Huntsville Area Neighborhoods

Huntsville is the most populous city in the state of Alabama with an estimated population of 249,102 residents as of July 2025. Since the 2020 census, the city of Huntsville has seen its population increase by almost 16%, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. In response to this growth, more than 20,500 new housing units have been added since 2020 to meet the needs of the area’s growing population.

Driving this growth, Huntsville continues to be recognized in the media. Frequently in the top 10, U.S. News & World Report named Huntsville as one of the best places to live in the United States in 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025. Livability also ranked Huntsville as one of the best places to live in the country, given its strong performance in affordability, housing, environment, and transportation, and Niche placed Huntsville’s Madison County on its 2025 list of “Best Counties to Live in America.”

Attractive to new residents, the cost of living in the Greater Huntsville area is 9% lower than the national average. According to U.S. News & World Report, the median housing cost is nearly 19% lower than the national average.

A vibrant, ever-evolving arts scene has transformed the Rocket City into one of the Southeast’s most exciting arts destinations. From landmark art institutions, immersive public art, and dynamic theater troupes to a calendar brimming with festivals, Huntsville visitors and residents enjoy a wide spectrum of art genres.

Surrounded by foothills and mountains, outdoor enthusiasts are treated to the best of what northern Alabama has to offer. Sprawling greenways, nature preserves, serene waterfronts, and state and neighborhood parks offer biking and hiking trails, caverns and caves, water adventures, and outdoor sport activities of all kinds.

Convenient transportation is a plus for Rocket City residents. Sitting at the convergence of I-65, I-565, and U.S. Route 72, Huntsville area residents can easily travel to nearby cities including Nashville, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Memphis, and Atlanta. Ranked No. 1 on Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards for “Best Small Airports,” Huntsville International Airport (HSV) boasts short and smooth-running security and check-in lines. Five airlines offer nonstop flights to 18 cities such as Chicago, Tampa, New York City, Houston, Las Vegas, and Washington D.C.

The Greater Huntsville area has a thriving food and drink scene. From Southern comfort foods to delicious international fare, casual to white-tablecloth dining, and exquisite coffees, finely crafted beers, and innovative drinks, Huntsville enjoys the best of all culinary experiences.

Madison County’s three major school districts, Madison County Schools, Huntsville City Schools, and Madison City Schools, collectively serve over 56,000 students across a myriad of campuses. Award-winning teachers and top-performing schools are just a few of the commonalities among these districts. Additionally, all three are committed to helping older students succeed in post-secondary education through opportunities such as Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses. Madison County is also home to more than 30 private institutions, some of which are ranked among the best in the state of Alabama. Decatur and Athens students are respectively served by Decatur and Athens City Schools, as well as a number of private school choices.

The Greater Huntsville area is home to three major healthcare systems – Huntsville Hospital Health System, UAB Medicine, and Crestwood Medical Center, all of which have been recognized for their comprehensive care to patients at multiple locations across the region. Also serving the area is the award-winning Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital.