So you're thinking about moving to Alabama, however you're uncertain you have actually thoroughly mulled-over all the super-important information before getting to your decision. Well, potentially southern-bound good friend, you've pertained to the ideal place - we've put together a convenient, delicious guide that will lay out some of the most essential points for someone in your position to evaluate.
We don't blame you for wishing 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 fast your cam starts steaming, to succulent soul food, to seriously action-packed sporting occasions. Read on to discover why you might just make Alabama your next relocation.
Job Market
According to U.S. Census data, about 4.875 million individuals currently reside in the Cotton State. About 11,447 of those individuals moved here in between 2016 and 2017. Get this - 55% of the people in general in the U.S. who moved in the year 2017 moved to Alabama, according to the 2017 National Movers Study. So why are so many individuals are gathering here?
Well, for beginners, the state has numerous fast-growing task fields, including computer technology, physical therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, airplane assembly and Emergency Medical Technician, to call a few, according to zippia.com. The highest-paid careers include pediatrician, nurse anesthetist, administrative law judge, orthodontist and dentist, states bizjournals.com.
The present joblessness rate is simply 3.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Data, so chances are quite good for finding work upon your move. The federal minimum wage is the exact same as the national average, however, at $7.25/ hour, specifies minimum-wage.
Do not forget that Alabama is house to NASA, the U.S. Area & Rocket Center and the Marshall Area Flight. If you have actually got a love for all-things aerial, this might very well be the new home of your dreams.
Housing
You're probably going to want a place to live after you move (we're just guessing), so what's the probability of discovering a brand-new location you'll like (and be able to afford) in the Yellowhammer State?
Well, zillow.com states that the median value of homes currently on the market is $128,900, with an average listing price of $190,000. The median home rent is $995/month, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $824/month in Birmingham.
Homes in Alabama are mostly relatively brand-new, too - zillow.com reveals that the majority of homes presently readily available were integrated in the years 2000-2010. Not only are odds excellent for you to discover a budget-friendly place to live, but you'll likewise be looking at newish residential or commercial properties, too.
That being said, there's not much in the method of brand-new building popping up nowadays, according to zillow.com. A little is occurring in central Alabama, in and around Birmingham; a little in the southwest corner, near Mobile; and a little bit in the northern end of the state, around Huntsville.
If less expensive real estate, specifically around the state's hot-spots, attract you, you may just desire to set your sights on the Heart of Dixie.
Culture and Locals
When moving to a new location, you might be curious about individuals there. Will they become your buddies, or will they be the type to make you chain your doors and stare out of a slit in your blinds in total fear?
According to residents, locals can be a real variety. The consensus is that Alabamians enjoy to chatter, are passive-aggressive, and may simply trick you with their deceptive insults. The phrase "bless your heart" is not suggested warmly, however rather sarcastically - and if you hear it, odds are excellent that when you've left, you'll be spoken about.
Do not let that discourage you, though. Residents stress that the main ambiance of their state is one of real southern hospitality - they utilize "sir" and "ma'am" out of respect, and will offer 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 discover yourself adjusting your vocabulary and pronunciations after a relocate to Alabama. The town of Burmingham, to Alabamians, has a silent 'g', and is noticable "Burmin'- ham". Because you're partial to your consonants, do not be the loser who sticks out like an aching thumb just. In addition, Alabamians have their own catch-phrase when they're all set to act: "Fixin' to."
Yellowhammer State Trivia
Montgomery, Alabama was the where a famous occasion took place on December 1, 1955 - the day when Rosa Parks bravely refused to quit her seat on the bus to a white man. Today, to honor this regional woman's act of bravery, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum stands in the town of Montgomery, drawing in lots of locals and travelers alike.
The people of the Cotton State are insane about BBQ - and we do indicate CRAZY. They'll battle to the death (perhaps not actually) over which restaurant or regional 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 up to 11. Even Alabamians who privately hate the tune will begin to boogie when they hear that famous opening riff. 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 unusual, 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 everything 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 currently halfway out the door, baggage in hand, all set to make your relocation to the Heart of Dixie, but cool your jets for a minute. Prior to you go racing off like you're a driver at Talladega Superspeedway, have a look here at this list we have actually compiled of some of the state's piece de resistances.
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 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 details the history of the U.S. area 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 outstanding 56 feet high. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and create, represents the state's roots in the iron and steel industry - and he's kind of a huge offer. His 100th birthday was a huge celebration that drew a crowd of more than 100,000 individuals.
Cathedral Caverns State Park: Found in Woodville, this park offers cave trips, camping sites, backpacking and hiking. It has the largest entryway of any business cavern in 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 lies in Lincoln and includes an extremely prepared for annual NASCAR race, the Alabama 500. The race goes 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 hundreds of alligators and various sort of wildlife. If you're into staring one of mankind's most significant natural predators virtually right in the face, this is the location for you.
Benefits and drawbacks of Residing 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 taking into account a short-and-sweet list of a few pros and cons of transferring to Alabama.
Low expense of living: It's obvious that property in the Cotton State is quite low-cost, and taxes are quite low. We suspect that's just one of the big reasons that 55% of relocators nationwide in 2017 selected this as their new home.
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 point out that they experience all four seasons and see weather from all over the spectrum - from snow and ice storms to hot, humid summers and springtime torrential downpours.
Music: Because of its location, the Yellowhammer State draws lots of huge music acts each year. The Hangout Fest in Gulf Shores is the state's biggest yearly music occasion. Huge names in all genres - ranging from jazz to rock 'n' roll to country - make appearances 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 far from the Heart of Dixie. This prime area provides itself to numerous opportunities to see all sort of celebrations, shows, museums, state parks, shopping attractions and more. Did you really believe you 'd be tired here?
Humidity: Make that winter season humidity. While the humidity in the summertime is unquestionably bad, it's the winter that separates die-hard Alabamians from wannabees - the extra wetness triggers cold temperature levels to feel absolutely frigid. Residents state that it's not unusual for a 45-degree day on the thermometer to feel closer to 10 degrees. It might not be long prior to you're miserable here if you're not into feeling the extremes in every season.
Substance abuse: The more backwoods of the state have real issues with hardship, homelessness and block after block of abandoned homes. With this naturally comes bothersome substance abuse, and in Alabama's case, methamphetamine labs are a genuine battle to punish (no pun intended).
Extreme storms: While experiencing all four seasons can be argued as a good thing, it likewise indicates that there's opportunity for all kinds of rainy weather - and this state sees some of the most extreme. For starters, it's one of the most active twister states. The spring and fall seasons bring heavy thunderstorms, and mid-year brings typhoons. At any time of year, residents undergo durations of seemingly random rainstorms, that can stop as rapidly as they start. Residents joke, "If you do not like the weather here, wait 5 minutes."
Odd Laws
We 'd be doing you a major injustice if we left without providing you a list of some of the strangest, lamest and downright dumbest laws still in presence 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 brand-new product - you'll thank us later.
It's prohibited to wear a phony moustache in church since it might cause laughter. (See? We told you they were super-serious about their church.) Religious beliefs is no laughing matter to Alabamians.
It's unlawful to wear a mask in public. Guy, so what are we supposed to do on Halloween?
It's unlawful to play dominoes on Sunday. It interrupts the day of rest. Duh. You understand how heated those dominoes matches can get!
Prepared for Landing in the Heart of Dixie
Well good friends, there you have it - a carefully created guide to some of the primary contemplation points for irreversible relocation. Obviously, we can't lie and say that we have the ability to provide you definitely all the important information that could affect your choice (we 'd be here for days), but it's our hope that we have actually given you a great launching pad to fire up your decision rocket from.
Now it depends on you to decide (after possibly doing some more research) if you can picture yourself in the Yellowhammer State, among the excellent and not-at-all intimidating rocket researchers, the speedy racecar chauffeurs, the soul-filled foodies, and the always-hungry alligators. It's been a genuine pleasure assembling this guide for you, and we hope you've had your fill of Alabama goodies.
Great luck - and do not forget to memorize "Sweet House Alabama."