Choosing the right environment for raising children is crucial, as it has a significant impact on their growth and overall well-being.

If you’re looking for the best place to raise a family in Alabama, several cities stand out for their excellent school systems, low crime rates, reasonable cost of living, and family-friendly amenities.

Niche.com ranked the best cities by assessing various factors, including those important to families. The website primarily used data from the U.S. Census, the FBI, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in its rankings. You can see the complete methodology here.

Based on these comprehensive factors, here are the top 25 places to raise a family in Alabama:

1. Madison – This Huntsville suburb earns an A+ overall grade from Niche, including A+ ratings for its public schools and being a good place for families. Residents praise its cleanliness and amenities, although they note that it lacks diversity compared to its neighboring city of Huntsville.

2. Meadowbrook – Earning another A+ overall from Niche, this Birmingham suburb gets high marks for public schools and family friendliness. Residents describe it as incredibly safe, with plenty of job opportunities.

3. Homewood – Also a Birmingham suburb, Homewood received A+ grades across the board. Locals describe it as a peaceful and safe community with excellent schools and a strong family focus.

4. Hoover – This city near Birmingham is one of the larger locations on the list, with over 92,000 residents. It received an A+ overall and for its schools. Visitors find the people extremely friendly.

5. Mountain Brook – Rounding out the top five is yet another Birmingham suburb earning straight A+ ratings. Residents say it’s beautiful, safe, and great for shopping and dining. Still, it can feel exclusive since many families have lived there for generations.

6. Indian Springs Village – This Birmingham suburb received an A+ overall grade and is considered a good town for families. Residents say the city offers a rural feel, and most own their homes. The public schools come highly recommended.

7. Vestavia Hills – Another suburb of Birmingham, ranked as one of the best places to live in the state, earned an A+ overall. Residents enjoy the suburban feel, numerous dining options, and highly rated schools.

8. Auburn – Named one of the best places to live in Alabama, Auburn boasts top ranks overall with an A+. Niche notes its great public schools, family amenities, and diversity.

9. Helena – A suburb of Birmingham, it received a high overall rating, and residents praise its schools. The community is home to many families and young professionals.

10. Pelham – Another top place to live in the state, Pelham earned an A+ Niche rating. Residents enjoy the many parks in the area and the well-rated public schools.

11. Alabaster – Located in the suburbs of Birmingham, Niche rated Alabaster an A overall. This city is home to numerous parks and ranks among the best places to buy a house. Residents describe it as family-oriented.

12. Trussville – This suburb is one of the best places to live in Jefferson County and received an A+ for its public schools. However, it received one of the lowest crime and safety scores, earning a C+.

13. Spanish Fort – As a Mobile suburb, Spanish Fort is rated as one of the best places to live in the Mobile area, boasting highly rated schools. It received an A overall grade.

14. Hazel Green – This Huntsville area town is recognized as the best place in the country to buy a house, according to Niche. Hazel Green earned an A overall grade.

15. Fairhope – Receiving another A overall, Fairhope is the second-best place to live in the Mobile area. The town offers a sparse suburban feel, complemented by excellent public schools.