Finding the perfect place to raise a family involves weighing multiple factors that contribute to quality of life. Our comprehensive analysis examines six critical criteria: Overall Family Friendly Score, First Time Home Buyers Index, Quiet Index, Walkability, Car Friendliness, and Transit-Friendly ratings. The Overall Family Friendly Score incorporates numerous elements including school quality, safety statistics, recreational opportunities, community resources, and neighborhood characteristics that make a location suitable for family life.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Alabama’s least family-friendly towns. Each metric is rated on a scale of 1-100, with higher numbers indicating better performance in that category.
25. Bayou La Batre
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 26.14
- First Time Home Buyers: 36.34
- Quiet Index: 72.24
- Walkability: 24.41
- Car Friendly: 78.62
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Bayou La Batre ranks 25th on our list of least family-friendly towns in Alabama with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 26.14. While the town offers reasonable quiet levels at 72.24, its walkability score is quite low at 24.41. Car-dependent with a Car Friendly score of 78.62, the town lacks public transportation options. First-time homebuyers might find moderate opportunities with a score of 36.34. The median home price in Bayou La Batre is approximately $97,500.
24. Goodwater
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 24.94
- First Time Home Buyers: 29.04
- Quiet Index: 90.87
- Walkability: 16.7
- Car Friendly: 78.66
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Goodwater earns a place as the 24th worst town for families in Alabama with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 24.94. The town boasts an excellent Quiet Index of 90.87, making it one of the quietest communities on our list. However, with a very low Walkability score of 16.7, residents are heavily dependent on personal vehicles, reflected in the Car Friendly score of 78.66. First-time homebuyers face challenges with a score of just 29.04. The median home price in Goodwater is approximately $68,900.
23. Montgomery
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 24.72
- First Time Home Buyers: 23.16
- Quiet Index: 46.44
- Walkability: 42.94
- Car Friendly: 80.89
- Transit-Friendly: 10.67
Alabama’s capital city, Montgomery, ranks as the 23rd worst town for families with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 24.72. The city offers moderate walkability at 42.94 and is quite car-friendly with a score of 80.89. However, its Quiet Index is mediocre at 46.44, and public transportation options are limited with a Transit-Friendly score of just 10.67. First-time homebuyers face significant challenges with a low score of 23.16. The median home price in Montgomery is approximately $127,500.
22. Forkland – Boligee
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 24.12
- First Time Home Buyers: 8.65
- Quiet Index: 96.38
- Walkability: 4.61
- Car Friendly: 89.5
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Forkland-Boligee ranks 22nd on our list with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 24.12. This rural area offers exceptional peace and quiet with a remarkable Quiet Index of 96.38, one of the highest in our analysis. However, the area has extremely poor walkability at just 4.61, making car ownership virtually essential as reflected in the high Car Friendly score of 89.5. First-time homebuyers face severe challenges with one of the lowest scores on our list at 8.65. The median home price in the Forkland-Boligee area is approximately $73,800.
21. Daleville
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 23.29
- First Time Home Buyers: 41.99
- Quiet Index: 78.28
- Walkability: 14.19
- Car Friendly: 89.25
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Daleville ranks as the 21st worst town for families with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 23.29. The town offers good quiet conditions with a Quiet Index of 78.28 and is highly car-friendly at 89.25. However, walkability is poor at 14.19 and public transit is essentially non-existent. First-time homebuyers will find moderate opportunities with a score of 41.99. The median home price in Daleville is approximately $119,000.
20. Selma
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 23.25
- First Time Home Buyers: 22.06
- Quiet Index: 67.95
- Walkability: 26.09
- Car Friendly: 86.95
- Transit-Friendly: 4.26
Historic Selma ranks as the 20th worst town for families in Alabama with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 23.25. The town offers a moderately quiet environment with a score of 67.95 but has limited walkability at 26.09. Car dependency is high with a Car Friendly score of 86.95, while public transportation is almost non-existent at 4.26. First-time homebuyers face significant challenges with a low score of 22.06. The median home price in Selma is approximately $81,100.
19. Birmingham
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 23.13
- First Time Home Buyers: 24.81
- Quiet Index: 50.03
- Walkability: 54.09
- Car Friendly: 75.33
- Transit-Friendly: 24.16
Alabama’s largest city, Birmingham, ranks 19th on our list with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 23.13. The city offers the best walkability among our lower-ranked towns at 54.09 and has the most developed public transit system in the state with a Transit-Friendly score of 24.16. However, noise levels are average with a Quiet Index of 50.03, and first-time homebuyers face challenges with a score of 24.81. The median home price in Birmingham is approximately $86,300, though this varies significantly by neighborhood.
18. Greensboro
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 22.79
- First Time Home Buyers: 35.62
- Quiet Index: 77.28
- Walkability: 18.13
- Car Friendly: 97.25
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Greensboro ranks as the 18th worst town for families with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 22.79. The town offers good quiet conditions with a Quiet Index of 77.28 and is exceptionally car-friendly with one of the highest scores on our list at 97.25. However, walkability is poor at 18.13 and public transit is non-existent. First-time homebuyers will find moderate challenges with a score of 35.62. The median home price in Greensboro is approximately $79,000.
17. Monroeville
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 22.64
- First Time Home Buyers: 24.01
- Quiet Index: 79.72
- Walkability: 14.04
- Car Friendly: 91.43
- Transit-Friendly: 6.56
Monroeville, famously known as the hometown of Harper Lee, ranks 17th with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 22.64. The town offers a peaceful environment with a high Quiet Index of 79.72 and is extremely car-friendly at 91.43. However, walkability is very poor at 14.04, and public transit options are minimal with a score of 6.56. First-time homebuyers face significant challenges with a score of 24.01. The median home price in Monroeville is approximately $92,400.
16. Sumiton
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 21.98
- First Time Home Buyers: 21.17
- Quiet Index: 70.48
- Walkability: 14.9
- Car Friendly: 82.88
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Sumiton ranks 16th on our list with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 21.98. The town offers good quiet conditions with a Quiet Index of 70.48 and is quite car-friendly at 82.88. However, walkability is poor at 14.9, and public transit is non-existent. First-time homebuyers face significant challenges with a low score of 21.17. The median home price in Sumiton is approximately $103,200.
15. Demopolis
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 21.8
- First Time Home Buyers: 15.62
- Quiet Index: 54.71
- Walkability: 23.25
- Car Friendly: 86.93
- Transit-Friendly: 10.85
Demopolis ranks as the 15th worst town for families with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 21.8. The town has average noise levels with a Quiet Index of 54.71 and limited walkability at 23.25. Car dependency is high with a Car Friendly score of 86.93, while public transportation options are minimal at 10.85. First-time homebuyers face significant challenges with a very low score of 15.62. The median home price in Demopolis is approximately $121,500.
14. Atmore
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 21.18
- First Time Home Buyers: 10.05
- Quiet Index: 75.33
- Walkability: 11.62
- Car Friendly: 91.47
- Transit-Friendly: 0.69
Atmore ranks 14th on our list with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 21.18. The town offers good quiet conditions with a Quiet Index of 75.33 and is extremely car-friendly at 91.47. However, walkability is very poor at 11.62, and public transit is virtually non-existent with a score of just 0.69. First-time homebuyers face extreme challenges with one of the lowest scores on our list at 10.05. The median home price in Atmore is approximately $83,600.
13. Brighton
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 20.84
- First Time Home Buyers: 40.75
- Quiet Index: 33.33
- Walkability: 59.52
- Car Friendly: 80.45
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Brighton ranks as the 13th worst town for families with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 20.84. Unlike many towns on this list, Brighton offers relatively good walkability at 59.52, second only to Tarrant in our ranking. However, it scores poorly on the Quiet Index at just 33.33, indicating higher noise levels than most towns on our list. The town is car-friendly with a score of 80.45. First-time homebuyers will find moderate opportunities with a score of 40.75. The median home price in Brighton is approximately $57,800.
12. Union Springs
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 20.58
- First Time Home Buyers: 26.3
- Quiet Index: 65.59
- Walkability: 10.24
- Car Friendly: 96.12
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Union Springs ranks 12th on our list with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 20.58. The town offers moderate quiet conditions with a Quiet Index of 65.59 and is exceptionally car-friendly with a high score of 96.12. However, walkability is extremely poor at 10.24, and public transit is non-existent. First-time homebuyers face significant challenges with a low score of 26.3. The median home price in Union Springs is approximately $74,200.
11. Tuskegee
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 20.22
- First Time Home Buyers: 47.17
- Quiet Index: 66.97
- Walkability: 15.38
- Car Friendly: 77
- Transit-Friendly: 2.72
Historic Tuskegee ranks as the 11th worst town for families with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 20.22. The town offers moderate quiet conditions with a Quiet Index of 66.97 and is reasonably car-friendly at 77. However, walkability is poor at 15.38, and public transit options are minimal with a score of just 2.72. First-time homebuyers will find moderate opportunities with the second-highest score among our bottom 25 towns at 47.17. The median home price in Tuskegee is approximately $71,600.
10. Fort Deposit
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 20.08
- First Time Home Buyers: 20.52
- Quiet Index: 87.59
- Walkability: 6.02
- Car Friendly: 90.84
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fort Deposit breaks into our top 10 worst towns for families with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 20.08. The town offers excellent quiet conditions with a high Quiet Index of 87.59 and is very car-friendly at 90.84. However, walkability is extremely poor at just 6.02, among the lowest in our analysis. First-time homebuyers face significant challenges with a low score of 20.52. The median home price in Fort Deposit is approximately $69,400.
9. Sawyerville
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 19.55
- First Time Home Buyers: 32.47
- Quiet Index: 80.07
- Walkability: 4.9
- Car Friendly: 98.96
- Transit-Friendly: 2.5
Sawyerville ranks as the 9th worst town for families with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 19.55. The town offers excellent quiet conditions with a high Quiet Index of 80.07 and the highest Car Friendly score on our list at 98.96. However, walkability is extremely poor at just 4.9, and public transit is virtually non-existent at 2.5. First-time homebuyers face moderate challenges with a score of 32.47. The median home price in Sawyerville is approximately $63,500.
8. Carrollton
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 18.29
- First Time Home Buyers: 31.78
- Quiet Index: 88.23
- Walkability: 9.53
- Car Friendly: 80.8
- Transit-Friendly: 1.13
Carrollton ranks 8th on our list with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 18.29. The town offers excellent quiet conditions with a high Quiet Index of 88.23 and is quite car-friendly at 80.8. However, walkability is extremely poor at 9.53, and public transit is virtually non-existent with a score of just 1.13. First-time homebuyers face moderate challenges with a score of 31.78. The median home price in Carrollton is approximately $86,700.
7. Uniontown
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 17.89
- First Time Home Buyers: 37.15
- Quiet Index: 62.7
- Walkability: 3.26
- Car Friendly: 86.45
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Uniontown ranks as the 7th worst town for families with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 17.89. The town offers moderate quiet conditions with a Quiet Index of 62.7 and is very car-friendly at 86.45. However, walkability is among the worst in our analysis at just 3.26, and public transit is non-existent. First-time homebuyers face moderate challenges with a score of 37.15. The median home price in Uniontown is approximately $62,800.
6. Center Point
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 16.5
- First Time Home Buyers: 27.85
- Quiet Index: 23.16
- Walkability: 50.33
- Car Friendly: 80.91
- Transit-Friendly: 6.18
Center Point ranks 6th on our list with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 16.5. The town offers relatively good walkability at 50.33 but scores very poorly on the Quiet Index at just 23.16, indicating high noise levels. The town is car-friendly with a score of 80.91, while public transit options are minimal at 6.18. First-time homebuyers face significant challenges with a low score of 27.85. The median home price in Center Point is approximately $85,200.
5. Bessemer
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 15.49
- First Time Home Buyers: 41.68
- Quiet Index: 49.82
- Walkability: 54.26
- Car Friendly: 77.01
- Transit-Friendly: 13.71
Bessemer ranks as the 5th worst town for families with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 15.49. The town offers good walkability at 54.26 and moderate noise levels with a Quiet Index of 49.82. Car dependency is moderate with a Car Friendly score of 77.01, and public transportation options are limited at 13.71. First-time homebuyers will find moderate opportunities with a score of 41.68. The median home price in Bessemer is approximately $76,000.
4. Fairfield
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 14.14
- First Time Home Buyers: 43.11
- Quiet Index: 37.75
- Walkability: 59.23
- Car Friendly: 76.38
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fairfield ranks 4th on our list with a concerning Overall Family Friendly Score of 14.14. The town offers good walkability at 59.23 but scores poorly on the Quiet Index at 37.75, indicating higher noise levels. The town is car-friendly with a score of 76.38. First-time homebuyers will find moderate opportunities with a score of 43.11. The median home price in Fairfield is approximately $78,900.
3. Clayton
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 10.39
- First Time Home Buyers: 27.17
- Quiet Index: 74.65
- Walkability: 10.84
- Car Friendly: 85.31
- Transit-Friendly: 6.67
Clayton ranks as the 3rd worst town for families with a very low Overall Family Friendly Score of 10.39. The town offers good quiet conditions with a Quiet Index of 74.65 and is very car-friendly at 85.31. However, walkability is extremely poor at 10.84, and public transit options are minimal at 6.67. First-time homebuyers face significant challenges with a low score of 27.17. The median home price in Clayton is approximately $70,100.
2. Tarrant
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 9.11
- First Time Home Buyers: 34.13
- Quiet Index: 34.49
- Walkability: 69.67
- Car Friendly: 67.65
- Transit-Friendly: 55.26
Tarrant ranks as the 2nd worst town for families in Alabama with an alarmingly low Overall Family Friendly Score of 9.11. Despite its challenges, the town offers the best walkability in our analysis at 69.67 and the best public transit options with a Transit-Friendly score of 55.26. However, the town scores very poorly on the Quiet Index at 34.49, indicating high noise levels. Car dependency is moderate with the lowest Car Friendly score on our list at 67.65. First-time homebuyers face moderate challenges with a score of 34.13. The median home price in Tarrant is approximately $72,400.
1. Livingston
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 5.64
- First Time Home Buyers: 92.11
- Quiet Index: 62.07
- Walkability: 3.92
- Car Friendly: 83.98
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Livingston ranks as the absolute worst town for families in Alabama with a critically low Overall Family Friendly Score of just 5.64, the lowest by far in our analysis. Surprisingly, the town offers the highest First Time Home Buyers score on our list at 92.11, indicating excellent affordability for new homeowners. The town has moderate quiet conditions with a Quiet Index of 62.07 and is very car-friendly at 83.98. However, walkability is almost non-existent at 3.92, the second-lowest in our analysis, and public transit is completely unavailable. The median home price in Livingston is approximately $76,800.
Definition of Terms:
- Overall Family Friendly Score: This comprehensive metric evaluates neighborhoods based on factors including school quality, crime rates, parks and recreational facilities, other families with children in the area, childcare options, and overall community resources that support family life.
- First Time Home Buyers: This score measures the favorability of a location for people purchasing their first home, considering factors such as housing affordability, mortgage options, property appreciation potential, and entry-level housing availability.
- Quiet Index: This metric assesses the overall noise level of an area, with higher scores indicating quieter environments. This factor is particularly important for families with young children or those seeking peaceful residential areas.
- Walkability: This score evaluates how pedestrian-friendly an area is, considering factors like sidewalk availability, pedestrian safety, proximity to amenities, and ease of navigating on foot. Higher walkability benefits families by providing safe routes to schools and parks.
- Car Friendly: This score measures how accommodating an area is for automobile usage, including factors like parking availability, road conditions, traffic flow, and accessibility to major highways. For families in many Alabama communities, car accessibility remains essential for daily activities.
- Transit-Friendly: This metric evaluates the availability, reliability, and convenience of public transportation options. Access to public transit can significantly impact family mobility, particularly for single-car households or families with teenagers seeking independence.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
Zillow Alabama Home Values
Realtor.com Alabama Real Estate
Alabama Association of Realtors Market Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau American Housing Survey
HUD Housing Affordability Data System