7 Best Kept Secret Places to Retire in Alabama

Alabama is quickly growing in popularity among retirees due to its affordability, tax friendliness, and warm weather. The state’s tax benefits, beaches, and tropical climate are similar to those of Florida, except you can spend far less for the same lifestyle. Many places in this southern state are big enough to offer abundant amenities and activities, while small enough to inspire a sense of community. Check out these seven best-kept secret places to retire in Alabama and learn about their average home prices and things to do. 

1. Orange Beach

While Orange Beach may not necessarily be a secret place, it’s still worth mentioning as one of the top places to retire in Alabama. This small city is on Alabama’s Gulf Coast and features an abundance of things to do, such as walking along the pier, fishing, picnicking, shopping, perusing museums, and lounging on the beach.  

Average home price: $353,000

Percentage of the population 65 years and older: 29%

2. Fairhope

Located in Baldwin County along Mobile Bay’s eastern shoreline, Fairhope is a resort community with stunning scenery, a peaceful atmosphere, and an ideal climate. It’s a popular spot for retirees and consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Alabama. Fairhope offers quiet fishing spots, brewing companies, museums, art centers, golf courses, historical landmarks, and delicious restaurants.

Average home price: $337,000

Percentage of the population 65 years and older: 23% 

3. Ozark

The small city of Ozark is in Dale County in Southeast Alabama, with a population of nearly 15,000. It has a small-town feel with friendly people and just the right number of shops and restaurants. This is a great spot if you desire a sense of community and like spending time outdoors. Ozark has many parks, historic landmarks, museums, hiking areas, and antique shopping. 

Average home price: $121,000

Percentage of the population 65 years and older: 22%  

4. Foley

Foley is another city in Baldwin County near bays, rivers, and the Gulf of Mexico. It has a dense suburban feel with both young professionals and retirees who call it home. Foley is a thriving community right next to many fun attractions but still has a low cost of living. It’s a popular spot for its large outlet mall and quiet atmosphere while being close to museums, beaches, golf courses, and state parks.

Average home price: $205,000

Percentage of the population 65 years and older: 31%

5. Cullman

Often regarded as one of the best places to live and retire in Alabama, Cullman is a lively community in North-Central Alabama, about 50 miles north of Birmingham and 55 miles south of Huntsville. Cullman is an agricultural area with some of the best parks in the state. It has a sparse suburban feel with a strong sense of community. You can spend your days walking trails at the local parks, perusing antique stores, golfing at the country club, or working on your fitness at the recreation center.

Average home price: $168,000

Percentage of the population 65 years and older: 20%

6. Cedar Bluff

The town of Cedar Bluff is in Cherokee County on the north shore of Weiss Lake in Northeast Alabama. It’s a popular retirement community with a sparse suburban feel, where you’re close to national preserves, state parks, campgrounds, and waterfalls. You are also right on the water, offering you many lake activities. Cedar Bluff is about halfway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Georgia.

Average home price: $116,000

Percentage of the population 65 years and older: 22% 

7. Florence

Ranked as one of the best places to live in Alabama, Florence is also a favorite amongst retirees. This small southern city is in the state’s northwest corner, where it sits along the Tennessee River across from Muscle Shoals. Florence is a secret place to retire in Alabama, as it is the perfect balance of things to do while keeping its charm. And you can spend your days in the perfect weather shopping in quaint stores, listening to live entertainment, sitting at a riverside restaurant, or riding your bike through the park.

Average home price: $147,000

Percentage of the population 65 years and older: 18%    

The Best Kept Secret Places to Retire in Alabama: A Recap of the Top 7