You're believing of moving to Alabama, however you're not sure you've completely mulled-over all the super-important details prior to getting here at your decision. Well, potentially southern-bound friend, you have actually pertained to the right location - we've put together a convenient, delicious guide that will lay out some of the most crucial points for someone in your position to evaluate.
We do not blame you for wishing to transfer to the Heart of Dixie (as it's called) thinking about that the state is home to rocket researchers - Huntsville homes both the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the Marshall Area Flight Center at the Redstone Toolbox. 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 have to use, besides huge advances in the space program and extremely smart individuals? Plenty - from lovely landscapes that'll have you clicking your shutter so fast your electronic camera starts steaming, to tasty soul food, to seriously action-packed sporting occasions. Continue reading to discover why you might simply make Alabama your next relocation.
Task Market
According to U.S. Census data, about 4.875 million people presently reside in the Cotton State. About 11,447 of those people moved here in between 2016 and 2017. Likewise, get this - 55% of individuals overall in the U.S. who moved in the year 2017 transferred to Alabama, according to the 2017 National Movers Research Study. Why are so many individuals are gathering here?
Well, for beginners, the state has several fast-growing job fields, consisting of computer technology, physical therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, airplane assembly and EMT, to call a couple of, according to zippia.com. The highest-paid careers include pediatrician, nurse anesthetist, administrative law dental professional, judge and orthodontist, specifies bizjournals.com.
The present joblessness rate is simply 3.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Data, so odds are pretty good for finding work upon your move. The federal minimum wage is the same as the national average, however, at $7.25/ hour, mentions minimum-wage.
Don't forget that Alabama is house to NASA, the U.S. Area & Rocket Center and the Marshall Area Flight Center. If you've got a love for all-things aeronautical, this could effectively be the brand-new house of your dreams.
Real estate
You're most likely going to desire a location to live after you move (we're simply guessing), so what's the probability of discovering a brand-new location you'll like (and have the ability to pay for) in the Yellowhammer State?
Well, zillow.com specifies that the mean worth of houses presently on the marketplace is $128,900, with a typical listing cost of $190,000. The mean home rent is $995/month, with one-bedroom apartment or condos balancing $824/month in Birmingham.
Houses in Alabama are mainly fairly new, too - zillow.com shows that a lot of houses currently available were built in the decade 2000-2010. So not only are chances helpful for you to discover a cost effective place to live, but you'll also be taking a look 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 tiny bit in the northern end of the state, around Huntsville.
If less expensive housing, specifically around the state's hot-spots, interest you, you may just wish to set your sights on the Heart of Dixie.
Culture and Locals
When transferring to a new location, you might be curious about the people there. Will they become your buddies, or will they be the type to make you chain your doors and gaze out of a slit in your blinds in total paranoia?
According to residents, locals can be a real mixed bag. The agreement is that Alabamians like to gossip, are passive-aggressive, and might just fool you with their questionable insults. The expression "bless your heart" is not implied warmly, but rather sardonically - and if you hear it, chances are great that once you've left, you'll be spoken about.
Don't let that dissuade you. Locals stress that the primary ambiance of their state is one of real southern hospitality - they use "sir" and "ma'am" out of respect, and will provide you a warm welcome and lots of food. They might describe 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 relocation to Alabama. Do not be the loser who sticks out like a sore thumb simply since you're partial to your consonants.
Yellowhammer State Trivia
Montgomery, Alabama was the where a famous event happened on December 1, 1955 - the day when Rosa Parks fearlessly refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white male. Today, to honor this local female'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 (perhaps not actually) over which dining establishment 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 as much as 11. Even Alabamians who privately hate the tune will begin to boogie when they hear that famous opening riff. The tune has made such an impression on the culture that it's even printed on license plates.
Alabamians pride themselves on their abundant 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 here tea) and MoonPies - and they smother whatever in TABASCOĂ’ sauce.
It appears fitting, with a diet that heavy and abundant, 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 ways and have you grabbing 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 transfer 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, take a look at 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 area museum, and lays out the history of the U.S. space program. It's also house to the annual, highly prepared for Space Camp program featuring the Air travel Obstacle, in which students go through training in flight simulators.
Vulcan statue: In Birmingham, the world's highest cast iron statue stands an outstanding 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 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 cavern trips, campsites, backpacking and hiking. It has the largest entryway of any commercial collapse the world, and features a sparkly Gemstone Mine with a gem mining experience offered to any ages.
Talladega Superspeedway: AKA NASCAR's "greatest and baddest" track, it lies in Lincoln and features a hugely expected annual NASCAR race, the Alabama 500. The race chooses 188 laps, covering simply over 500 miles. Now that's a lot of high-speed left turns.
Alligator Alley: Located in Summerdale, this overload sanctuary has an elevated boardwalk including a too-close-for-comfort view of numerous alligators and various kinds of wildlife. If you're into staring one of mankind's greatest natural predators almost right in the face, this is the place for you.
Benefits and drawbacks of Residing In the Heart of Dixie
Before you perfect your BBQ recipe 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 across the country in 2017 picked this as their brand-new house.
Nature + all 4 seasons: The surface of Alabama is widely-varied, consisting of mountains, beaches and forests. Since of this, there are lots of activities for all various types of outdoorsy types. Residents likewise like to mention that they experience all 4 seasons and see weather condition from all over the spectrum - from snow and ice storms to hot, damp summer seasons and spring torrential rainstorms.
Music: Due to the fact that of its area, the Yellowhammer State draws great deals of huge music acts each year. The Hangout Fest in Gulf Shores is the state's biggest yearly music occasion. Big names in all genres - ranging from jazz to rock 'n' roll to country - make appearances here.
Food: As we've already discussed, Alabamians are die-hard foodies. The town of Birmingham alone has a whopping 28 different food festivals every year. Amongst them are the Exceptional Structure Chili Cook-Off, Taste of Homewood, BARBEQUE for Structure, Girls Inc. Cajun Cook-Off and BHamBurger Fight. Seriously, don't eat anything for a while before you arrive here - you'll be stuffing your face in no time.
Distance to significant cities: Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans and Memphis are just day-trips away from the Heart of Dixie. This prime location lends itself to many chances to see all sort of celebrations, shows, museums, state parks, shopping attractions and more. Did you actually believe you 'd be tired here?
While the humidity in the summertime is undeniably bad, it's the winter that separates die-hard Alabamians from wannabees - the additional wetness causes 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 bothersome substance abuse, and in Alabama's case, methamphetamine labs are a real battle to punish (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 - and this state sees a few of the most serious. For starters, 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 undergo periods of seemingly random rainstorms, that can stop as quickly 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 railroad track is punishable by death. They desire to keep their railroads complimentary of livestock, and they're really severe about it.
It's unlawful to impersonate a priest. For genuine. So stop practicing your impression in the mirror, and put your comical efforts towards new product - you'll thank us later.
It's illegal to use a fake moustache in church due to the fact that it could trigger laughter. (See? We informed you they were super-serious about their church.) Religious beliefs 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 off. Duh. You know how heated those dominoes matches can get!
Gotten ready for Landing in the Heart of Dixie
Well buddies, there you have it - a thoroughly developed guide to a few of the main reflection points for long-term moving. Obviously, we can't lie and state that we have the ability to give you definitely all the important information that might influence your choice (we 'd be here for days), but it's our hope that we have actually given you a great introducing pad to fire up your decision rocket from.
Now it depends on you to decide (after possibly doing some more research) if you can imagine 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 real enjoyment assembling this guide for you, and we hope you've had your fill of Alabama goodies.
All the best - and don't forget to memorize "Sugary food Home Alabama."