The Yellowhammer State is a popular destination for seniors to retire, with a low cost of living, mild weather, and different areas designed for senior living. Alabama is indeed their sweet home for retirees, proving that while many people give the southern United States grief, they love to retire there. While many people think of its neighbor, Florida, when it comes to beaches, Alabama is home to beautiful state beaches that provide beautiful sights and weather that rivals that of the Sunshine State. So read below and see why many seniors are moving to the state where hospitality is king.
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In Alabama, the cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, being 89.3 out of the 100 national average. In addition, housing is considerably cheaper, almost 30 points lower than the national average. While utilities are slightly above the national average, the rest of the costs more than makes up for it, making Alabama an affordable place to live. Retirees looking for an affordable place to live should look to Alabama for many reasons, but its cost of living is perhaps the most significant. The chart below will give you more information about why seniors everywhere move to Alabama.
Cost-of-living indices
100 = US average. Higher means more expensive.
Housing & rent
Statewide medians and averages.
Whether you're comparing options for a parent or planning ahead for yourself, here's where to start by care level.
Assisted living provides personal care, meals, and daily support for seniors who need help with everyday tasks but not full medical supervision.
Memory care is a specialized type of senior living for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive decline.
Independent living is community housing for active seniors who want amenities, social life, and freedom from home upkeep without daily personal-care services.
Home care brings personal-care services and companionship into the senior's own home rather than moving them into a community.
A skilled nursing facility (SNF, often called a nursing home) provides 24-hour licensed medical care and rehabilitation for seniors with serious health conditions.
Senior apartments are age-restricted rental homes - typically for residents 55+ or 62+ - designed for older adults who live independently.
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Hand-picked from our directory
Birmingham, AL
4.8 · 41 reviews
Daphne, AL
4.2 · 24 reviews
Mobile, AL
4.6 · 23 reviews
Birmingham, AL
4.4 · 23 reviews
Huntsville, AL
4.0 · 23 reviews
Pelham, AL
4.9 · 22 reviews
Caregivers who come to you
Opelika, AL
4.6 · 115 reviews
Athens, AL
4.8 · 107 reviews
Birmingham, AL
4.7 · 75 reviews
Huntsville, AL
4.3 · 62 reviews
Birmingham, AL
4.5 · 54 reviews
Alexandria, AL
4.9 · 44 reviews
55+ housing without daily care
Abbeville, AL
5.0 · 2 reviews
Abbeville, AL
5.0 · 1 reviews
Abbeville, AL
5.0 · 1 reviews
Abbeville, AL
5.0 · 1 reviews
Abbeville, AL
5.0 · 1 reviews
Abbeville, AL
5.0 · 1 reviews
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Guides for families
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Fifteen senior discounts and memberships that are actually published, with the age, the price and the fine print for each, plus which store discounts are real only if your local branch says so.
More beyond care: all savings guides and all buying guides.
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