5 Cheapest and Safest Places To Live in Alabama
If you’re looking to escape the harsh winters up north and find some southern hospitality, you may want to check out Alabama. According to SoFi and the MERIC Index, which ranks the cost of living by state, Alabama has about a 12% lower cost of living than the United States average.
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Just as with every state, some places in Alabama offer even more affordability and safety than others. Here is a look at some of the cheapest and safest places to live in the state.
Mobile
If you’re looking to move to Alabama, Mobile tops SoFi’s list of best affordable places in the state. In fact, according to SoFi: “Despite all the city has to offer, the cost of living is low and homes are relatively inexpensive.”
While Mobile’s home price-to-income ratio is at 4.09, higher than the 2.6 or below that’s considered healthy, home prices in Mobile are still considered affordable compared to many other Alabama cities (and the U.S. more broadly). Rent prices also are almost 40% lower than the national median.
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Birmingham
Another big Alabama city — Birmingham — also makes the top list of affordable cities in the state. Affordable homes and rentals are available, though prices in Birmingham can range quite dramatically. The home price-to-income ratio in Birmingham is 4.27, and the median rent is $1,150.
Homewood
You also may want to check out the Birmingham suburb of Homewood — one of the safest in the state. The public schools here also are highly rated.
According to Niche, Homewood is among the best and safest places to live in Alabama. You’ll find a dense suburban feel with lots of restaurants and parks.
Montgomery
In Montgomery, you’ll find a cost of living that’s much lower than the national average. In fact, the home price-to-income ratio here is a healthy 1.84 — so you’ll likely find something to buy (or rent) well within your target range.
Athens
You’ll find a small, quiet community in Athens. Here, you’ll also have access to affordable rental and home prices.
The median rental price is $1,700, but you can definitely score some deals in Athens. Rent prices are generally down, along with home prices, but houses are moving pretty quickly.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Cheapest and Safest Places To Live in Alabama
