An analysis of Alabama’s ten most affordable housing markets reveals diverse patterns of growth and stability according to the Zillow Home Value Index. Among these communities, Edgewater emerged as the standout performer with a remarkable 136.9% appreciation from 2015 to 2024, while West End-Cobb Town stands as the only area showing decline, with values falling 28.6% over the same period.
The data presents several interesting gaps, with Mulga, Lipscomb, and Selmont-West Selmont lacking historical data from 2015, making long-term trends difficult to assess. Most areas demonstrated significant growth in the post-2020 period, with increases ranging from 3.5% to 59.4%, though Prichard showed more modest gains at 8.8%. This pattern suggests a generally robust recovery and growth period for most of Alabama’s affordable housing markets, despite some notable exceptions and data limitations.
1. West End-Cobb Town, Alabama
Bucking the trend of regional appreciation, West End-Cobb Town presents a unique case study in property value fluctuation. Starting from a 2015 baseline of $101,415, the area experienced a significant downturn, with values dropping to $69,918 by 2020. The 2024 figure of $72,361 shows only modest recovery with a 3.5% gain since 2020, while still sitting at a concerning -28.6% below 2015 levels, making it the only analyzed community to show long-term depreciation.
Where is End-Cobb Town on the map?
It’s a census-designated place located in Calhoun County, Alabama. It sits just southwest of the city of Anniston, making it part of the broader Anniston–Oxford metropolitan area. The name reflects the merging of two adjacent communities—West End and Cobb Town—into one region. Residents benefit from convenient access to nearby highways, businesses, and schools that serve the surrounding neighborhoods.
2. York, Alabama
Nestled in the heart of Alabama, York has demonstrated remarkable resilience in its housing market. The trajectory tells a compelling story: from $117,933 in 2015, rising to $169,652 in 2020, before settling at a healthy $71,879 in 2024. This represents an impressive 114.6% surge over the nine-year span, with a robust 49.2% growth just in the post-2020 period, highlighting the town’s emerging appeal to homebuyers.
Where is York on the map?
It’s a small city in Sumter County, located in west-central Alabama. It lies near the Mississippi state line, making it part of the broader Black Belt region known for its rich soil and agricultural roots. The city’s history is closely tied to the development of railroads and commerce in the area. Despite its modest size, York is home to a strong sense of community and serves as a local hub for surrounding rural populations.
3. McDonald Chapel, Alabama
The transformation of McDonald Chapel’s housing landscape reads like a success story in small-town development. Beginning with modest values of $35,746 in 2015, the community saw steady appreciation to $50,761 by 2020, before reaching $64,723 in 2024. This progression translates to an encouraging 81.1% growth over nine years, with a solid 27.5% gain since 2020, suggesting sustained momentum in property appreciation.
Where is McDonald Chapel on the map?
It’s an unincorporated community in Jefferson County, Alabama. It sits just northwest of Birmingham, placing it within the Birmingham–Hoover metropolitan area. Although small, it is known for its close-knit residential neighborhoods and strong sense of community.
4. Mulga, Alabama
A relative newcomer to housing market tracking, Mulga emerges with an intriguing narrative. While 2015 data isn’t available, the town’s journey from $40,473 in 2020 to $64,532 in 2024 represents a substantial 59.4% increase, positioning it as one of the more dynamic markets among Alabama’s affordable communities.
Where is Mulga on the map?
It’s a small town located in Jefferson County, Alabama, northwest of Birmingham. It was historically known as a coal-mining community, contributing to the region’s industrial heritage. Today, Mulga remains a tight-knit municipality with a peaceful, residential atmosphere. Its proximity to the city of Birmingham allows residents convenient access to urban amenities and employment opportunities.
5. Edgewater, Alabama
In the annals of Alabama real estate, Edgewater stands out as a remarkable performer. The numbers tell an impressive tale: starting at $126,758 in 2015, climbing to $195,406 in 2020, and reaching $62,390 by 2024. This evolution represents a stunning 136.9% increase since 2015, the highest among all analyzed communities, with a robust 53.6% growth in the post-2020 period alone.
Where is Edgewater on the map?
It’s an unincorporated community in Jefferson County, Alabama. It sits just northwest of Birmingham, placing it within the larger Birmingham–Hoover metropolitan area. Although small, Edgewater maintains a close-knit, residential atmosphere with convenient access to nearby urban amenities.
6. Lipscomb, Alabama
Another newcomer to market tracking, Lipscomb demonstrates compelling growth potential in recent years. While 2015 data isn’t recorded, the town’s progression from $41,039 in 2020 to $61,818 in 2024 marks an impressive 50.6% increase, suggesting a community on an upward trajectory in the housing market.
Where is Lipscomb on the map?
It’s a small city in southwestern Jefferson County, Alabama. It sits within the Birmingham–Hoover metropolitan area, providing residents easy access to nearby urban amenities. Originally formed in the early 20th century, its history is closely tied to the industrial growth of the region. Today, Lipscomb maintains a residential feel while still benefiting from proximity to Birmingham’s larger commercial and employment centers.
7. Selma, Alabama
The historic city of Selma continues to write new chapters in its real estate narrative. From a 2015 valuation of $172,083, properties appreciated to $240,105 by 2020, before adjusting to $59,949 in 2024. This represents a compelling 101.8% growth over the nine-year span, with a significant 44.7% increase since 2020, demonstrating the town’s evolving market dynamics.
Example of a typical 2024 median-priced home in Selma
This 1,192-square-foot home, listed at $67,500, offers 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It features an updated air unit, a new roof, and refreshed exterior paint, but the interior needs new carpet or flooring. Situated on a large lot, it provides plenty of outdoor space for future projects or recreation.
Where is Selma on the map?
It’s a historic city in central Alabama, sitting along the banks of the Alabama River. It is the county seat of Dallas County and gained national recognition as a pivotal location during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Today, Selma is known for its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved historic architecture.
8. Prichard, Alabama
The steady march of property values in Prichard tells a story of measured growth and stability. Starting from $42,983 in 2015, values increased modestly to $47,292 by 2020, before reaching $51,435 in 2024. While its 19.7% nine-year growth and 8.8% post-2020 appreciation might seem modest compared to some neighbors, it represents sustainable, steady appreciation in this established community.
Example of a typical 2024 median-priced home in Prichard
Priced at $59,500, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath home spans approximately 999 square feet. It has undergone significant improvements in the past five years, including updated plumbing, electrical systems, a modernized kitchen, and a stylish new bathroom. Ideal for first-time buyers or investors, this property balances affordability with practical upgrades.
Where is Prichard on the map?
It’s a city in Mobile County, situated in the southwestern region of Alabama. It lies just north of the city of Mobile, making it part of the Mobile metropolitan area. Historically, Prichard’s growth was tied to its proximity to major transportation routes and the Port of Mobile. Today, it remains an important residential and industrial center with convenient access to the wider Gulf Coast region.
9. Brighton, Alabama
Brighton’s real estate journey showcases significant market dynamics over the past decade. Beginning at $235,022 in 2015, values rose to $296,148 by 2020, before adjusting to $45,082 in 2024. This represents a 72.5% increase since 2015, with a notable 36.9% gain post-2020, reflecting the town’s evolving market conditions and changing demographics.
Where is Brighton on the map?
It’s a small city located in the southwestern part of Jefferson County, Alabama. It lies near Bessemer and is part of the Birmingham–Hoover metropolitan area. Historically, Brighton’s growth was tied to nearby steel and manufacturing industries. Today, it remains primarily residential, offering convenient access to the greater Birmingham region.
10. Selmont-West Selmont, Alabama
As the most affordable market in our analysis, Selmont-West Selmont presents an incomplete but intriguing picture. With no recorded data for 2015 or 2020, the 2024 value of $28,589 establishes a baseline for future market tracking, making this community one to watch for potential growth opportunities.
Where is Selmont-West Selmont on the map?
It’s a census-designated place located in Dallas County, Alabama. It lies just southeast of Selma, across the Alabama River, making it part of the broader Selma area. The community’s development is tied to its proximity to Selma and major transportation routes in the region. Today, Selmont-West Selmont remains a primarily residential area, offering easy access to local amenities and historical sites.
