If you’re looking for equal doses of southern charm, college football, and Gulf Coast scenery, then moving to Alabama should be at the top of your list. The Yellowhammer State is well-known for all of these things and more—including its famous southern cooking. So, let's crack open some boiled peanuts and dive into why Alabama might be the perfect place for you to call home.
Reasons to Move to Alabama
Nestled between Mississippi and Georgia, Alabama is a natural beauty. In fact, there are more than a couple of reasons to move to Alabama, such as:
- Hot Job Market—Cities like Birmingham and Huntsville are experiencing rapid growth, making the state ideal for those in search of an exciting career in bioscience or healthcare at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and other top establishments.
- Low Cost of Living—Compared to the national average, the cost of living in Alabama offers attractive affordability for both renters and homeowners.
- Gorgeous Beaches—One of Alabama’s best-kept secrets is its white sandy beaches. A quick trip to the coast shows you why living in Alabama is a dream come true.
Living in Alabama: What to Expect
Depending on where you live, you can enjoy a variety of amenities and activities during your day-to-day life in Alabama.
- Commuting—The average commute in Alabama is around 26.5 minutes, a breeze compared to major U.S. cities like Atlanta and Houston.
- Dining and Entertainment—Of course, southern barbecue is plentiful (and delicious), but big cities like Huntsville and Birmingham also have a wide variety of cuisines from around the world. Birmingham, for example, is home to renowned chefs—Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings.
- Sports—If you're a football fan, you'll fit right into Alabama's culture. Football is life here, with the University of Alabama and Auburn, so it won’t be difficult to find fellow fans to cheer with.
Popular Places to Live in Alabama
There are three major metro areas within Alabama: Birmingham, Mobile and the Gulf Coast, and Huntsville—each location offering its own culture and scenery. When figuring out where to move to Alabama, it's best to know a bit about them all. Here's a quick breakdown.
Birmingham Metro Area
As the third-largest city in Alabama, there's tons to do in Birmingham. Some highlights include the Birmingham Zoo, the Birmingham Museum of Art, and Vulcan Park and Museum.
Parts of the city have also undergone transformation in recent years, and new attractions like the Rotary Trail have sprung up. The trail, for instance, was once a run-down railroad track, but now it's a thriving urban green space for walking, biking, and sightseeing.
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Mobile and Gulf Coast Metro Area
According to the city of Gulf Shores, as of 2021, over eight million visitors visit the Gulf Coast annually. Beyond the world-class white sand beaches, popular attractions include Waterville USA, Alligator Alley, Gulf State Park, and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. If you travel to Mobile, you can visit the Mobile Carnival Museum or check out World War II history at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Since Mobile is on the water, there are also plenty of water-related attractions to enjoy.
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Huntsville Metro Area
Being the largest city in Alabama, Huntsville has plenty of attractions and things to do. This place is booming with a ton of dining, entertainment, and cultural activities. This includes the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville Botanical Garden, and the Huntsville Museum of Art. There are also several natural parks and green spaces, such as Monte Sano State Park and Big Spring International Park, that capture the beauty of Alabama.
The Final Word on Moving to Alabama
Why move to Alabama? Stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, bustling cities, and an affordable cost of living make the state a great option for those looking for a place to call home. You can get the full urban experience in Birmingham or live the salt life near the Gulf Coast!
Best of all, we make it easy to find a quality new home in a variety of desirable locations within the Yellowhammer State. Plus, each of our properties can be purchased through our streamlined online homebuying process.
Ready to find your dream home? Check out new construction homes in Alabama today.