55+ communities, or active adult communities, are residential areas designed for individuals aged 55 and older. These communities offer a lifestyle tailored to older adults, featuring low-maintenance housing and various amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, and walking trails. Social interaction is encouraged through organized events, hobby groups, and recreational activities. Many communities provide additional services like healthcare facilities, transportation, and dining options. Located in desirable climates and scenic areas, they offer a serene and enjoyable living environment. The primary goal is to foster a vibrant, supportive atmosphere where residents can enjoy their retirement years with a focus on health, wellness, and social connections.

North Alabama is a region of the U.S. state of Alabama, generally thought to include these 12 counties: Cherokee, Colbert, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Morgan, and Winston, with a combined population of 937,059.

The anchor city of this region of the state is Huntsville, but other cities of notable size include (in order of population): Decatur, Florence (along with its sister cities Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia), Madison, and Athens.

Decatur is considered a quasi anchor city for western North Alabama, being the largest economic center north of Birmingham, and west of Huntsville.

Locals tend to refer to this area as the "Tennessee Valley" in reference to the Tennessee River, which flows through the northernmost part of the state. A section of East Tennessee shares the "Tennessee Valley" moniker.