Are you planning to settle down in Alabama or perhaps relocate to a new area within the state? IF YES! Then one crucial factor to weigh is the safety and overall environment.

Especially Alabama, which is widely known as a violent state with a concerning crime rate. However, this doesn’t mean that there are no safe places to call home.

Across Alabama, there are plenty of secure destinations offering a quality lifestyle with superb facilities, reliable infrastructure, well-kept roads, and all the essential amenities you need for daily life.

Plus, I have personally explored most of them and have friends residing in the rest of the cities, towns, and villages. So, I can confidently guide you towards the perfect place to settle down, whether you’re looking to live independently or raise a family.

City/Town	Rating (Out of 5)
Rainbow	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Helena	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mountain Brook	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alabaster	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Southside	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pleasant Grove	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Moody	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Daphne	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vestavia Hills	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Warrior	⭐⭐⭐⭐

– Safest places to live in Alabama –

1. Rainbow City 👌🏻

• Population – 9,602
• Crime rate – 12 per 1000
• Famous for – Quiet and low crime
• Nearest city – Birmingham
• Common crime – Property

I want to start directly by listing the best place in Alabama that you can call home. Whether you want your safety, top-notch facilities, a friendly neighborhood or a serene environment, this city is absolute.

But,  why did I put this at the top? IT’S SIMPLE! Rainbow City is the safest city in Alabama with a crime rate of a mere 12. So, in terms of safety, it’s a perfect candidate. However, just because you are safe you shouldn’t choose your next home city. You need to check other factors.

Now, if you want a tranquil environment and a friendly neighborhood, this city is perfect. Plus it has a very small population, so you will have enough place and a house for yourself and your family.

In a city, people also want decent parks, fountains and other adventure and fun activities. Luckily, this rainbow city has an abundance of it. So, along with a peaceful life, you also have a lot of enjoyment.

Talking about nature and infrastructure, this city has plenty of greenery and a good infrastructure that is perfectly merged to create a gorgeous and charming surrounding.

Finally, it also has sufficient schools, hospitals, job opportunities and a police station to make it a complete and practical city. And, the nearby city of Birmingham creates more opportunities and facilities for yourself.

2. Helena city 🏫

• Population – 22,521
• Crime rate – 40 per 1000
• Famous for – Places to visit
• Nearest city – Birmingham
• Common crime – Normal

Similar to Rainbow City, this city is also a tranquil and safe city to call home ranking 2nd on the list of safest cities in Alabama. However, there are some differences you should be familiar with.

First, the best thing I like about this city is its location. It is very near to Birmingham city. Birmingham is one of the most famous and economic capitals of Alabama. So, it provides job opportunities, entertainment options, amazing city life, nightlife, shops, malls, cafes, pubs and many attractions.

The second thing I like about this city is the surroundings. It offers a pleasant suburban environment with a strong sense of community and a super-friendly neighborhood. However, you might feel disconnected or a communication gap between every house. But, that depends on each individual.

In my opinion, this place is well-suited for families. Because of its amazing transportation for your daily up and down, education thanks to the Helena Elementary School and Helena High School, and several parks for refreshing walks.

In terms of amenities, Helena has essential services like healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and restaurants at walking distance ensuring that residents have convenient access to daily necessities. 

Everything is affordable except a house and utilities so you have to manage. Otherwise, it’s a dream destination for many families and even individuals to get the peaceful life they deserve and dream of.

Overall, Helena City provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for individuals and families looking to settle down in a suburban setting.

3. Mountain Brook 🥂

• Population – 20,373
• Crime rate – 10 per 1000
• Famous for – Birmingham Zoo
• Nearest city – Birmingham
• Common crime – Normal

Now, if you want to live in a well-structured or Porsche area in Alabama while being safe, Mountain Brook should be your choice.

Renowned for its picturesque neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and elegant homes, Mountain Brook offers a tranquil yet sophisticated atmosphere. In short, it is a very charming, safe, and family-friendly city.

This city is one of the most expensive cities in Alabama, which is why there are several richest people residing here and it is visible through the houses, roads and other amenities.

But, if you are looking for only a safe place to live, then this place might be a perfect destination. Because the crime rate of Mountain Brook is 10 per 1,000 residents which is almost negligible.

You will find several local shops for daily life necessities, however, you can also opt to drive to a nearby city and buy the ration (groceries+necessities) of the whole month at more reasonable rates.

And, if you love adventure and outdoor activities, then you will adore it. Because it has plenty of parks, green areas, recreational activities, nature and outdoor opportunities.

Another benefit of this city is the school system. It has some amazing and renowned schools like Mountain Brook Elementary, and Mountain Brook Junior High, that consistently rank among the best in the state.

Moreover, there are several shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and much more for suitable amenities and to aid you in a leisurely life.

4. Alabaster 💹

• Population –  33,501
• Crime rate – 9 per 1,000 
• Famous for – Parks
• Nearest city – Birmingham
• Common crime – Property

If you want to live in a rural-like city with a decent cost of living and a peaceful environment, then Alabaster can be an amazing choice. Thanks to its family-friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community, Alabaster provides residents with a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

First, let’s take a look at its safety level. So, being nestled very close to Birmingham, the security is already very tight, and the local police give their 100% to keep the crime rate of this city under 22 crimes per 1000 residents which is generally safe. 

Now, The key highlights of this city are its strategic location, amenities, shopping, dining, Education and Job opportunities. 

It is located near Birmingham with an amazing network of roads and highways. So, on weekends you can explore Birmingham or pay frequent visits for necessities. You can also seek a job and higher education in Birmingham. 

Besides Birmingham, the city’s growing economy and business-friendly environment offer opportunities for employment and economic prosperity which ultimately affect or improve your quality of living.

The city has some amazing restaurants, cafes, shops and entertainment options like Colonial Promenade.  So, on evenings or weekends, you can even explore this city and try their cuisines or shopping facilities for everyday necessities to specialty items.

Overall, Alabaster City provides a balanced mix of suburban charm, amenities, and opportunities, making it an attractive destination for individuals and families seeking a high quality of life.

5. Southside 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

• Population – 8,774
• Crime rate – 4 per 1,000
• Famous for – Noccalula Falls Park
• Nearest city – Gadsden
• Common crime – Violent and property 

If you’re looking for a tranquil and pleasant city with a strong sense of community with tons of fun things to do, then Southside City might be your dream home city.

Fun fact- This city is located just opposite of Rainbow City (Our very first city)

First, talking about safety, it has a mere 9 thousand population which results in a crime rate of 3.59 per 100- residents. It is almost negligible, with almost zero rapes and robberies.

Now talking about livelihood, the key highlight of this city is the neighbors and friendly people. Residents often come together for local events, festivals, and community gatherings, fostering a sense of belonging and fellowship among neighbors.

Moreover, the city has some renowned schools that provide high-quality education with some fantastic extracurricular activities for students.

If you crave for some adventure but also a pleasant surrounding and nature, then this city might be your perfect destination. It has some amazing parks and outdoor recreational areas where you can indulge in some activities like hiking, fishing, and picnicking.

Plus, the city boasts amazing shopping and dining options, with local businesses and restaurants catering to residents’ needs and preferences. Luckily, the city is located in Gadsden City which provides access to larger retail centers, famous attractions and entertainment venues.

Southside’s advantageous position close to major highways and interstates enables effortless travel to nearby cities for both work and leisure. Despite its peaceful surroundings, Southside maintains convenient access to urban amenities and employment opportunities.

In a nutshell, this city boasts an amazing and peaceful life with amazing facilities and life opportunities to either live or raise a family.

6. Pleasant Grove 🔇

• Population – 10,105
• Crime rate – 1 per 1000
• Famous for – Strawberry Day
• Nearest city – Birmingham 
• Common crime – Property crime

Next, I have Pleasant Grove City in Alabama. And, as its name suggests, it’s a very pleasant and charming city to call home. I am sure that just the visuals and surroundings of town will captivate you.

In my opinion, It is the most welcoming city in Alabama which is best suited for almost everyone, like individuals, couples, or even families. It is clean, quiet and gorgeous.

However, the cost of living here is neither cheap nor expensive. Because it has amazing schools, a well-managed police station, good infrastructure and much more that increases the living, but all of these enhance your life experience..

Moreover, it is also considered a safe place to settle down in life, thanks to its low crime rate and even the police system of this town is wonderful and cooperative. They make sure to keep the crime rate minimal.

Plus, it is loaded with awesome activities and places to explore, like amusement parks, water parks, normal parks and much more. So, at least it won’t let you feel bored. A few examples are Pleasant Grove Park and Treetop Family Adventure which offers hiking, picnicking, sports and other outdoor activities and leisure for residents of all ages.

Despite its suburban setting, Pleasant Grove maintains accessibility to urban amenities and employment opportunities. Its strategic location near major highways and interstates allows for easy commuting to neighboring cities for work or leisure.

In short, Pleasant Grove offers a peaceful and family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed and fulfilling lifestyle in Alabama. 

7. Moody 🏞️

• Population – 13,134
• Crime rate – 1 in 194
• Famous for –  First Miracle League ball field 
• Nearest city – Birmingham
• Common crime – Robbery

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option but with all the basic facilities of the city, then Moody Town might be an amazing choice. COZ, it is a perfect blend of a comfortable and tranquil lifestyle.

Generally, It is a safe town and even family-friendly thanks to its serene environment and amazing neighborhood that are willing to help you on every step.

Currently, it is a small town, but every year it is evolving at a rapid speed with new facilities and improved living. WHO KNOWS?  It might become a fully-fledged city in the coming years. So, settling here right now might be a good decision.

Fun fact- It also houses Carpenetti’s Pizzeria, one of the leading companies of Pizza in the whole of Alabama.

It also has some renowned schools for quality education, like Moody Elementary School and Moody High School, providing quality education and extracurricular opportunities for students. Plus, it has tons of fun activities to do with your whole family, like

Moody boasts a strong sense of community, with residents often coming together for local events, festivals, and community activities.

For more, it has well-built roads, a good transportation system, well-structured houses and lush greenery to make it a perfect home destination

In terms of amenities, Moody offers a variety of shopping and dining options, but being located near Birmingham, residents also have the option to take a small drive and reach Birmingham for more options.

In short, it is a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for its new residents.

8. Daphne ⛱️

• Population – 26,618
• Crime rate – 0 per 1000
• Famous for – Jubilee
• Nearest city – Mobile City
• Common crime – Property

Have you heard of the infamous Mobile City of Alabama? YES! Then, if you wanna live near it, then Daphne town can be an incredible choice. However, if you just want a serene and peaceful town to settle in, then it is still a fantastic choice.

It is a perfect blend of high quality of life characterized by a mix of coastal charm, suburban comfort, and modern amenities. Plus, being located near Mobile City you can also exploit the facilities of both a metro city and a tranquil town.

This town is famous for being a low-crime city with a high graduation rate. That means it has some amazing and prestigious schools. So, if you are planning to settle with your family, you don’t have to worry about your kid’s education and safety.

The normal cost of living in Daphne is $1724 which includes waterfront estates to cozy neighborhoods, providing diverse choices for residents. Additionally, the town has some fantastic parks, fountains and places to enjoy some fun time with your family while also trying some adventure activities like hiking, fishing, boating etc

Moreover, Daphne’s location near major highways and interstates makes it easy to commute to nearby cities for work opportunities or leisure. Plus, The town also has its own thriving economy, with employment opportunities available in various industries.

It also has some amazing seafood and beach destinations for fishermen and beach lovers, plus amenities like local cuisine, dining options, grocery stores and much more.

In short, if you want to live in an evolved town near a famous metro city, then Daphne Town might be your next home destination.

9. Vestavia Hills 🫰🏽

• Population –  33,831
• Crime rate – 8.09
• Famous for – High graduation rate
• Nearest city – Birmingham
• Common crime – Normal

Well, If you want to shift to a quiet but beautiful city rather than a remote town, then Vestavia Hills is a great setting. Again, it is located near Birmingham City, so you can enjoy the perks of both a quiet town Vestavia City and Birmingham City.

If we talk about safety, then it is generally lower than most of the places in Alabama. But, I won’t say it’s an absolute zero. Minor crimes do happen here, which is normal in every place and doesn’t affect the livelihood.

Speaking of surroundings, it is also a very peaceful and pleasant city with a well-structured infrastructure, but the cost of living is quite high. But, for safety, you have to sacrifice this thing.

The education system of the city consistently ranks among the top 5 best school states in the state. So, you don’t have to worry about your kid’s education. Plus, the graduation rate here is quite high.

Additionally, here you will find a lot of amenities stores, like grocery, markets, centers, malls etc that will fulfill your daily life needs.

Now what do you want in your safe and dream home city? Amazing police station, RIGHT! Well, this city has a very cooperative and well-functioned police station that consistently keeps an eye on the whole city.

Now, if you want entertainment, then it has plenty of museums, parks and walking trails, where you can enjoy some quality time either alone or with your family. But, if you want more, Birmingham City is just 7 miles away. There you will find an abundance of attractions to explore.

10. Warrior 🏙️

• Population –  3,209
• Crime rate – 1.87
• Famous for – Warrior Day
• Nearest city – Birmingham
• Common crime – None

At long last, I’ve discovered another fantastic and secure town to reside in. According to the FBI, it is renowned for its safe and welcoming community, thanks to its close-knit neighborhoods and impressively low crime rate of just 1 incident per thousand residents.

Living here will give you inner peace and a friendly environment to either raise your kids or live alone. Moreover, the people here are super friendly and will assist you in every way possible and it is one of the crucial factors for a dream city.

Now, we know it’s safe, but what about other facilities and aspects?

Well, talking about school, it has some decent and amazing schools for your kid’s education and career.

Plus, being located near Montgomery, it also provides world-famous attractions and to enjoy some memorable weekends with your family. From Montgomery, you can also purchase your daily life necessities in bulk.

However, the city does have great amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, markets and much more. Additionally, the town also boasts amazing health facilities. On top of that, it also has some amazing parks and nature wonders. Nothing compares to the experience of immersing yourself in the beauty of nature while spending quality time with your family.

But for jobs and other opportunities, you can either build your own small business or find a job in Montgomery or any other significant city of Alabama as they have plenty of job opportunities.

This city has a world-famous festival known as Warrior Day. It’s a day dedicated to families and kids where you can enjoy free bike rides, food, music and much more.

FAQ

Wrap up

So, I hope now you are well acquainted with some amazing and safe places in Alabama that might be your next home city.

Although being the most dangerous state with a crime rate, Alabama boasts some friendly, pleasant and safe places to live in while providing all the basic necessities.

You just have to consider some personal things and other sectors like shopping, job opportunities, school, hospitals, parks and much more.

However, in my opinion, either Rainbow City or Helen City can be a great choice for anyone who wants to move to Alabama from a different state or someone who just wants to relocate inside Alabama.

At last, the decision is yours to take. So, make sure to consult with your family, lawyer, broker etc and check the cost of living in that particular city.