7 Best Places to Retire in Alabama

6. Jefferson

Score: 12

Median home price: $142,000

Cost of living index: 88.3

Average commute time: 23.36

Crime rate: 51

Doctors per 100K: 503

In the northern half of Alabama, you can find Jefferson County, home to over 658,000 people. Since the county only spreads over 1,124 square miles, there’s a pretty high density so you’re never too far from the hustle and bustle of a crowded city. The county seat of Jefferson is Birmingham, which is actually the most populous city in the whole of Alabama.

Residents and visitors can enjoy visiting the Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge, which is a 25 acre land over in Bessemer City. Its purpose is to protect the endangered species of watercress darter. Therefore, fishing isn’t permitted on the refuge, but you can hike and enjoy some time out in the wild.

The median home price in Jefferson County is $142,000 while the cost of living index is 88.3, considerably lower than the national average. Since healthcare is such an important issue, especially after a certain age, you should know there are 503 physicians for every 100,000 residents.