Homewood named No. 3 Best Small City in America for 2026

Now this is a nice 100-year birthday present.

Homewood has been named the 3rd Best Small City in America by Livability.com in its first-ever ranking of the Top 50 Small Cities in America. The digital publisher and research website evaluated more than 2,000 cities with populations between 15,000 and 75,000 across the U.S., and Alabama swept the top three spots on the list: Daphne #1, Madison #2 and Homewood #3.

Homewood is 100 years old

The announcement comes a month after the Birmingham suburb celebrated its incorporation 100 years ago.

“What a huge honor for Homewood, but not surprising in the slightest! Homewood has grown over the last 100 years into the most desirable place to live in Alabama and even the Southeast. From our number one school system to our beautiful, walkable neighborhoods, from our charming business districts to our welcoming green spaces, Homewood truly offers something for everyone!”

Jennifer Andress, Mayor of Homewood

Livability gave 5 reasons why Homewood ranked #3

• Parks: From Patriot Park to the Shades Creek Greenway, Homewood offers a lot of outdoor opportunities. Plus, who doesn’t love the town’s special connection to its local salamander population!
• Schools: Homewood Schools consistently ranks as the best in the state of Alabama and South.
• Shopping and dining: Homewood has a beautiful walkable Main Street with numerous shops and restaurants.
• College town: Don’t forget Samford University’s contribution to Homewood!
• Short commute: Whether you go to work in downtown Birmingham or work on U.S. 280, I-65 or Montgomery Highway, you’re usually about 10 minutes from work or play

Why Homewood is a special place to live

Homewood Chamber Director Shay Gartman summed up why Homewood is a special place.

“What makes our city so special is the strong sense of community you feel everywhere you go. From our thriving locally owned businesses and walkable shopping districts to our outstanding schools and beautiful neighborhoods, Homewood offers something truly unique. This national recognition is a wonderful testament to the people who make Homewood such an extraordinary place to live, work, shop, and visit.”

Shay Gartman, Director, Homewood Chamber

7 Alabama towns make Livability’s Best Small City list

Homewood was not the only Alabama city ranked in Livability’s first Best Small City list.

In addition to Homewood coming in at number three, South Alabama’s Daphne, Alabama topped the list and fast-growing Madison, Alabama in North Alabama came in second.

In fact, four other Alabama towns made the top 25:

• Enterprise, Alabama (#11)
• Florence, Alabama (#14)
• Opelika, Alabama (#16)
• Dothan, Alabama (#25)

Did Livability get their inaugural 50 Best Small Cities in 2026 list right? What do you think of Homewood and six additional Alabama towns making it in the top 25? Tell us what you think on social media by tagging us on social media at @bhamnow!