Alabama has been one of the many thriving states in the U.S. in the last few years. The state offers the best of both worlds, with miles of mountain ranges and sandy beaches.
Alabama is a popular destination as people flock to the South for some Southern hospitality and a better life. Many homes for sale in Enterprise, AL are in demand, but those aren’t the only top regions in the Heart of Dixie. Keep reading for a comparison between the most in-demand destinations in Alabama.
1. Huntsville
County: Madison
Population: 225,564
Huntsville is the largest city in Alabama and is the most populated region on this list. But don’t let that stop you from considering the city in the foothills of the stunning Appalachian Mountains. The first capital of Alabama has a rich history in the development of technology used in exploring outer space.
The local attractions include botanical gardens, an art museum, and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. According to sources online, the median price of homes in Huntsville, Alabama, is $335,000.
2. Muscle Shoals
County: Colbert
Population: 17,210
Muscle Shoals is Colbert County’s largest city, with over 15,000 residents. The town sits on the bank of the Tennessee River, which offers unlimited outdoor recreational activities. Muscle Shoals is known for its storied music history. Iconic acts like Cher, Aretha Franklin, and The Rolling Stones recorded in the city’s famous FAME Studios.
Muscle Shoals is a dream destination for outdoors lovers, with multiple trails at Wilson Dam and the Old Riverway Bridge Co., now converted to nature walkways. The median home price in Muscle Shoals is around $275,000.
3. Pelham
County: Shelby
Population: 25,121
Pelham, Alabama, is located about 15 miles south of bustling Birmingham. It is one of several popular destinations for those looking to move to Shelby County. It is home to Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s largest state park. Pelham also boasts a golf club, a racquet club, and a city park that has a splash pad for the kids.
The city was named after a Confederate Civil War officer, John Pelham. The median home varies between $290,000 and $399,000, depending on the online source.
4. Calera
County: Shelby and Chilton
Population: 18,189
Calera, Alabama, rests in both Shelby and Chilton counties. It’s located between Birmingham and the state’s capital, Montgomery. Calera’s Downtown District is on the national registry list of historical places. The city played a major role in train travel between Louisville and Montgomery in the late 1880s. Train tracks still remain, a constant reminder of the city’s long history.
Calera is more than just train tracks, though. The city has its fair share of outdoor activities, restaurants, and shopping destinations. The median price of homes is $238,900.
5. Hoover
County: Jefferson and Shelby
Population: 92,448
Jefferson and Shelby counties both claim Hoover, Alabama, as one of their domains. It’s built on Alabama’s longest river, the Cahaba River. It is the sixth-largest city in the state and is located near Vestavia Hills. The city boasts Moss Rock Preserve, a nature preserve of over 300 acres of hiking trails and other outdoor adventures.
For those who prefer to stay inside, Riverchase Galleria is a $300 million dollar shopping and entertainment center. The median price for a home in Hoover, Alabama, is $487,000.
6. Moores Mill
County: Madison
Population: 6,729
If you’re looking to move to a small town, you likely won’t find much smaller than Moores Mill. The rural area of Alabama is home to less than 7 thousand people. Located ten miles north of Huntsville, it’s perfect for those who want to live a quiet life but still be close to the action.
The median price of homes in the charming small town in the South is $320,000.
7. Hartselle
County: Morgan
Population: 15,875
Hartselle is another historic town in Alabama. It was named after a founding owner of the South and North Alabama Railroad. Hartsell’s downtown district was put on the registry of historic places for its train depots and post office. Reeves’ Peach Farm is a popular destination for homemade ice cream.
Given its rich history, it’s no surprise that Hartselle has several antique shops to browse. The median price of homes is $274,600.
8. Meadowbrook
County: Shelby
Population: 9,338
Meadowbrook is a growing suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. The thriving metropolitan area is perfect for young professionals looking to boost their careers. The family-friendly town has less than 10,000 residents but isn’t secluded or off-putting. Meadowbrook has activities for children and adults.
The median price for a home is a reasonable $279,900.
9. Madison
County: Madison
Population: 60,854
Madison, Alabama, is a rapidly developing city that offers a high-quality life for business professionals and growing families alike. It has a strong reputation for being a safe and welcoming town in the Southeast. The city of 60,000 boasts high-quality schools and ample employment opportunities.
The city is popular for its Rainbow Mountain Trails and Toyota Field, which hosts the Rocket City Trash Pandas minor league baseball team. The median cost of homes is around $426,900.
10. Alexandria
County: Calhoun
Population: 3,748
Alexandria, Alabama, is a small, close-knit community between larger cities, Anniston and Gadsden. The average age of the nearly 4,000 residents is 40. Alexandria may be small, but it boasts a long history of over 200 years. It’s home to the historic antebellum plantation, the Green-Woodruff House. Highway 431 runs through the small town, making it easily accessible to the bigger cities in the area.
The median home in Alexandria, Alabama, is $329,000.
Alabama ranks as the 24th most-populated state in the U.S., but that number is steadily growing. There are endless reasons why people are moving to the Southern state, including job opportunities and down-home living. Alabama has it all, from beaches and exquisite waterfalls to endless mountains. Look to Sweet Home Alabama for the perfect place to live.
