Friday, October 30, 2009

Four Alabama towns make Money magazine’s top 100 places to live

Madison Top 100 rank: 49 Population: 38,300 Madison's economy has remained stronger than many, thanks to such large employers as Boeing and NASA. Indeed, a tech boom has made this one of Alabama's fastest-growing towns. But consumer retail in the area hasn't kept up. Madison's main recreation strength: its 34 parks that each encompasses several acres of land. --R.G.

Calera Top 100 rank: 83 Population: 9,400 Although it's only 20 miles from Birmingham, Calera offers plenty of country scenery nestled between the hills of central Alabama. Typical outdoors activities like hunting and fishing are popular. The town is fiercely loyal to its local stores; Billie's Toyota dealership, for example, has been around for generations and continues to thrive from support of loyal residents. The town's strong community helps keeps Calera's crime rate low. It has little diversity, however. --R.G. Alabaster Top 100 rank: 85 Population: 28,700 This young town is one of Alabama's fastest growing; new construction continues, and home prices haven't declined much. Although there aren't many employers in Alabaster -- the biggest is Shelby Baptist Medical Center -- unemployment rates hover near pre-recession levels. Most residents commute to Birmingham, 25 miles away. The town scores well on green space and schools quality. But there's only one shopping complex in town (it was just built). --R.G. Helena Top 100 rank: 90 Population: 14,200 Helena combines small-town charm with natural beauty. While Old Town Helena was built around railroads in the late 19th century, the downtown still brings the community together. Performances are hosted in an outdoor amphitheatre and local food vendors collect in town for Helena Market Days. Step outside the downtown and you'll find the Buck creek running through the town, yielding to a flowing waterfall. If you enjoy a waterfront view, the town offers homes along the bank of the creek. However, more affordable housing is available, ranking Helena at the top of this category. While Birmingham's only 11 miles away, the interstate runs through town and creates congestion. --R.G. Courtesy money.cnn.com