Alabaster named top suburb

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Published Tuesday, February 24, 2009

BusinessWeek magazine recently released its list of the most affordable suburb in each state, and Alabaster was named the most affordable suburb in Alabama.

The magazine selected the most populated city in each state, and then selected cities within 25 miles with populations of 5,000-60,000 people, median family incomes of $51,000-$120,000 and lower-than-average crime rates.

Rankings were determined by housing prices, crime, education, economy, commute time and quality of life.

According to BusinessWeek, Alabaster has a population of 28,576, a median household income of $69,443, a median home price of $154,950, an unemployment rate of 2.3 percent and a violent crime index of 17. The violent crime index is based on FBI crime statistics over the last seven years, with the national average being 100.

The magazine noted Alabaster for being home to the county’s only hospital, Shelby Baptist Medical Center, which employs 830 people. It also highlighted Alabaster due to its shops, restaurants and movie theater, in addition to 43 percent of residents being married with children and a 30-minute average commute time.

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