BEST PLACES TO LIVE

Money's list of America's best small towns

And this is what they had to say!

 ALABASTER RANKED #85

This young town is one of Alabama's fastest growing; new construction continues, and home prices haven't declined much.

Although there aren't many employers in Alabaster -- the biggest is Shelby Baptist Medical Center -- unemployment rates hover near pre-recession levels. Most residents commute to Birmingham, 25 miles away.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the City of Alabaster

CALERA RANKED #83

Although it's only 20 miles from Birmingham, Calera offers plenty of country scenery nestled between the hills of central Alabama. Typical outdoors activities like hunting and fishing are popular. The town is fiercely loyal to its local stores; Billie's Toyota dealership, for example, has been around for generations and continues to thrive from support of loyal residents

CLICK HERE to learn more about the City of Calera

HELENA RANKED #90

Helena combines small-town charm with natural beauty. While Old Town Helena was built around railroads in the late 19th century, the downtown still brings the community together. Performances are hosted in an outdoor amphitheater and local food vendors collect in town for Helena Market Days.

Step outside the downtown and you'll find the Buck creek running through the town, yielding to a flowing waterfall. If you enjoy a waterfront view, the town offers homes along the bank of the creek. However, more affordable housing is available, ranking Helena at the top of this category.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the City of Helena

To read the complete article go to

Best Places to Live 2009 - from Money Magazine

When you stop to think about how many cities there are in the United States these numbers are pretty amazing!  And for 3 of the cities selected to be in our beautiful Shelby County is really something to be proud of!

Shelby County is a great place to live, work and play!

If you don't already live in one of these fine cities then maybe it is time for you to make a move!

There are 279 homes on the market in CALERA.  Of those 17 are Town homes built 2005-2009 and priced from $94,900 to $119,900.  This includes 66 homes that are New Construction priced from $106,900 to $214,900 and 191 Existing or "pre-loved" homes priced from $39,900 up to $1,500,000.

In ALABASTER you can select from 313 homes on the market.  There are 25 Town homes & Condos that were built between 1986 and 2003 priced from $75,000 to $124,900.  New Construction includes 35 homes priced from $165,900 to $539,900.  The remaining 253 are Existing homes priced from $39,900 up to $1,300,000.

HELENA is presently offering 270 homes on the market.  You may choose for 15 Town homes built from 1997 - 2006 and priced from $104,900 to $132,900.  New Construction pricing is $159,900 to $459,900 with 41 available and Existing homes priced from $84,900 up to $995,000.

TO VIEW THESE HOMES CLICK HERE and type in the city of your choice

About the Author

Debbie Hutchins a Certified Residential Specialist has been a licensed Realtor since 1987.  Serving the Greater Birmingham Area and specializing in Shelby County Debbie is available to assist you with your real estate needs.  We hope you have enjoyed reading and hope you will come back!  You may also subscribe to "debs doodles" and have it delivered to your email! And as always, you are welcome to search the MLS through Debbie's Re/Max website.    All phone calls are welcome!    You can reach Debbie via her cell phone at 205-368-2474

All data contained within is deemed correct however, RE/MAX First Choice and/or its Sales Associates are not responsible for errors and/or omissions. Prices are subject to change without notice.