Retire in Colbert County, AL | Things to Do & Cost of Living

Colbert

Colbert County is located in the northwest corner of Alabama and comprises the cities of Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. The county has a rich history dating back to the Chickasaw Indians and early French traders who came here as early as 1715. In the early days, this area became known as Muscle Shoals due to the rapids and large boulders and an abundance of mussels in the river. Today, these waters have become recreation lakes that traverse the breadth of the county and provide excellent fishing, boating, and kayaking. The county is known for its many natural resources, its hiking, cycling and walking trails, world-class golf, its museums and its music heritage, and several one-of-a-kind attractions. The county attracts retirees due to its vibrant communities, low taxes, and welcoming people. Colbert County boasts a growing industrial base, excellent healthcare facilities, superior school systems, visual and performing arts programs, an abundance of festivals and annual events, and beautiful neighborhoods featuring attractive subdivisions, upscale neighborhoods, modest cottages, historic districts, senior living facilities, and waterfront homes of all sizes. You will find that Colbert County is a place that you will want to come home to!

Calculate Your Expenses

Use the Cost of Living Calculator below and compare our counties to your community.
Check out the numbers for yourself.

Singing River

SINGING RIVER

Native Americans named the Tennessee River that rolls through The Shoals area The Singing River.

RTJ Golf Trail at the Shoals - Muscle Shoals, AL

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at the Shoals

Carley’s Adventures: Helen Keller’s Birthplace

Birthplace of Helen Keller Ivy Green

Fame Studios

Alabama Music Hall of Fame

Muscle Shoals Sound Studios

Natchez Trace Parkway

Coon Dog Cemetery

Rattlesnake Saloon

Muscle Shoals VIP Tours

Spring Creek Park

Spring Creek Golf Course

Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve

Belle Mont Mansion

LaGrange College Historical Site Park

Cypress Lakes Golf & Tennis Club

Dawson Distillery

Tuscumbia Depot and Roundhouse

Historic Downtowns

Pickwick & Wilson Lakes

Fishing & Camping

These lakes are home to one of the most popular – and productive – smallmouth fishing areas of the entire South. From the embankments to the tailwaters of the dam, Pickwick & Wilson have sweet spots for many different species. The lakes host several large tournaments each year and have gained quite a reputation among anglers of all skill levels.

Steenson Hollow Marine

Tuscumbia RV

Heritage Acres RV Park

Cherokee Kayak Trail

Riverfront Park

Rose Trail Park

Alloy's Park

Health Services

Colbert County is home to some excellent health care facilities. Colbert County residents don’t need to go that far to get quality heath care.

Helen Keller Hospital

Shoals Hospital

North Alabama Medical Center Florence

Northwest Alabama Regional Airport

After moving here we found the people to be open, real, and down to Earth.

“Gary has been telecommuting for 5 years now and we could literally live anywhere. When people ask why we chose The Shoals, a couple of things come to mind. The impetus was initially for the music. We lived in Nashville, on a tour bus for a couple of years, then in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Somehow, it felt like our “brand” of music was never really relevant. But here in The Shoals, style seems less important than message. We write and perform music with a positive message, so it just “felt right”. When we began visiting and learning and appreciating the beauty, history, and the creative minds that abounded, we were hooked. Subsequently, after having moved here we found the people to be open, real, and down to Earth. We’re still unpacking and look forward to a time when we can meet new friends and enjoy our forever home.”

- Martha Alexander

ValleyMLS.com

Find the Perfect Home

Looking to relocate or retire in beautiful North Alabama? Use ValleyMLS.com to search for your next home or to connect with local REALTORS® ready to guide your search every step of the way.