You're thinking of moving to Alabama, but you're not sure you have actually thoroughly mulled-over all the super-important information before getting here at your decision. Well, potentially southern-bound good friend, you've pertained to the ideal place - we've put together a convenient, tasty guide that will lay out some of the most essential points for someone in your position to evaluate.
We do not blame you for desiring to move to the Heart of Dixie (as it's called) considering that the state is house to rocket scientists - Huntsville houses both the U.S. Area & Rocket Center and the Marshall Area Flight Center at the Redstone Arsenal. The U.S. Army's lead rocket engineer, Wernher von Braun, led NASA's rocketry program throughout the '60s.
What else does the Yellowhammer State need to offer, besides big advances in the area program and ridiculously wise individuals? Plenty - from gorgeous landscapes that'll have you clicking your shutter so quick your video camera begins steaming, to mouth-watering soul food, to seriously action-packed sporting events. Keep reading to find why you might just make Alabama your next relocation.
Job Market
According to U.S. Census information, about 4.875 million individuals currently live in the Cotton State. About 11,447 of those individuals moved here between 2016 and 2017. Likewise, get this - 55% of the individuals in general in the U.S. who moved in the year 2017 moved to Alabama, according to the 2017 National Movers Study. Why are so many people are gathering here?
Well, for starters, the state has a number of fast-growing task fields, consisting of computer science, physical therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, aircraft assembly and EMT, among others, according to zippia.com. The highest-paid careers include pediatrician, nurse anesthetist, administrative law orthodontist, judge and dental expert, states bizjournals.com.
The current unemployment rate is simply 3.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Stats, so chances are respectable for finding work upon your move. This number has also been on a good, consistent decrease considering that 2010, when it was a much-higher 11.9%. The federal base pay is the exact same as the national average, however, at $7.25/ hour, specifies minimum-wage. org.
Don't forget that Alabama is home to NASA, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the Marshall Space Flight Center. This might extremely well be the brand-new house of your dreams if you have actually got a love for all-things aerial.
Real estate
You're most likely going to desire a location to live after you move (we're simply thinking), so what's the possibility of finding a new place you'll love (and be able to manage) in the Yellowhammer State?
Well, zillow.com mentions that the mean worth of homes currently on the market is $128,900, with an average listing cost of $190,000. The average home rent is $995/month, with one-bedroom houses averaging $824/month in Birmingham.
Homes in Alabama are mostly fairly brand-new, too - zillow.com reveals that the majority of homes presently readily available were integrated in the years 2000-2010. So not just are odds great for you to find an economical place to live, but you'll likewise be taking a look at newish properties, too.
That being said, there's not much in the method of brand-new building popping up these days, according to zillow.com. A little is taking place in main Alabama, around Birmingham; a little in the southwest corner, near Mobile; and a little bit in the northern end of the state, in and around Huntsville.
If more affordable housing, particularly around the state's hot-spots, appeals to you, you might simply desire to set your sights on the Heart of Dixie.
Culture and Natives
When moving to a brand-new location, you may be curious about individuals there. Will they become your finest buddies, or will they be the type to make you chain your doors and stare out of a slit in your blinds in overall fear?
According to residents, locals can be a real variety. The consensus is that Alabamians enjoy to chatter, are passive-aggressive, and may just deceive you with their deceptive insults. The phrase "bless your heart" is not meant warmly, however rather sardonically - and if you hear it, chances are excellent that when you've left, you'll be spoken about.
Do not let that discourage you, though. Locals worry that the primary vibe of their state is among true southern hospitality - they use "sir" and "ma'am" out of regard, and will provide you a warm welcome and lots of food. They might refer to you as a Yankee if you're from the North, however this they really do out of (mocking) love.
You'll find yourself changing your vocabulary and pronunciations after a move to Alabama. Do not be the loser who sticks out like an aching thumb just due to the fact that you're partial to your consonants.
Yellowhammer State Trivia
Montgomery, Alabama was the where a well-known event happened on December 1, 1955 - the day when Rosa Parks fearlessly refused to quit her seat on the bus to a white guy. Today, to honor this local lady's act of bravery, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum stands in the town of Montgomery, attracting great deals of travelers and locals alike.
The individuals of the Cotton State are crazy about BARBEQUE - and we do mean CRAZY. They'll battle to the death (maybe not actually) over which dining establishment or local cookout serves up the finest.
Locals will CONSTANTLY rock out to "Sweet House Alabama" if it comes on the radio, and they'll crank it as much as 11. When they hear that popular opening riff, even Alabamians who secretly hate the tune will begin to boogie. The song has actually made such an impression on the culture that it's even printed on license plates.
Alabamians pride themselves on their rich food and cultural pride. They have uncommon, supposedly lobster-tasting shrimp called "Royal Reds" from the Gulf of Mexico, fried green tomatoes, super-sweet tea (heavy on the sweet, light on the tea) and MoonPies - and they smother whatever in TABASCOĂ’ sauce.
It appears fitting, with a diet that abundant and heavy, that locals like to observe a slower speed of life. These self-proclaimed "salt of the earth" types will make you forget your health-enthusiast methods and have you reaching for seconds. Bring additional napkins.
Must-See Alabama Fun + Activities
We understand you're already halfway out the door, travel luggage in hand, all set to make your relocate to the Heart of Dixie, however cool your jets for a minute. Before you go racing off like you're a chauffeur at Talladega Superspeedway, check out this list we've assembled of some of the state's primary destinations.
Here just a few of the state's can't- miss out on sights and activities:
U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Found in Huntsville, this museum includes access to the historic Shuttle bus Park and Rocket Park and showcases special artifacts from the country's space expedition. It's thought about to be the world's largest space museum, and lays out the history of the U.S. space program. It's also house to the yearly, highly expected Area Camp program including the Aviation Difficulty, in which trainees go through training in flight simulators.
Vulcan statue: In Birmingham, the world's tallest cast iron statue stands an impressive 56 feet tall. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and create, represents the state's roots in the iron and steel market - and he's kind of a big offer. His 100th birthday was a substantial celebration that drew a crowd of more than 100,000 people.
Cathedral Caverns State Park: Found in Woodville, this park uses cave tours, camping sites, hiking and backpacking. It has the widest entrance of any industrial collapse the world, and includes a sparkly Gems Mine with a gem mining experience available to all ages.
Talladega Superspeedway: AKA NASCAR's "most significant and baddest" track, it's situated in Lincoln and includes an extremely prepared for annual NASCAR race, the Alabama 500. The race opts for 188 laps, covering just over 500 miles. Now that's a great deal of high-speed left turns.
Alligator Street: Found in Summerdale, this swamp sanctuary has an elevated boardwalk featuring a too-close-for-comfort view of numerous alligators and various sort of wildlife. This is the location for you if you're into gazing one of mankind's most significant natural predators virtually right in check here the face.
Benefits and drawbacks of Living in the Heart of Dixie
Before you perfect your BBQ dish and run to see the alligators and the world's highest Vulcan, we believed it may be worth thinking about a short-and-sweet list of a few pros and cons of transferring to Alabama.
Low expense of living: It's no trick that genuine estate in the Cotton State is quite low-cost, and taxes are quite low. We suspect that's just one of the big reasons why 55% of relocators nationwide in 2017 selected this as their new house.
Nature + all 4 seasons: The terrain of Alabama is widely-varied, consisting of beaches, mountains and forests. Because of this, there are plenty of activities for all different breeds of outdoorsy types. Locals also like to explain that they experience all four seasons and see weather from all over the spectrum - from snow and ice storms to hot, humid summertimes and springtime torrential downpours.
Music: Since of its place, the Yellowhammer State draws lots of big music acts each year. The Hangout Fest in Gulf Shores is the state's largest annual music event. Big names in all categories - varying from jazz to rock 'n' roll to nation - emerge here.
Food: As we've currently pointed out, Alabamians are die-hard foodies. The town of Birmingham alone has a tremendous 28 various food celebrations every year.
Proximity to major cities: Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans and Memphis are just day-trips away from the Heart of Dixie. This prime location provides itself to numerous opportunities to see all kinds of celebrations, performances, museums, state parks, going shopping tourist attractions and more. Did you truly think you 'd be bored here?
While the humidity in the summer season is unquestionably bad, it's the winter that separates die-hard Alabamians from wannabees - the extra wetness triggers cold temperatures to feel absolutely freezing. Residents say that it's not uncommon for a 45-degree day on the thermometer to feel closer to 10 degrees.
Substance abuse: The more backwoods of the state have real problems with hardship, homelessness and block after block of deserted houses. With this naturally comes problematic drug usage, and in Alabama's case, methamphetamine laboratories are a real battle to split down on (no pun meant).
Severe storms: While experiencing all 4 seasons can be argued as a great thing, it also means that there's chance for all type of stormy weather condition - and this state sees a few of the most serious. For beginners, it is among the most active tornado states. The spring and fall seasons bring heavy thunderstorms, and mid-year brings hurricanes. At any time of year, homeowners go through periods of seemingly random rainstorms, that can stop as quickly as they start. Residents joke, "If you don't like the weather here, wait 5 minutes."
Strange Laws
We 'd be doing you a major injustice if we left without providing you a list of a few of the strangest, lamest and downright dumbest laws still around in the state you're considering making your next homeland. We have actually put together a few that'll have you raising an eyebrow in no time.
Here are simply a few from onlyinyourstate.com:
Putting salt onto a railway track is punishable by death. They want to keep their railroads complimentary of cattle, and they're actually major about it.
It's illegal to impersonate a priest. For genuine. So stop practicing your impression in the mirror, and put your comedic efforts towards new product - you'll thank us later.
It's prohibited to use a fake moustache in church since it could trigger laughter. (See? We told you they were super-serious about their church.) Faith is no laughing matter to Alabamians.
It's prohibited to wear a mask in public. Male, so what are we supposed to do on Halloween?
It's prohibited to play dominoes on Sunday. It disrupts the day of rest.
Gotten ready for Landing in the Heart of Dixie
Well buddies, there you have it - a thoroughly designed guide to a few of the main consideration points for permanent moving. Of course, we can't lie and state that we're able to offer you absolutely all the crucial details that might influence your choice (we 'd be here for days), however it's our hope that we've offered you a good introducing pad to fire up your decision rocket from.
Now it's up to you to choose (after potentially doing some more research) if you can imagine yourself in the Yellowhammer State, amongst the outstanding and not-at-all intimidating rocket researchers, the rapid racecar chauffeurs, the soul-filled foodies, and the always-hungry alligators. It's been a genuine pleasure compiling this guide for you, and we hope you have actually had your fill of Alabama goodies.
Good luck - and do not forget to remember "Sweet House Alabama."