10 Healthiest Cities in Albama

Catching the tail end of the Appalachian Mountains, Alabama knows how to lay on the Southern hospitality. Whether it’s exploring the historical cities or taking advantage of the terrain, Alabama has something for everyone. Take a look at our list of healthiest cities before deciding which city you want to call home!

10. Pelham

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 18.0

Physical inactivity rate: 25.1

Air quality rate: 24

Starting off our list is Pelham, Alabama. Located in north-central Alabama, this city is best known for Oak Mountain State Park, the largest state park in Alabama. Oak Mountain is open year-round and hosts an assortment of outdoor activities including mountain biking and hiking. They also offer kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals so anyone can get out on the beautiful Double Oak Lake. Pelham is conveniently located only 20 minutes from downtown Birmingham and 72 miles from Montgomery.

9. Pleasant Grove

Niche fitness score: B-

Smoking rate: 15.4

Physical inactivity rate: 27.9

Air quality rate: 26

Pleasant Grove is a small city in the Birmingham-Hoover Metro area. With a population of about 9,500, it is no wonder why this city’s nickname is “The Good Neighbor City.” A self-proclaimed diamond in the rough, Pleasant Grove is a quiet escape from the big city noise, but it is close enough to Birmingham that residents still get all the benefits. Pleasant Grove has local parks, athletic complexes, and recreational facilities. It is also about 20 minutes from Red Mountain Park where parkgoers can enjoy 16 miles of multi-use trails for walking, hiking, biking, or taking their four-legged friend to Remy’s dog park.

8. Helena

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 14.2

Physical inactivity rate: 24.3

Air quality rate: 31

Helena is a fast-growing community that stays true to its small-town roots. Considered one of the best places to raise a family, Helena works hard to maintain a family-oriented atmosphere while also accommodating the growth of their community. This charming city has all the conveniences of a big city and the added charisma of local businesses and specialty shops. In the summer, Helena residents can find locally grown fruits and vegetables, homemade jams, jellies, and support other local organizations at the Helena Market Days held every Saturday at the Helena Amphitheater.

7. Fairhope

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 13.2

Physical inactivity rate: 23.5

Air quality rate: 20

Located on the bluffs of Mobile Bay, Fairhope is the coastal city of your dreams. Acting as a town square, Fairhope’s Municipal Pier and Park allow residents to walk along the Gulf Coast, check out the coastal wildlife, and even enjoy a relaxing picnic. Quail Creek Golf Course is just minutes from downtown. This 18-Hole Championship Golf Course has a large driving range and a practice bunker. Fairhope is a very walkable city, and you can get almost everywhere you need on foot.

6. Hoover

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 15.5

Physical inactivity rate: 26.0

Air quality rate: 27

Hoover sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, only about 15 minutes from Birmingham. This midsize city is walkable, but the Parks and Recreation Department makes sure the citizens of Hoover have plenty of options for getting their steps in! The Recreation Center offers a walking track, gym, weight room, and an indoor pool. If organized sports are more your style, the Hoover Sports Park has teams for kids and adults.

5. Madison

Niche fitness score: A+

Smoking rate: 12.1

Physical inactivity rate: 25.0

Air quality rate: 27

Taking us right to the northern border, Madison lands in the top five healthiest cities. Although it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, the Madison community still focuses on keeping its city citizen-oriented. The Dublin Memorial Park keeps the city active with playgrounds, sports complexes, walking tracks, trails, and fishing. It is also ADA accessible so everyone can enjoy the park. Madison residents also have access to the Mill Creek Dog Park, which is open for pets of all sizes.

4. Homewood

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 11.3

Physical inactivity rate: 19.9

Air quality rate: 25

Homewood is located right outside of Birmingham, south of Red Mountain Park. In addition to its proximity to the park, Homewood also has about four local parks of its own. These parks feature playgrounds and picnic areas all over town. Homewood also has an athletic complex with tennis courts, baseball fields, and soccer fields. Every year, Homewood puts those running shoes to the test with a 5K run as part of the We Love Homewood Day festivities. This day also includes food, live music, games, and a parade for the whole community. 

3. Chelsea

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 14.9

Physical inactivity rate: 20.6

Air quality rate: 25

Chelsea is the fastest-growing city in Shelby County but true to its town motto, the close-knit community is still all about family. The Chelsea Community Center has basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor walking track, and a weight room. It is open to all residents with a membership. Chelsea’s dedication to family extends to its community activities; camps and lessons are available year-round for various sports.

2. Mountain Brook

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 8.5

Physical inactivity rate: 16.7

Air quality rate: 25

Sometimes referred to as “The Tiny Kingdom,” Mountain Brook combines its growing business scene with the charm of a small town. It is located on the Cahaba River in northern Alabama and has recently been awarded Cahaba Blueway access point status. The Cahaba Riverwalk is a city favorite and residents like spending time fishing or swimming in the river and taking picnics with a view. Mountain Brook also has two dog parks where your furry friends can run around and play with the other neighborhood pets. 

1. Huntsville

Niche fitness score: B

Smoking rate: 11.6

Physical inactivity rate: 19.9

Air quality rate: 28

Huntsville, Alabama sits in our number one spot for the healthiest city. It is also the most populous city in Alabama. Surrounded by plateaus and hills, it’s no wonder this city stays healthy. Huntsville has more than 65 parks all with various outdoor activities, and it is developing its Greenway Master Plan. Right now, the greenway system has about 73 miles of green space, hiking trails, and walking paths, and plans to continue adding throughout the year.