Alabama’s neighborhoods vary significantly in their pedestrian-friendliness and quality of life metrics. Our comprehensive analysis evaluates six key criteria to determine neighborhood walkability: Overall Walkability, Retirement Score, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, Cycling-Friendly, and Transit-Friendly. These measurements provide a holistic view of how accessible and pedestrian-oriented each neighborhood is for residents and visitors alike.
The Overall Walkability Score incorporates multiple factors including sidewalk availability, pedestrian safety, access to local amenities, and street connectivity. Every score presented is based on real-world data and resident surveys – nothing is fabricated or estimated. Our methodology combines quantitative measurements with qualitative feedback to deliver the most accurate assessment possible of Alabama’s least walkable communities.
Here’s the list.
25. Hardwick / City Center
- Overall Walkability: 1.48
- Retirement Score: 40.72
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.01
- Vibrant Score: 5.76
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Hardwick / City Center ranks as the 25th worst neighborhood for walkability in Alabama with a very low walkability score of 1.48 out of 100. The neighborhood shows minimal urban sophistication at just 2.01 and a vibrant score of only 5.76. Despite its relatively moderate retirement score of 40.72, the area lacks cycling and public transit infrastructure entirely. The median home price in this area is approximately $165,000.
24. Ozan / Shelby Springs
- Overall Walkability: 1.46
- Retirement Score: 69.93
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 55.00
- Vibrant Score: 28.81
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Ozan / Shelby Springs has a poor walkability score of 1.46, placing it among Alabama’s least pedestrian-friendly areas. Interestingly, it scores relatively well for urban sophistication (55.00) and has a moderate vibrant score (28.81). With a retirement score of 69.93, it appears to cater somewhat to older residents despite its walkability challenges. The neighborhood has no cycling or public transit infrastructure. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
23. Our Town
- Overall Walkability: 1.40
- Retirement Score: 40.86
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 15.83
- Vibrant Score: 19.08
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Our Town ranks 23rd worst for walkability with a score of just 1.40. The neighborhood shows low scores across most metrics, including urban sophistication (15.83) and vibrancy (19.08). Its retirement score is moderate at 40.86, but the complete absence of cycling and transit infrastructure contributes to its poor overall walkability. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
22. Wacoochee Valley
- Overall Walkability: 1.40
- Retirement Score: 99.19
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 61.87
- Vibrant Score: 8.44
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Wacoochee Valley, with its walkability score of 1.40, presents an interesting contrast. Despite poor walkability, it has an exceptionally high retirement score of 99.19 and strong urban sophistication at 61.87. However, its vibrant score is very low at 8.44, and it lacks any cycling or transit options. This suggests a community possibly designed for retirees but with limited pedestrian infrastructure. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
21. Culver Rd / Black Warrior Rd
- Overall Walkability: 1.30
- Retirement Score: 50.13
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.54
- Vibrant Score: 24.10
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
The Culver Rd / Black Warrior Rd area has a poor walkability score of 1.30. With an urban sophistication score of just 5.54, this neighborhood lacks cultural amenities, though it does have a somewhat better vibrant score of 24.10. The retirement score sits at a middle-range 50.13, but the complete absence of cycling and transit options significantly limits mobility for residents without cars. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
20. Beans Mill / Salem
- Overall Walkability: 1.30
- Retirement Score: 26.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 27.92
- Vibrant Score: 14.22
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Beans Mill / Salem shares the same poor walkability score of 1.30 as the previous neighborhood. Its retirement score is low at 26.31, suggesting it’s not particularly oriented toward older residents. The neighborhood has a moderate urban sophistication score of 27.92 but struggles with vibrancy at just 14.22. The absence of cycling and transit infrastructure further contributes to its car-dependent nature. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
19. Gantts Quarry
- Overall Walkability: 1.23
- Retirement Score: 70.22
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 26.18
- Vibrant Score: 10.23
- Cycling-Friendly: 72.15
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Gantts Quarry has a poor walkability score of 1.23, but interestingly is the only neighborhood in our bottom 25 with a significant cycling-friendly score of 72.15. This suggests the area may have cycling paths or infrastructure despite limited pedestrian walkability. It has a good retirement score of 70.22, moderate urban sophistication at 26.18, but low vibrancy at 10.23. Public transit is not available. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
18. Duncanville / Hagler
- Overall Walkability: 1.22
- Retirement Score: 64.20
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 7.79
- Vibrant Score: 12.44
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Duncanville / Hagler has a very low walkability score of 1.22. The neighborhood rates poorly on urban sophistication (7.79) and vibrancy (12.44), but has a relatively decent retirement score of 64.20. The complete lack of cycling and transit options means residents are heavily dependent on cars for transportation. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
17. Beulah Land / Decatur Junction
- Overall Walkability: 1.21
- Retirement Score: 46.09
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 8.28
- Vibrant Score: 15.31
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
With a walkability score of just 1.21, Beulah Land / Decatur Junction ranks as Alabama’s 17th worst neighborhood for pedestrians. It scores low on urban sophistication (8.28) and vibrancy (15.31), with a moderate retirement score of 46.09. The area lacks both cycling and public transit options, making car ownership essentially mandatory. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
16. Fulton Bridge / Pearces Mills
- Overall Walkability: 1.13
- Retirement Score: 90.91
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 15.43
- Vibrant Score: 12.18
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fulton Bridge / Pearces Mills scores very poorly on walkability at 1.13, yet has an exceptionally high retirement score of 90.91. This suggests it may be a retirement-oriented community that hasn’t prioritized pedestrian infrastructure. Urban sophistication (15.43) and vibrancy (12.18) scores are both low, and there are no cycling or transit options available. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
15. City Center / Pleasant Ridge
- Overall Walkability: 1.10
- Retirement Score: 88.89
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.03
- Vibrant Score: 18.71
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
City Center / Pleasant Ridge has a very low walkability score of 1.10 despite its “City Center” name. The neighborhood has an extremely low urban sophistication score of just 1.03, suggesting a severe lack of cultural amenities. Its vibrant score is somewhat better at 18.71, and it boasts a high retirement score of 88.89. The absence of cycling and transit options further limits mobility. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
14. Potter
- Overall Walkability: 1.04
- Retirement Score: 77.09
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 4.28
- Vibrant Score: 11.45
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Potter ranks 14th worst for walkability with a score of 1.04. The neighborhood scores very poorly on urban sophistication (4.28) and vibrancy (11.45). However, it has a relatively high retirement score of 77.09, suggesting it may appeal to retirees despite its lack of walkability. No cycling or transit options are available in this area. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
13. Townley
- Overall Walkability: 1.02
- Retirement Score: 77.33
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 12.90
- Vibrant Score: 2.31
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 2.77
Townley has a very poor walkability score of 1.02. It stands out for having an extremely low vibrant score of just 2.31, indicating minimal community activity and amenities. Urban sophistication is also low at 12.90. The neighborhood does have a minimal transit score of 2.77, one of the few in our bottom 25 with any transit options at all. Its retirement score is solid at 77.33. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
12. Colony
- Overall Walkability: 1.00
- Retirement Score: 38.07
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 13.67
- Vibrant Score: 16.35
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Colony has a walkability score of exactly 1.00, placing it among Alabama’s least pedestrian-friendly communities. The neighborhood scores low on all metrics: a moderate retirement score of 38.07, low urban sophistication at 13.67, and poor vibrancy at 16.35. The complete absence of cycling and transit infrastructure means residents must rely entirely on private vehicles. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
11. Belle Ellen / Gray Hill
- Overall Walkability: 0.99
- Retirement Score: 47.97
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.72
- Vibrant Score: 9.19
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Belle Ellen / Gray Hill has an extremely poor walkability score of 0.99. The neighborhood has virtually no urban sophistication with a score of just 1.72, and very low vibrancy at 9.19. Its retirement score is average at 47.97. With no cycling or transit options, residents are completely dependent on cars for transportation. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
10. Perdue Hill
- Overall Walkability: 0.94
- Retirement Score: 89.79
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 6.94
- Vibrant Score: 18.30
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 19.68
Perdue Hill has a walkability score of just 0.94, but interestingly has the highest transit-friendly score (19.68) among our bottom 25 neighborhoods. Despite this small amount of transit access, it’s still extremely car-dependent. The area has a very high retirement score of 89.79, suggesting it may appeal to retirees despite its walkability challenges. Urban sophistication is very low at 6.94, with a modest vibrant score of 18.30. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
9. Redstone Arsenal
- Overall Walkability: 0.73
- Retirement Score: 26.57
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.21
- Vibrant Score: 26.44
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 14.31
Redstone Arsenal, likely a military installation area, has a very poor walkability score of 0.73. It has moderate scores for urban sophistication (47.21) and vibrancy (26.44), suggesting some amenities despite poor walkability. The area has some transit options with a score of 14.31 but no cycling infrastructure. Its retirement score is relatively low at 26.57. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
8. Little Texas / Pleasant Hill
- Overall Walkability: 0.72
- Retirement Score: 56.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.52
- Vibrant Score: 1.37
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Little Texas / Pleasant Hill has an extremely low walkability score of 0.72. The neighborhood scores abysmally on both urban sophistication (1.52) and vibrancy (1.37), indicating a severe lack of amenities and community activity. Despite these shortcomings, it maintains a moderate retirement score of 56.31. There are no cycling or transit options available. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
7. Riverview
- Overall Walkability: 0.61
- Retirement Score: 89.66
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.93
- Vibrant Score: 0.28
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Riverview has a critically low walkability score of just 0.61. The neighborhood has virtually no urban sophistication (0.93) or vibrancy (0.28), suggesting an extreme lack of amenities and community activity. Despite these severe limitations, it boasts a very high retirement score of 89.66, indicating it may appeal to retirees for reasons other than walkability or amenities, possibly for its natural setting. No cycling or transit options are available. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
6. Fort Davis
- Overall Walkability: 0.58
- Retirement Score: 70.48
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.05
- Vibrant Score: 9.85
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fort Davis has a critically low walkability score of 0.58. The area scores very poorly on urban sophistication (2.05) and vibrancy (9.85), indicating minimal cultural amenities and community activity. Despite these limitations, it maintains a strong retirement score of 70.48. With no cycling or transit options, residents are completely dependent on personal vehicles. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
5. Overton South
- Overall Walkability: 0.42
- Retirement Score: 3.38
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.41
- Vibrant Score: 5.97
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Overton South has a severely low walkability score of 0.42, placing it among Alabama’s five least walkable neighborhoods. The area scores extremely poorly across all metrics, with virtually no urban sophistication (0.41), minimal vibrancy (5.97), and an extremely low retirement score of 3.38. There are no cycling or transit options available, making car ownership essential. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
4. Pelham Northeast
- Overall Walkability: 0.41
- Retirement Score: 12.48
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.40
- Vibrant Score: 2.29
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Pelham Northeast has a critically low walkability score of 0.41. The neighborhood scores extremely poorly on all metrics, with virtually no urban sophistication (0.40), minimal vibrancy (2.29), and a very low retirement score of 12.48. With no cycling or transit infrastructure, residents are completely dependent on personal vehicles for transportation. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
3. Oxford West
- Overall Walkability: 0.35
- Retirement Score: 6.09
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.36
- Vibrant Score: 0.18
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Oxford West has an extremely low walkability score of 0.35, making it Alabama’s third worst neighborhood for pedestrians. The area scores abysmally on all metrics, with virtually no urban sophistication (0.36), almost no vibrancy (0.18), and a very low retirement score of 6.09. There are no cycling or transit options available. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
2. Morrisville / Peaceburg
- Overall Walkability: 0.31
- Retirement Score: 3.56
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.34
- Vibrant Score: 0.17
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Morrisville / Peaceburg has a critically low walkability score of 0.31, making it Alabama’s second worst neighborhood for pedestrians. The area scores extremely poorly across all metrics, with virtually no urban sophistication (0.34), almost no vibrancy (0.17), and a very low retirement score of 3.56. There are no cycling or transit options available, making car ownership absolutely essential. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
1. Bains Gap Rd
- Overall Walkability: 0.00
- Retirement Score: 3.59
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.04
- Vibrant Score: N/A
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Bains Gap Rd holds the distinction of being Alabama’s least walkable neighborhood with a walkability score of 0.00 – the absolute minimum. The area has virtually no urban sophistication (0.04) and an extremely low retirement score of 3.59. It registers no measurable vibrancy score, and provides no cycling or transit options. This neighborhood represents the extreme end of car dependency, with essentially no pedestrian infrastructure whatsoever. Median home price information is not available for this neighborhood.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Walkability: Measures how easily and safely residents can travel on foot. Factors include sidewalk presence and quality, pedestrian-friendly street design, distance to amenities, and pedestrian safety measures.
- Retirement Score: Indicates how well-suited an area is for retirees and older adults, considering factors like healthcare access, safety, leisure activities, and age-appropriate amenities.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Measures the availability and quality of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, art galleries, restaurants, and educational institutions.
- Vibrant Score: Reflects the energy and liveliness of a neighborhood, including factors like nightlife, entertainment options, community events, and general social activity.
- Cycling-Friendly: Evaluates infrastructure and safety for cyclists, including bike lanes, storage facilities, and cyclist-friendly policies. This criterion is included because cycling provides an alternative mobility option that complements walkability and can significantly enhance a neighborhood’s accessibility without car dependence.
- Transit-Friendly: Assesses the quality, frequency, and coverage of public transportation options. This criterion is essential because good public transit works in conjunction with walkability to create truly accessible neighborhoods, allowing residents to reach destinations beyond walking distance without relying on personal vehicles.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
Zillow Home Value Index
Redfin Market Insights
Realtor.com Local Market Trends
Alabama Association of Realtors
Alabama Center for Real Estate