Top 5 Alabama Cities You May Not Want to Relocate to

Over the past two decades, radio has allowed me to live in many great cities in the Yellowhammer state. I've lived in Dothan, where I saw the Rattlesnake Rodeo and had some cooked rattlesnake. I also saw great music acts of all genres at the National Peanut Festival.

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South Alabama isn’t the only place I've called home in my travels. I have also lived in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery and, now, Tuscaloosa, one of my favorite places I've lived so far. When I lived here the first time, the University of Alabama won the National Championship and I got to see the crystal football on display.

Each City in Alabama offers a unique experience but, according to Money Inc, there are cities you should not live in. Let's look at the top 5 on the list and see why they are ranked where they are.

5. Mobile

Mobile is the only major city in Alabama I haven’t lived in, but I have visited it a few times. Monyinc.com ranked Mobile the 5th-worst city to live in because, statically speaking, you have a 1-18 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. If that wasn’t bad enough, abilities.com ranked it as one of the worst places to live if you have a disability. This doesn't sound like a place I would want to relocate to.

4. Fairfield

I lived in Homewood, so I didn’t have a reason to go to Fairfield. I didn’t miss much though, according to AL.com, as only slightly over 25% of the residents live above the poverty line.

3. Prichard

Prichard might not be the best choice if you are looking for a place to work. The city itself has just slightly over 20,000 residents. Employment rates are dropping at nearly 17% a year, according to 247 Wall St.

2. Anniston

This one does not surprise me. I worked in Anniston, both on and off the radio. This is not a safe area. We had to keep our doors locked during and after office hours at the radio station where I worked. There was a trailer park behind the station that was well-known to be a place to buy and sell drugs.

Employment rates have fallen by over 10 percent in the past five years, according to Money Inc. The Anniston population has dropped over 4 percent in the past five years.

1. Bessemer

Bessemer is not the best choice for relocation. Per 247 Wall St, the poverty rate is at 30 percent, and the violent crime rate is 2,900 crimes per 100,000 residents. Bessemer residents have limited access to grocery stores and supermarkets. If you are looking to relocate elsewhere in our state, these are a few things you should consider before calling your realtor.