a cost of living that’s up to 25% lower than the national average, this lovely area is the perfect blend of beauty and affordability.

Also known as the Bass Capital of the World, Eufaula boasts 640 miles of shoreline. Spend your weekends wandering Lakepoint State Park or the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge.

Gulf Shores

While the cost of living is slightly higher in Gulf Shores than the Alabama average, it’s still 5.5% lower than the national average. However, as one of the most beautiful places to live in Alabama, it’s worth it.

Gulf Shores has some of the nation’s most stunning shorelines and beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Or head into the woods on a hiking adventure at nearby Gulf State Park. There’s a reason tourists flock to Gulf Shores every year.

Guntersville

If lakeside living is your dream, Guntersville is the place to be. Home of Guntersville Lake, which stretches 75 miles, Guntersville has plenty of opportunities for fishing, sailing, swimming, and more.

It gets better—the cost of living in Guntersville is almost 20% lower than the national average and 4.3% lower than Alabama’s average, for the perfect blend of affordability and beauty.

Magnolia Springs

If small-town Southern living is your dream, consider Magnolia Springs. This charming area has a population of around 1400 people. With stunning trees, scenic rivers, and historic homes, Magnolia Springs is a lovely place to get away from it all.

The cost of living is 5.5% lower than the national average and 12.4% higher than the Alabama average.

Mentone

If you dream of mountain living, consider Mentone for your new home. This scenic area is located on Lookout Mountain in a lush, forested area surrounded by nature, and only 300 permanent residents.

The cost of living in Mentone is 25.2% lower than the national average and 11.1% lower than the Alabama average.

Mountain Brook

Despite the name, Mountain Brook boasts a thriving town with a population of around 22,000 people. While it’s slightly above the average cost of living in Alabama, it’s 13.0% lower than the national average.

Mountain Brook has a bustling village with gorgeous historic properties, hiking trails, old mills, mountain views, and access to great amenities. However, the homes are notoriously expensive compared to the rest of Alabama.

Muscle Shoals

One of the most beautiful places to live in Alabama is Muscle Shoals. This oft-overlooked region has a population of under 17,000 people, and a cost of living that’s 20.7% lower than the national average and 5.7% lower than the Alabama average.

There are a few things that make this area special. First is its musical culture, as iconic artists like Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones recorded here. Second is its fascinating cave system, waterfalls, and natural elements—there’s always something to do or explore.

Opelika

Despite its population of around 30,000 people, Opelika has a small-town feel. The buildings offer a vintage Americana vibe with historic buildings and charm. Meanwhile, residents have access to plenty of modern entertainment and great schools.

Opelika is one of the more costly areas in Alabama, with a cost of living 9.3% higher than the state average. However, it’s still 8.1% lower than the national average, making it a viable option.

Tuscumbia

With a population of approximately 9,000 people, Tuscumbia is a quiet town surrounded by incredible natural elements. Home of the Alabama Spring Park, you can spend your weekend in the fresh air, hiking and visiting waterfalls.

Like nearby Muscle Shoals (it’s right around the corner), this area is steeped in musical history. It also shares the same cost of living: 20.7% lower than the national average and 5.7% lower than Alabama’s average.

Beautiful Places to Live In Alabama: A Summary

Beautiful Alabama Town	Cost of Living vs. US Average	Cost of Living vs. Alabama
Eufaula	25.4% lower	11.3% lower
Gulf Shores	5.5% lower	12.4% higher
Guntersville	19.5% lower	4.3% lower
Magnolia Springs	5.5% lower	12.4% higher
Mentone	25.2% lower	11.1% lower
Mountain Brook	13.0% lower	3.4% higher
Muscle Shoals	20.7% lower	5.7% lower
Opelika	8.1% lower	9.3% higher
Tuscumbia	20.7% lower	5.7% lower

This is a summary of the most affordable, beautiful places to live in Alabama. Source: bestplaces

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About the Author

Nikita Ross

Nikita Ross is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering plants, gardening, and yard care. Nikita has been writing for over seven years and holds a Marketing diploma from NSCC, which she earned in 2010. A resident of Canada, Nikita enjoys reading in her library, epic beach naps, and waiting for her Coffea arabica plant to produce coffee beans (no luck yet).

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