What to Know About Living In Tuscaloosa, AL

Talk about college towns, and at some point, Tuscaloosa’s bound to pop up. With the University of Alabama centered here, you’ll hear lots of “Roll tide!” wandering around town. Still, there’s way more to this life in this central Alabama city than crimson-clad students. The city bursts with life thanks to fun, weekend events, beautiful parks, and museum attractions. And, for those on a budget, Tuscaloosa’s an affordable place to live!

Dive into the ins and outs of living in this Alabama town—including what the neighborhoods are like, cost of living considerations, and the local amenities that make it an attractive place to live. After reading our guide, you’ll find the information to determine whether calling Tuscaloosa home is right for you!

Where is Tuscaloosa, AL?

Tuscaloosa is nestled in the heart of central-west Alabama in Tuscaloosa County along the Black Warrior River. It has a long history dating back to a local Creek village. Over time it served as a one-time state capital and witnessed important moments in the Civil Rights movement.

Locals know it by its nickname, “Title Town,” – meaning where titles are earned and memories made. The University of Alabama is revered as a top school throughout the state. It’s nearly as old as the town itself.

Is Tuscaloosa, AL growing?

As you might expect, Tuscaloosa sees a lot of population fluctuation related to student movement during the school year. However, Tuscaloosa is actually Alabama’s fifth-largest city. In the 2020 Census, it had 100,618 residents, which represented just under half of the total county population of 227,007.

Tuscaloosa is growing slowly and steadily at just under 1% per year. From 2010 to 2020, this amounted to around 9,000 new residents.

What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL?

Overall, Alabama is an affordable state to live in, and Tuscaloosa continues in tradition. While it’s about 3% more expensive than the overall state average, living here is still about 12% less expensive than nationwide. Housing costs are among the most significant savings; transportation costs run 21% less than the national average. Do expect to pay more for healthcare and utilities.

A single adult could expect to spend around $35,934 a year on essentials while living in Tuscaloosa.

What is the average price of a home in Tuscaloosa, AL?

As a college town, there’s a wide variety of multifamily and single-family real estate. In April 2023, the median home price for Tuscaloosa was $265,000. That was with 669 homes on the market, ranging from $7,000 to $6 million.

The most affordable listing was for a vacant lot of around .39 acres. The $6 million listing on the top of the market was for a historic antebellum 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home of 3,888 sq ft on 37 acres with ample riverfront.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Tuscaloosa, AL?

As a college town, you will find plentiful condos, duplexes, and townhomes for sale. April had 105 listings in this category. The good news is that not all these cater to student housing. For example, the most expensive listing on the market was a $2.57 million new construction condo at 2,582 sq ft with a stunning view of Lake Tuscaloosa. The most affordable was a studio condo for $74,900.

Some areas you can look for condos and townhomes are:

• Harbooke Downs
• Traditions
• Greater Alberta neighborhood
• University Downs
• Crimson Place
• River Road
• Gates of Wellington
• Capstone
• Greater Downtown Tuscaloosa

But, with the wide selection of multifamily in Tuscaloosa, a local real estate agent can be your best resource for finding the condo, townhome, duplex, or other property that fits your lifestyle needs.

What is the property tax rate for Tuscaloosa, AL?

Alabama’s state property tax is 6.5 mills. Tuscaloosa County charged 10.5 mills, and the city charged 13.5. Nearby Northport charged 11.5, while the other municipalities were at 5.0. The state sets one mill as $0.001. So ten mills would be $0.01.

As of 2022, the school property tax rate in Tuscaloosa County was 10 mills, the lowest amount allowable by law. An early 2023 referendum sought to raise the tax base to 17.5 mills, but the taxes haven’t been raised here since 1917.

Alabama calculates property taxes on 20% of a residential real estate’s appraised value.

What neighborhoods are in Tuscaloosa, AL?

Greater Downtown Tuscaloosa is becoming more of a destination to live, as people desire to be closer to its business, retail, and dining center. It includes Queen City, Capitol Park, Greensboro, and Stillman neighborhoods. The Tuscaloosa RiverWalk and Queen City Park are popular destinations for locals and tourists. The RiverWalk amphitheater hosts city events and festivals.

West Tuscaloosa stretches from west of I-395 to the end of the city limits near Palmore Park and Moody Swamp. It has multiple sub-neighborhoods. Perks include a great location to Stillman College and Shelton State Community College, the town’s other two colleges. The area has over eight community parks, a country club, libraries, and a YMCA.

Northport is a separate city directly across the river and has a suburban feel. The historic downtown has brick-laid streets, an arts center, and a relic wooden train trestle. Lake Lurleen State Park surrounds a 250-acre lake, and the town has an 18-hole golf course. Homes are on more spacious lots; the town had a higher median price of $320,000 in April 2023.

Alberta City experienced severe damage during the 2011 Spring tornado outbreak. This part of town continues to undergo revitalization efforts spurred by its proximity to the UA campus.

Hillcrest is just outside town and highly desirable if the traffic is anything to go by. It’s convenient to the community college and known for having some strong schools. It has easy interstate access.

Cottondale is an adjacent unincorporated area east of Tuscaloosa. With just over 3,000 residents, it has that rural, small-town vibe, but Highway 11 makes it easy to get into the city proper. Locals are near the University of Alabama Arboretum and have a few parks, stores, and an elementary school inside the community. For housing, you have older homes, larger lots, and waterfront options along Cottondale Creek, Bee Branch, and Hurricane Creek.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Tuscaloosa, AL?

Good news if you want waterfront living in Alabama! April 2023 had 45 available waterfront listings, including vacant waterfront lots ideal for building a custom dream home. Your choices in Tuscaloosa include the riverfront on the Black Warrior River or along Lake Tuscaloosa.

How is golf in Tuscaloosa, AL?

Players have a few options to work their game in Tuscaloosa, with about five golf courses and country clubs in the greater area.

Ol’ Colony Golf Complex may be the highest-rated in the most well-known. The facility has a Junior golf academy and program. This course northeast of Northport hosts the Tuscaloosa Toyota Classic Golf Tournament. Jerry Pate designed the 18 holes around 25 acres of lakes.

The Links at Tuscaloosa Golf and Country Club strive to be an affordable golf course with world-class amenities. Tree-lined fairways run adjacent to Mimosa Lake. The country club facilities include tennis, swimming, fitness facilities, tanning beds, a sauna, sand volleyball, and social activities.

Tall Pines Golf Club in Woodland Forest is a semi-private golf course combined with country club amenities like a swimming pool. Off the back tees, it runs 6,300 yards, and you can sharpen skills on a short-range and long-range practice course.

Indian Hills Country Club across the river is a private golf course and club with upscale dining, fitness classes, and social events for its members. Leon Howard designed the course to play 6,299 yards off the back tees.

Finally, the North River Yacht Club is another private country club and golf course. The north Tuscaloosa facility sits along Lake Tuscaloosa and has multiple facilities and amenities. Members gain access to Gary Player and Bob Cupp’s re-designed wooded par-71 course. The club additionally runs a tennis program and facility, health and fitness classes, and aquatics programs. There are wet slips at the private marina and lakeside dining.

Are there golf course communities in Tuscaloosa, AL?

Imagine looking down immaculate fairways from your back window or sunroom. That can be possible by living in a golf course community or near one of Tuscaloosa’s golf courses.

In Woodland Forest, find golf course-backed homes near Tall Pines Country Club. Located in southeastern Tuscaloosa, about 15 minutes from the UA campus, the community winds around the course. It includes an elementary school in the neighborhood. A homeowner’s association maintains some common areas and coordinates community events.

North River Yacht Club has immaculate custom-built estate homes in a woodland-like feeling. Some homes provide views of the golf course buffered by trees. Membership is not required to buy a home in this neighborhood, and as of 2023, vacant lots were available. Plus, you can store your boat at a wet slip in the marina, providing space if available.

What areas are near Tuscaloosa, AL?

Tuscaloosa is the main town inside of Tuscaloosa County and where people in the surrounding areas travel whenever they want to access city perks like specialty healthcare, UA games, and entertainment. However, the city isn’t far from some other major destinations in Alabama.

Birmingham lies only 60 miles east, directly on I-20. This is your best bet for airport access, plus another option to catch live music acts, find high-end shopping, or explore more art and culture destinations. On the other side of the city awaits the Appalachian foothills, which are popular for their trails and parks.

Montgomery is 100 miles southeast along Highway 82. The state capital has many historic sites to tour, a charming riverfront, and many city parks.

What to know about living in Tuscaloosa, AL

Tuscaloosa is a welcoming and friendly place to live. It definitely is a college town, and you’ll hear “Roll Tide” often used as a greeting. It turns into a sea of crimson, white, and houndstooth, especially in the semester and on game days. But along with being a college town, traffic can be particularly bad on home football days. Learn the schedule and how to get around the road closures, parking, and pregame traffic.

On the upside, unlike many of its surrounding suburbs, there’s more to do when the sunsets because it is a college town. Enjoy a robust nightlife with multiple bars and dance clubs. Dining venues will stay open later, as will event venues.

You do need to be ready for hot and humid summers. Tuscaloosa can really feel like it’s baking in July and August with all the Gulf of Mexico humidity but minimal sea breeze to cool it off. Average temps exceed 90F an average of 39 days a year. But on the flip side, you’ll get to enjoy cool and mild winters with an average high of 57F.

While UA is a major employer, Tuscaloosa’s job market is diversifying. Mercedes-Benz US International runs a plant just outside of town, and there are contractors providing services to support the plant that makes manufacturing a robust industry here. Healthcare and other education (the county and city school boards) are also top employers.

Besides UA games and the college, Tuscaloosa has other activities, too. Kayaking and paddleboarding the Black Warrior River is a popular summer pastime. Families can take their kids to the Children’s Hands-on Museum, Children’s Community Theater, or the Alabama Museum of Natural History. Several art and cultural museums provide exposure to the area’s history and traditions. Probably the most popular festival is the two-day folk Kentuck Festival of the Arts every October.

As you can see, residents of Tuscaloosa have an active lifestyle thanks to the lively college town atmosphere and activities. This is paired with a low cost of living and some great perks, like mild winters and plenty of parks to get outside. If you’re looking at living in Tuscaloosa, contact a local real estate agent to find the right neighborhood. And, before you move, learn more about life in Alabama.