“A growing southern suburb of Birmingham, Alabaster is popular for its affordability, safety, good school system, and the largest medical facility in Shelby County—Shelby Baptist Medical Center. It’s also just a 30-minute commute from Birmingham’s strong job market in health care and educational services,” Fortune writes.

“The typical house sells for $266,635, per Attom, much lower than what is typical across the country. And the Alabaster City Schools district is highly rated, boasting a 97% high school graduation rate.”

The evaluation focused on factors such as education, affordability, healthcare, and community resources. In its analysis of over 2,000 cities nationwide, Fortune identifies those that offer a combination of strong job markets, high-quality education systems, accessible healthcare facilities, and abundant recreational opportunities.

“Alabaster also has plenty to offer in the way of recreational activities. The 940-acre Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest and just a 10-minute drive away for hikers, bikers, and campers. The nearby Cahaba River is great for canoeing or fishing, with more than 135 fish species. In the city itself, there are a number of green spaces, such as Veterans Park and Buck Creek Park, offering everything from softball fields to walking trails.

“There’s also a senior center with plenty of activities for retirees, like excursions, volunteer opportunities, and health and exercise programs. The city hosts several events throughout the year for residents of all ages, including a Christmas parade and CityFest, an outdoor music festival.”