With rugged mountains, winding rivers, hiking trails, caverns, and hot springs, Alabama has a wide range of natural landscapes to explore throughout the state. If you’re wanting to live near Alabama’s natural landscapes, don’t miss out on the state’s picturesque mountain towns.
At Rent., we’ve put together a list of the best mountain towns in Alabama to call home. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of outdoor adventures, the forest’s tranquil atmosphere, or the charm of small-town living, there’s a spot for everyone in Alabama.
1. Anniston
Mountain range: Cheaha Mountains
Average rent price: $899
Population: 21,460
Apartments for rent in Anniston, AL
Houses for rent in Anniston, AL
Homes for sale in Anniston, AL
Anniston is nestled in the Cheaha Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a serene lifestyle. There are numerous trails for hiking and biking, providing residents and visitors alike with ample opportunities to explore the area’s natural beauty. For example, you can explore areas at Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge, Talladega National Forest, Cheaha State Park, and Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area.
Anniston has a population of just over 21,000 and is perfect for those who love the outdoors. The city is also rich in history, featuring museums and historic sites that tell the story of its past. Some popular places include the Freedom Riders National Monument and Schneider Historic Preservation.
2. Bessemer
Mountain range: Red Mountains
Average rent price: $1,214
Population: 27,090
Apartments for rent in Bessemer, AL
Houses for rent in Bessemer, AL
Homes for sale in Bessemer, AL
Located in the heart of the Red Mountains, Bessemer is a vibrant community with a rich heritage. A suburb of Birmingham, Bessemer was a popular steelmaking town with its iron ore, limestone, and coal deposits. With a population of over 27,000, Bessemer offers a small-town feel with the conveniences of city life.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby trails and parks, like Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, Cahaba River Park, and Moss Rock Preserve, perfect for a day of exploring. The town is also home to a variety of dining and shopping options, catering to all tastes and preferences. Bessemer’s welcoming community makes it a great choice for those seeking a balance between nature and city life.
3. Clanton
Mountain range: Appalachian Mountains
Average rent price: $1,495
Population: 8,630
Apartments for rent in Clanton, AL
Houses for rent in Clanton, AL
Clanton is a gem in the Appalachian Mountains with its natural beauty and small-town charm. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area, with numerous trails and scenic spots for hiking, biking, and picnicking. For example, you can explore places like Coosa Wildlife Management Area, Flagg Mountain, Lake Mitchell, and Paul M. Grist State Park.
Even with a population of about 8,630, Clanton has a variety of local amenities, including parks, restaurants, and shops, like Heaton Pecan Farm, Peach Park, and Clanton City Park. The town is known for its peaches, with the annual Peach Jam drawing visitors from across the region. If you’re looking for a welcoming mountain town, be sure to check out Clanton.
4. Cullman
Mountain range: Appalachian Mountains
Forest: Bankhead National Forest
Average rent price: $1,318
Population: 15,560
Apartments for rent in Cullman, AL
Houses for rent in Cullman, AL
Cullman is a picturesque town located within the Appalachian Mountains and near the expansive Bankhead National Forest. This location is perfect for those who love the outdoors, offering endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the natural world. It’s close to parks and trails like Hurricane Creek Park, the Clarkson Covered Bridge, Larkwood Falls, and the Duck River Trail.
The town itself, with a population of over 15,000, provides a cozy community feel with all the necessary amenities. Cullman’s rich history and cultural events add to its charm, like the Ave Maria Grotto, Cullman County Museum, and the famous Alabama Strawberry Festival, held each May.
5. Fort Payne
Mountain range: Appalachian Mountains
Forest: Little River Canyon National Preserve
Average rent price: $1,200
Population: 14,480
Apartments for rent in Fort Payne, AL
Houses for rent in Fort Payne, AL
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Fort Payne is located in the Appalachian Mountains, adjacent to the Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park. A haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, Little River Canyon National Preserve is home to various campsites, trails, and falls like Little Falls and Graces High Falls. At DeSoto State Park you can find 25 miles of trails, waterfalls, parks, and campgrounds.
The town of Fort Payne is home to about 14,500 residents who enjoy access to some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. In addition to the area’s natural beauty, Fort Payne has a vibrant community with a rich musical heritage, festivals, and local arts.
6. Huntsville
Mountain range: Appalachian Mountains
Forest: Monte Sano State Park
Average rent price: $1,452
Population: 191,020
Apartments for rent in Huntsville, AL
Houses for rent in Huntsville, AL
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Huntsville, the largest city on our list, is located near the Appalachian Mountains and near Monte Sano State Park. This city is home to about 191,020 residents, so it offers a mix of city life, rich historical landmarks, and access to the outdoors. Some popular outdoor recreation areas include Tumbling Rock Cave Preserve, Monte Sano State Park, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, and Wade Mountain Nature Preserve, home to Spragins Hollow Trail.
Huntsville is also known for its contributions to the space industry, making it an exciting place for both residents and visitors. You can learn about it at places like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Rocket Park. There are also plenty of other museums and landmarks in Huntsville, such as the Huntsville Museum of Art, Burritt on the Mountain, the Weeden House Museum and Garden, and the Huntsville Depot Museum.
7. Jacksonville
Mountain range: Appalachian Mountains
Average rent price: $818
Population: 12,280
Apartments for rent in Jacksonville, AL
Houses for rent in Jacksonville, AL
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Jacksonville is a quaint town in the Appalachian Mountains located north of Anniston. The surrounding mountains offer outdoor activities year-round, from hiking in the summer to picturesque autumn views. For example, you can explore places like the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge, Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area, and Dive Land Park. The town is home to Jacksonville State University, giving the town a lively atmosphere throughout the year. If you’re looking for a town with easy access to nature combined with a small-town feel, then check out Jacksonville.
8. Tallassee
Mountain range: Appalachian Mountains
Average rent price: $1,230
Population: 4,820
Apartments for rent in Tallassee, AL
Houses for rent in Tallassee, AL
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Tallassee is a hidden gem in the Appalachian Mountains, located just outside of the historic town of Tuskegee. Surrounded by nature, you can find a variety of activities such as the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail, the Tuskegee National Forest, the Lake Talisi Riverwalk Trail, and the Wood Duck Trail. Whether you’re interested in fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet, Tallassee has something to offer everyone.
Despite its small size, Tallassee boasts a rich history and a tight-knit community with scenic views of the Tallapoosa River. The town has charming streets, local restaurants, and landmarks like the Tallapoosa River Bridge. If you’re looking for a mountain town that escapes the hustle and bustle of city life, check out Tallapoosa.
9. Talladega
Mountain range: Talladega Mountains
Forest: Talladega National Forest
Average rent price: $816
Population: 15,580
Apartments for rent in Talladega, AL
Houses for rent in Talladega, AL
Homes for sale in Talladega, AL
Talladega is renowned for its scenic beauty, located within the Talladega Mountains, adjacent to the Talladega National Forest. This town offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and experiences. The town is famous for its motorsports, but there’s much more to explore, from hiking in the national forest to visiting historic sites.
For example, you can explore trails like the Porter’s Gap Trail and High Falls Trail, check out Cheaha State Park, or watch a NASCAR race at Talladega Superspeedway. With a population of 15,580, Talladega provides a welcoming community atmosphere. From visiting the charming downtown to spending time in the surrounding nature, there are plenty of reasons to consider moving to Talladega.
10. Trussville
Mountain range: Appalachian Mountains
Average rent price: $1,831
Population: 21,990
Apartments for rent in Trussville, AL
Houses for rent in Trussville, AL
Homes for sale in Trussville, AL
Trussville is the last Alabama mountain town to make our list. A vibrant Birmingham suburb located in the Appalachian Mountains, Trussville is close to natural areas like Cosby Lake Park and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. The town’s population of nearly 22,000 has easy access to Birmingham’s nightlife and museums, as well as local parks and amenities. The town also hosts community events and festivals, whether you’re looking for a farmers market or art shows.
Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the mountain towns in Alabama. Towns must have average rental data to be included on the list. Average rental data from Rent.com during September 2024. Population data is sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
