Auburn University Boomers Corner — Toomer’s Drugs in downtown Auburn. (Nathan Watson / The Bama Buzz)

It’s no secret that the South is growing—and fast. A recent report from USA Today Homefront says more than one million folks moved to our neck of the woods last year alone.

That’s why their data analysts wanted to know—”What’s the best Southern city to move to?” and in Alabama, the answer is Auburn.

Keep reading for why Auburn was given the top spot—and how some other cities stack up.

Auburn ranks #5 overall, #1 in Alabama

Auburn Alabama 2 2 Auburn, Cities, Ranking — Looking over Jordan-Hare (Nathan Watson / The Bama Buzz)

USA Today’s data analysts looked at 209 cities in the South and evaluated them based on factors like:

Average life expectancy
Crime rate per 1,000 residents
School district ratings
Median home prices
Severe weather resilience
And more!

The top city overall was Johnson City, Tennessee. The Yellowhammer State did make it into the top 5 overall, with Auburn rounding out the list in fifth place.

“Home to Auburn University, one of the largest universities in the region, Auburn residents can celebrate the latest game or hike in nearby state parks.”
USA Today Homefront

Auburn’s education (ranked 9/10) and low crime rate (13 incidents per 1,000 residents) helped catapult it to the top. A lower cost of living comparatively makes raising a family in Auburn a great choice.

Planning a trip to the Plains soon? Check out these stories first:

How other cities stack up

Birmingham Skyline Auburn, Cities, Ranking — Looking into Birmingham (The Bama Buzz)

Only one other Alabama city broke the top 10—Hoover. USA Today editors lauded the Central Alabama city for its high education rankings and lower crime rate.

Here’s the full list of every Alabama city ranked by USA Today.