Where are the state’s best cities to live in?

Published 5:20 pm Monday, June 25, 2018

A number of cities and communities in Shelby County have been ranked within the top 25 best places to live in Alabama, according to a national website.

Hoover, Indian Springs Village, Meadowbrook, Helena, Pelham, Alabaster, Calera and Chelsea were high on the Niche.com list, “2018 Best Places to Live in Alabama.”

The list took into account each city’s crime rate, quality of public schools, cost of living, job opportunities and local amenities, and was based on data gathered from the United States Census, FBU, Bureau of Labor Statistics and Center for Disease Control.

The city of Hoover, which is partially in Shelby County, placed the highest of all local cities by coming in an No. 4. Hoover received an overall grade of A+.

One user, who identified as a current resident, described their experience in Hoover as “amazing.”

“I enjoy the beautiful scenery and atmosphere,” the resident wrote. “Hoover is a very safe place to raise a family. (The) Hoover City Schools system provides a great learning opportunity for all students.”

Indian Springs Village came in at No. 7 with an overall grade of A+.

“I love Indian Springs,” one review read. “Everyone is very nice and the area is beautiful. I love that there is a variety of property sizes so you can find the one that suits you best.”

Immediately following Indian Springs, the community of Meadowbrook came in at No. 8 with an overall grade of A.

“We are convenient to a state park, top notch medical facilities and shopping,” one user wrote.

The city of Helena came in at No. 9, and received an A as its overall grade.

“(Helena) is super family oriented, and rated the (number one) safest place to live in the U.S.,” one user wrote. “I would highly recommend it to any family.”

The city of Pelham came in right after Helena at No. 10 and received an overall grade of A.

“Recently moved and absolutely love it,” one current resident wrote. “The location is friendly to new people and there’s so much to do and be involved in community wise.”

The city of Alabaster came in slightly lower on the list at No. 14 and received an A as its overall grade.

“Growing up in Alabaster, I have seen the city change and grow so much from when I was a child. (There are more places to shop and eat),” wrote a longtime resident. “It’s a really beautiful city, and now it seems like it’s growing by the years.”

The city of Calera came in at No. 15, and its overall grade is an A.

“I would not change my living area for the world,” one user wrote.

Rounding out the list at No. 17 was the city of Chelsea, which received an overall grade of A.

“Chelsea is a quiet, safe area to live,” one resident wrote. “I enjoy living there because my neighbors are friendly and I feel safe getting out and walking (in) my neighborhood.”

For more information about the most highly ranked cities in the state, visit Niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-places-to-live/s/alabama/