Thinking about one of the many Alabama Retirement Communities? From the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the north to the snow-white beaches of the Gulf Coast, Alabama retirement is becoming extremely inviting for thousands of retirees throughout the country.
Here, you’ll find a cost of living that is well below the national average and housing prices that are about 38 percent below the national average. Alabama also has some of the lowest property taxes in the country in addition to having the fifth lowest state/local taxes.
There is no inheritance tax and the estate tax is limited to federal estate tax collection. All of this makes Alabama a very affordable choice for retirement.
Strangely, though, the one thing that seems to be attracting retirees to Alabama more than any other thing is the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It’s a system of over 20 highly challenging golf courses spread across the state in 10 diverse locations.
Located in nearly every corner of the state, the “Trail” has locales ranging from metropolitan areas like Birmingham and Huntsville to more rural and smaller communities like Dothan and Muscle Shoals.
Built-in the 1990s, these affordable public golf courses attract tourists golfers as well as retirees who are discovering the many affordable golf course communities as well as other recreational amenities around the “Trail”.
Located along the “Trail” in central Alabama, Greenville and Prattville are just a short drive from both the state capital of Montgomery and the beaches of the Gulf Coast. Some folks consider Greenville to be among the best small towns in America.
Is Alabama a good place for retirement?
If you’re looking for one of the Alabama retirement communities in an urban setting with an affordable lifestyle, you may want to take a close look at Huntsville. Located in north central Alabama, mid-way between Nashville and Birmingham, this small city of 160,000 residents has become one of the South’s fastest-growing areas.
Home of the International Space and Rocket Center, here you’ll find a city a truly has an international flavor, with more than ten percent of its population being natives of other countries.
Just 90 minutes from Atlanta is Auburn, Alabama, home of the Grand National Golf Course and rated one of the nation’s top six retirement spots. Here you’ll find excellent medical facilities as well as Auburn University and all of the rich cultural amenities that a large University attracts.
If you enjoy hunting, fishing, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, sightseeing, or just the great outdoors, Alabama has 23 public lakes located in 20 counties throughout the State. These lakes range in size from 13 to 184 acres that have been stocked with a variety of fish from largemouth bass to channel catfish.
The National Forests consist of approximately 667,000 acres of public land stretching across 17 counties. Game animals include white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, gray and fox squirrel, turkey, rabbit, raccoon, and various waterfowl. The four forests are home to several threatened and/or endangered species like the gopher tortoise, flattened musk turtle, and the Red-cockades Woodpecker.
There has been a recent boom in coastal construction attracting many retirees to think about one of the Alabama retirement communities in one of the coastal cities of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Dauphin Island where you’ll find condos and residential golf communities to fit almost any budget.
Alabama retirement communities have a lot to offer retirees. f you think that Alabama may top your list of best places to retire, just remember that before you choose that perfect retirement spot, makes sure that you do your homework and visit the area you are considering to make sure that it is the right place for you to retire.
Other Areas of Alabama
Mobile – Along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Important Facts you need to know if you are considering one of the Alabama Retirement Communities:
Median Home Price: $94,671
Personal Income Tax: Yes
For single persons, heads of families, and married persons filing separate returns:
— 2 percent on the first $500 of taxable income
— 4 percent on taxable income between $501 and $3,000
— 5 percent on all taxable income over $3,000.
For married persons filing joint returns:
— 2 percent on the first $1,000 of taxable income
— 4 percent on taxable income between $1,001 and $6,000
— 5 percent on all taxable income over $6,000
Sales Tax: Yes
General Tax Rate is 4%, Alabama administers more than 200 different city and county sales taxes. The collection of these additional taxes could make some jurisdictions’ overall sales tax rate substantially higher than 4 percent.
Property Tax: Yes
Each county has its millage rate that is used when determining property taxes. Some cities also assess separate property taxes. Homestead exemption is available.
Inheritance and Estate Tax: No
For More Information: Contact the Alabama Department of Revenue website