Study: Best Cities to Live in Alabama

While larger metro areas like Birmingham attract thousands of new residents each year, there's plenty to be said for some of the smaller cities and towns that dot the countryside. If you're planning a move to Alabama or you're a local who's relocating, take a look at the CreditDonkey team's list of the state's best cities before packing your bags.

Its deep cultural roots, rich historical traditions and an abundance of genteel hospitality have made Alabama a choice destination for those who are looking to settle down in the Deep South. History buffs find the Heart of Dixie (one of its unofficial nicknames) irresistible. It was here, on the steps of the state capitol building, that Jefferson Davis was sworn in as president of the Confederacy. Nearly a century later, Montgomery became the starting point for the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement.

10 Best Cities to Live in Alabama

Montgomery, Alabama

Study Methodology

Our experts ranked each city based on the following five factors:

1. Crime Rate
   
2. Commute Time
   
3. Income
   
4. Education
   
5. Restaurants Per Capita

Living in a large urban area entails certain perks, but it also tends to come with a higher crime rate. We considered how safe each city is, based on the odds of becoming the victim of a violent crime.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people who ride their bicycle to work each day in Huntsville doubled between 2006 and 2011. Most of us still have to get to work by other means, and the question of commute length is often the first concern when moving to a new location. We calculated the average commute time for each city so you know what to expect.

Alabama's diverse economy offers some unique opportunities for job hunters. If you're planning a move to help boost your career, settling down in an area where the residents are highly educated can up the odds of collecting a fat paycheck. For each city in our study, we looked at the median household income and the percentage of residents who hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

From barbecue and sweet tea to collard greens and cornbread, the south is known for its regional cuisine. We ranked each city based on the number of restaurants per capita to find those spots that are sure to appeal to any palate.

10. Tuscaloosa

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 192
  
• Commute Time: 17.7 minutes
  
• Income: $35,785
  
• Percentage of Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 32.6%
  
• Restaurants: 1 per 421 inhabitants

Home to the University of Alabama and Stillman College, this lively college town centers on three things: football, education, and some of the tastiest barbecue south of the Mason Dixon line. Founded by "Big Daddy" John Bishop, Dreamland Bar-B-Q serves up 'Bama style ribs, chicken, and pork with a casual, down-home feel to locals and visitors alike.

Did You Know: The University of Alabama was the site of the infamous "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door," when Governor George C. Wallace unsuccessfully attempted to deny entry to the school's first African-American students.

9. Dothan

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 208
  
• Commute Time: 18.1 minutes
  
• Income: $42,943
  
• Percentage of Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 23.2%
  
• Restaurants: 1 per 381 inhabitants

The self-styled "Peanut Capital of the World," Dothan is tucked away in the southeast corner of Alabama, about a two-hour drive from Tallahassee. While peanuts are big business, they're not the only thing that's growing strong. The Southeast Alabama Medical Center is the area's top employer, and newcomers can also try their luck in the retail and hospitality industries, which have taken off dramatically over the last 10 years. If you're having trouble finding your way around town, the streets are dotted with quirky peanut statues that help point the way.

Did You Know: Each year, residents and visitors gather to celebrate the National Peanut Festival, a 10-day event that celebrates Dothan's agricultural heritage.

8. Montgomery

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 253
  
• Commute Time: 18.8 minutes
  
• Income: $43,390
  
• Percentage of Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 31%
  
• Restaurants: 1 per 515 inhabitants

Montgomery is more than just the state capital; it's also home to several major colleges and universities, a key processing center for agriculture, and the site of some of the most important events of the last 60 years, including Rosa Parks’ protest of segregation on buses. Despite its status as a fast-paced metropolis, Montgomery continues to honor its rich heritage, a fact that earned it the distinction of being USA Today's Best Historic City for 2014.

Did You Know: One of Montgomery's most popular attractions is the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, one of the largest festivals in the world.

7. Huntsville

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 108
  
• Commute Time: 18.1 minutes
  
• Income: $48,632
  
• Percentage of Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 38.4%
  
• Restaurants: 1 per 420 inhabitants

This hi-tech city of more than 180,000 residents boasts one of the strongest economies in the state, thanks to the presence of the Army's Redstone Arsenal and the Marshall Flight Space Center. Workers can also find opportunities in the manufacturing, retail and service industries, but life in Huntsville isn't all work and no play. The city's nightlife scene includes more than 400 restaurants and bars like The Nook, where you can take your pick from 120 different kinds of beer.

Did You Know: The Marshall Flight Space Center played an active role in the development of several key space initiatives, including Skylab and the International Space Station.

6. Prattville

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 575
  
• Commute Time: 22.6 minutes
  
• Income: $58,773
  
• Percentage of Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 28.6%
  
• Restaurants: 1 per 484 inhabitants

Residents come to Prattville for its small-town charm, affordable housing and friendly people. Visitors, on the other hand, come for the golf. Less than a 20-minute drive northwest of Montgomery, Prattville's Capital Hill Golf Course is one of the most popular stops on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. From the quaint Main Street storefronts to the scenic Autauga Canoe Creek Trail, Prattville has something for just about everyone.

Did You Know: Prattville is sometimes called "The Fountain City," due to the large number of still-functioning Artesian wells in the area.

5. Auburn

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 415
  
• Commute Time: 17.3 minutes
  
• Income: $37,590
  
• Percentage of Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 59.7%
  
• Restaurants: 1 per 382 inhabitants

Auburn is synonymous with championship football. If you're not already a Tigers fan when you move here, the locals will do their best to convert you. Auburn University is the number one employer, but a recent influx of research and tech companies have attracted a fast-growing crop of professionals as well. Many bars and restaurants cater to the student crowd, and more upscale eateries like Amsterdam's Cafe and Maestro 2300 are easily findable too.

Did You Know: "War Eagle" is not only the battle cry of Tiger fans, it's also the traditional greeting when you spot someone wearing Auburn University gear.

4. Enterprise

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 245
  
• Commute Time: 18.6 minutes
  
• Income: $50,973
  
• Percentage of Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 28.1%
  
• Restaurants: 1 per 409 inhabitants

Nicknamed the "City of Progress," Enterprise has transformed from a single store to a thriving military town. Nearby Fort Rucker serves as the linchpin of the town's economy, although agriculture continues to play an important role. If you're looking for some not-so-clean fun, head to BamaJam Farms, where you can ride the mud trails by day and camp out under the stars at night.

Did You Know: Erected in 1919, the Boll Weevil Monument is Enterprise's most recognizable landmark and the world's only memorial to honor an insect.

3. Hoover

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 957
  
• Commute Time: 23.6 minutes
  
• Income: $76,061
  
• Percentage of Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 56%
  
• Restaurants: 1 per 525 inhabitants

Just over 10 miles south of Birmingham, Hoover is the largest suburb in the metro area. Despite its size, Hoover ranks as one of the safest cities on our list, and residents average a healthy chunk of change on payday. If you're looking for something to do, Oak Mountain State Park and the Birmingham Zoo are only a short drive away. When you'd rather stay indoors, check out the Riverchase Galleria, which features more than 1.5 million square feet of retail shopping space.

Did You Know: The Hoover Metropolitan Stadium was once the home of minor league baseball's Birmingham Barons. The Barons made headlines in 1994 when NBA star Michael Jordan briefly joined the team's line-up as an outfielder.

2. Madison

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 487
  
• Commute Time: 19.4 minutes
  
• Income: $92,136
  
• Percentage of Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 56.2%
  
• Restaurants: 1 per 548 inhabitants

Less than 12 miles outside of Huntsville, Madison boasts a highly educated workforce and an ever-expanding business community. The locals here are easygoing, but don't be surprised if you find yourself in a heated debate about which restaurant serves the best barbecue. Smokey's is known for its Texas-style 'cue but if you're looking for a side of nostalgia with your ribs, head over to the Greenbrier on Old Highway 20.

Did You Know: Part of Madison is located in the "dry" county of Limestone, which means if you're in the mood for a cocktail with dinner, you're out of luck.

1. Vestavia Hills

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 1,554
  
• Commute Time: 20 minutes
  
• Income: $85,417
  
• Percentage of Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 68.9%
  
• Restaurants: 1 per 550 inhabitants

Another suburb of Birmingham, Vestavia Hills sits less than 10 miles south of downtown. Despite being so close to the metro area, you won't find a safer city on our list, which is a major selling point for families, job seekers, and retirees. The schools are some of the best in the state, receiving national recognition for both their academic and athletic programs. If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, head to nearby Lake Purdy to reel in some catfish, crappie, or bass.

Did You Know: Sophomore, junior, and senior girls who attend Vestavia Hills High School can apply to become a Vestavia Belle. A longstanding tradition in Vestavia, the Belles play an active role in promoting civic and charitable events throughout the city.

True southerners know that it's not just geography that sets Alabama apart from the rest of the country. Using our rankings as a guide, new and old residents alike can find the best place to call home.

Data Sources:

• U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates
  
• FBI, Uniform Crime Reports
  
• U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
  
• U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census