“Sweet Home Alabama” is not only a state that is famous for song lyrics, but it is an affordable and scenic place for retirement. Many retirement-friendly towns have lower than the national average housing costs, which adds to their livability! Alabama also does not tax Social Security benefits, so retirees can keep more money in their pockets. Alabama boasts beautiful landscapes with scenic waterfront destinations on the Gulf Coast as well as mountainous countryside like those of Oak Mountain State Park. Whether you come here for the music and stay for the views, Alabama has everything to make your retirement sweet.
Relaxing Alabama TownsFrom the tree-lined streets of Magnolia Springs to the sparkling beaches of Orange Beach, these destinations promise a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and laid-back charm.
Orange Beach
Orange Beach presents a beautifully scenic beach retirement destination that hosts numerous outdoor activities. Orange Beach is located right on the Gulf Coast and provides a resort-like feel for all of its residents. The town boasts an annual average temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, so you will always feel like you are on vacation. Orange Beach also hosts recreation facilities that rival any beach town in the U.S. The Orange Beach Sportsplex and Recreation Center feature a full-length aquatic center as well as eight tennis courts. The Orange Beach Waterfront Park is the perfect place if you want to watch the sunset or fish. Wolf Bay offers a great pier for fishing and taking in the views of the coast. The beach is just a short drive from the South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, which won the Patient Safety Excellence Award in 2023.
Gulf Shores
Another ideal beach retirement location is Gulf Shores. Gulf Shores is a slightly larger community housing approximately 15,000 residents, which means it has perfect amenities for retirees. Firstly, Gulf Shores has a vibrant senior population, with 26% of residents being over the age of 65. The world-renowned beaches feature an array of activities, including fishing, dolphin cruises, and parasailing! Gulf State Park is a must-see, with breathtaking views and a variety of walking or biking trails. Other nature activities include the Gulf Coast Zoo and the Ben Secour Wildlife Refuge if you want to see some local and international wildlife. Gulf Shores also has better-than-average crime rates, so you can have peace of mind during your retirement.
Mountain Brook
Mountain Brook is a suburb of Birmingham and has all the amenities to ensure an excellent quality of life for retirees. A city survey in 2023 discovered that 99% of residents were satisfied with the overall quality of life in the city. That same survey also found that 100% of residents rated Mountain Brook as an excellent place to live. To accompany this pristine quality of life are outstanding medical facilities in nearby Birmingham. Medical facilities like Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham were given the Outstanding Patient Experience Award in 2024, while UAB Hospital is ranked among the best in cardiac surgery. Both of these hospitals are within 3 miles of Mountain Brook. You can stay active in your retirement by walking on the Cahaba River Walk, which is a 5-acre park equipped with walking and bike trails. Mountain Brook is also extremely safe and has a low crime rate.
Foley
Foley is a top-ranked retirement town in the U.S., known for its cost-effectiveness. The median sold home price in Foley is $100,000 below the national average, and the property tax rate is only 0.39%. The town also boasts an award-winning medical center at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, located just a short drive from downtown Foley. Foley hosts a rich cultural event scene. Located in downtown Foley is the Heritage Park Marketplace, where events such as farmers’ markets, movies in the park, and concerts happen all year.
Fairhope
Fairhope is known for its safe environment while providing picturesque Gulf Coast living. The town has a vibrant senior community, with 26% of residents over the age of 65 and a median age of 45. With such a big portion of residents being seniors, the town caters immensely to retirees. Homestead Village of Fairhope organizes a full calendar of events for seniors to stay engaged with the town. Activities such as planned retreats, socials, and live entertainment will keep you active and familiar with the residents as you retire. No need to travel far distances for great healthcare. Fairhope features Thomas Hospital, which is located very close to downtown.
Vestavia Hills
Vestavia Hills is a very convenient, senior-friendly community located very close to the larger city of Birmingham. Seniors in Vestavia Hills enjoy recreation at the numerous parks and trails like Altadena Valley Park, which is equipped with disc golf, canoes, and archery! The Merkel House is a senior accommodation facility that provides seniors with weekday meals and activity programs in order to form a familial bond with each other. The town also hosts a Meals on Wheels program if you want meals delivered right to your house. Vestavia Hills has an extremely low violent crime rate, placing it among the safest cities in America. The town also features some of the world’s best medical care facilities near Birmingham, such as Brookwood Baptist Medical Center and UAB Hospital. Both of which are award-winning medical facilities!
Pelham
Pelham, Alabama, is a suburb of Birmingham that offers retirees an affordable cost of living with excellent outdoor activities. Many retirees flock to the area for the exceptionally reasonable median sold home costs that are about $438,700. In terms of outdoor activities, Pelham is home to some one-of-a-kind opportunities, such as Oak Mountain State Park. This illustrious park is Alabama’s largest state park and is packed with miles of trails, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. There are also watersports and boat rentals available for those who love to fish or water ski. For those who love to golf, Pelham features the beautiful Ballantrae Golf Club, which includes 18 holes and a restaurant so you can enjoy your day at the course. Pelham is surrounded by top-notch medical centers like Shelby Baptist Medical Center, which is local, and Brookwood Baptist Medical Center, which is only a short drive away.
Tuscumbia
Tuscumbia, known as the birthplace of Helen Keller, is a town that is renowned for its beloved history and its love of nature. In Tuscumbia, you can explore Helen Keller’s Birthplace and Home while visiting the museum that is dedicated to her. You can learn more about the history of Tuscumbia by visiting the Belle Mont Mansion, which features the architectural history of the town and allows you to appreciate the cultural heritage of the region. Tuscumbia is a heavenly oasis for outdoor lovers! Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve offers an earthly paradise for those who want to stay active by hiking the picturesque landscape. You may even find a waterfall in your hiking adventure! The town is starting to become very popular with those seeking retirement, as 23% of Tuscumbia’s population are seniors over the age of 65! With housing costs being especially affordable, Tuscumbia provides a perfect retirement destination.
Muscle Shoals
Muscle Shoals is a town that harmonizes music, history, and culture with a love for the great outdoors. Music lovers everywhere will immediately recognize Muscle Shoals, known as the “Hit Recording Capital of the World”, from the famous song “Sweet Home Alabama”. The town is rich with music history, which can be explored at the FAME Recording Studio, where music legends like Otis Redding, Alabama, and Etta James all recorded their songs. Aside from its rich musical atmosphere, Muscle Shoals features relaxing recreation. The Tennessee River is just to the north of the town, which provides ideal fishing opportunities for retirees. Wilson Dam and Wilson Lake also feature perfect areas for other water-based activities like boating. Hiking enthusiasts will find the Rock of Ages Trail satisfying as they travel along a number of historically significant trails, all with great stories to tell…