Moving to Alabama

Is The Cotton State calling you? If you’re considering moving to Alabama, you’ve come to the right spot! Check out pertinent info that you likely need before making this decision.

What big cities are in Alabama?

Alabama doesn’t have any sprawling metropolis cities. The largest cities are around 200k people, including Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile. Tuscaloosa comes in the 5th spot with under 100k population.

Nature

You might be surprised by Alabama’s geography. Most people immediately think of Gulf Shores and time at the beach. However, they have so much more!

Alabama is more complex than people know, from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to cave systems to the Blackbelt prairie and swamps.

With 22 state parks and eight national parks, you can get your fill of nature here! Don’t miss the Pinhoti National Recreational Trail – it’s part of the 5,400-mile Eastern Continental Trail from Florida to Newfoundland!

Downtown Mobile, Alabama

What’s the average home price in Alabama?

While the average home price across the state is $209k, in Hunstville, the average is $329k. But, if you’re looking at the town of Mountain Brook – houses will cost you an average of $877k.

What’s the average income in Alabama?

The average income in Alabama is $76k; however, the median is $54k.

Who are the largest employers?

It might surprise you that the largest employer in Alabam is Alfa – a tech company. Nou Systems, Encompass Health, Regions Bank, and BASFIN Corporation are the next four largest employers.

Railroad Park in Birmingham, AL

How’s the weather?

While the coast can get pretty darn hot during the summer, the Gulf breeze helps alleviate some of it! Mobile sees winter temps hover around 40º, and Huntsville sees an average of 31º.

While it’s a rare occurrence, Northern Alabama can occasionally see snow. Summers are warm and humid.

Insurance

With information fluctuating across the internet, average car insurance rates seem to wander from $1200 to $1800 a year. Homeowner’s insurance policies average $2073 a year, but the closer you are to the coast, you can expect to see premiums near $3500/year.

Airports

Moving to Alabama will not leave you searching for an airport. Birmingham and Huntsville are the two international airports in Alabama. BUT! There are 146 other airports across the state! (some are very small!)

Waterfall at Little River Canyon National Preserve in northern Alabama

Healthcare

This isn’t the best news, but we are honest folks. Alabama ranks dead last in healthcare across the United States. Access to healthcare is the second-rated health concern for Alabamians as well.

Universities & Colleges

Alabama has a total of 61 colleges and universities. Thirty-seven of these schools are 4-year institutions. The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa is the largest campus, with 38,000 students. Auburn trails right behind them with 31,000 students.

Politics

While anywhere from 30-40 percent of Alabamians consider themselves Democrats, this state is a Republican stronghold.

Big Spring Park in Huntsville, Alabama

Economy

Alabama ranks 33rd in the States as far as the economy goes. They typically rank in the lower half as one of the poorer states. The cost of living is 12% lower than the rest of the country.

The type of industries you will see are agriculture, auto manufacturing, mineral extraction, aerospace, healthcare, steel production, and fabrication.

Diversity

68% of Alabama’s population is white. 26% are black, 4% Hispanic, and only 1% are Asian.

Want to explore moving to Alabama? Start by finding a real estate agent!