
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.
Gardendale is a medium-sized city located in the state of Alabama. The city has a population of 14,518 people. According to the most recent Census, 83% of Gardendale residents are White, 9% Black and 1% Asian. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Gardendale, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Gardendale, Alabama. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Gardendale, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, health & safety, education and more.
Gardendale has a livability score of 64/100 and is ranked #132 in Alabama and #13,454 in the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Gardendale has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (B+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Gardendale does not score well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Gardendale gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 192 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Gardendale can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Gardendale real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Gardendale. Median real estate prices in Gardendale come in at $327,134, which is 38.9% higher than the Alabama average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Gardendale, the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 16.7% lower than the Alabama average.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Gardendale | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 87.8% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.8% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.8% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.3% | 2.9% | 4.6% |