So you're considering transferring to Alabama, however you're unsure you've completely mulled-over all the super-important information before getting to your decision. Well, potentially southern-bound friend, you've pertained to the right location - we've put together a convenient, tasty guide that will outline a few of the most crucial points for someone in your position to evaluate.
We do not 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 Space 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 space program and unbelievably clever individuals? Plenty - from gorgeous landscapes that'll have you clicking your shutter so quick 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.
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. 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 numerous people are gathering here?
Well, for starters, the state has numerous fast-growing task fields, including computer technology, physical therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, airplane assembly and Emergency Medical Technician, among others, according to zippia.com. The highest-paid careers consist of pediatrician, nurse anesthetist, administrative law orthodontist, judge and dentist, specifies bizjournals.com.
The current unemployment rate is just 3.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Stats, so chances are quite excellent for finding work upon your move. The federal minimum wage is the same as the national average, however, at $7.25/ hour, states minimum-wage.
Don't forget that Alabama is home to NASA, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the Marshall Space Flight Center. If you have actually got a love for all-things aerial, this might very well be the new home of your dreams.
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 brand-new location you'll love (and be able to manage) in the Yellowhammer State?
Well, zillow.com mentions that the mean worth of houses presently on the marketplace is $128,900, with a typical listing rate of $190,000. The typical house lease is $995/month, with one-bedroom homes balancing $824/month in Birmingham.
Residences in Alabama are primarily relatively brand-new, too - zillow.com reveals that a lot of houses currently offered were integrated in the decade 2000-2010. Not just are chances great for you to discover an inexpensive place to live, however you'll also be looking at newish properties, too.
That being said, there's very little in the method of brand-new building popping up nowadays, according to zillow.com. A little is occurring in main Alabama, in and around Birmingham; a little in the southwest corner, near Mobile; and a tiny bit in the northern end of the state, in and around Huntsville.
If more affordable real estate, particularly around the state's hot-spots, appeals to you, you may simply wish to set your sights on the Heart of Dixie.
Culture and Natives
When moving to a brand-new location, you might be curious about the individuals there. Will they become your friends, or will they be the type to make you chain your doors and stare 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 have actually left, you'll be spoken about.
Do not let that deter you. 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 great deals of food. They may describe you as a Yankee if you're from the North, but this they in fact do out of (buffooning) love.
You'll find yourself adjusting your vocabulary and pronunciations after a transfer to Alabama. The town of Burmingham, to Alabamians, has a silent 'g', and is noticable "Burmin'- ham". Do not be the loser who sticks out like an aching thumb just because you prefer your consonants. 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 event took place on December 1, 1955 - the day when Rosa Parks bravely declined to provide up her seat on the bus to a white male. Today, to honor this regional female's act of bravery, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum stands in the town of Montgomery, drawing in great deals of tourists and residents alike.
The individuals of the Cotton State are crazy about BARBEQUE - and we do suggest CRAZY. They'll combat to the death (maybe not literally) over which dining establishment or local cookout serves up the finest.
Locals will CONSTANTLY rock out to "Sweet House Alabama" if it begins 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, allegedly 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 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, examine out this list we've assembled of some of the state's primary attractions.
Here just a few of the state's can't- miss out on sights and activities:
U.S. Area & 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 Challenge, in which trainees go through training in flight simulators.
Vulcan statue: In Birmingham, the world's highest cast iron statue stands an excellent 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 type of a huge deal. His 100th birthday was a big event that drew a crowd of more than 100,000 individuals.
Cathedral Caverns State Park: Located in Woodville, this park provides cavern trips, campsites, treking and backpacking. 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's situated 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 location for you.
Pros and Cons of Living in the Heart of Dixie
Prior to you best your BARBEQUE dish and run off to see the alligators and the world's tallest Vulcan, we thought it might be worth thinking about a short-and-sweet list of a couple of pros and cons of moving to Alabama.
Low cost of living: It's clear 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 across the country in 2017 picked this as their brand-new house.
Nature + all 4 seasons: The terrain of Alabama is widely-varied, including beaches, mountains and forests. There are plenty of activities for all various types of outdoorsy types since of this. Residents likewise like to explain that they experience all 4 seasons and see weather condition from all over the spectrum - from snow and ice storms to hot, damp summertimes and spring torrential rainstorms.
Music: Since 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 - emerge here.
Food: As we have actually currently pointed out, Alabamians are die-hard foodies. In reality, the town of Birmingham alone has a tremendous 28 various food celebrations every year. Among them are the Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off, Taste of Homewood, BBQ for Building, Girls Inc. Cajun Cook-Off and BHamBurger Fight. Seriously, do not consume anything for a while prior to you show up here - you'll be stuffing your face in no time.
Distance 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 festivals, performances, museums, state parks, going shopping destinations and more. Did you truly think you 'd be bored here?
While the humidity in the summer is undoubtedly bad, it's the winter season that separates die-hard Alabamians from wannabees - the additional moisture causes cold temperature levels to feel definitely freezing. Locals say that it's not unusual for a 45-degree day on the thermometer to feel closer to 10 degrees.
Drug usage: The more rural areas of the state have real issues with hardship, homelessness and block after block of abandoned houses. With this naturally comes bothersome drug usage, and in Alabama's case, methamphetamine laboratories are a real struggle to split down on (no pun meant).
Severe storms: While experiencing all 4 seasons can be argued as an advantage, 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 twister states. The spring and fall seasons bring heavy thunderstorms, and mid-year brings hurricanes. At any time of year, residents undergo periods 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 out there in the state you're thinking about making your next homeland. We've assembled a couple of that'll have you raising an eyebrow in no time.
Here are just a couple of from onlyinyourstate.com:
Putting salt onto a railroad track is punishable by death. They wish to keep their railways without livestock, and they're truly serious about it.
It's prohibited to impersonate a priest. Genuine. Stop practicing your impression in the mirror, and put your comedic efforts towards brand-new material - you'll thank us later on.
Since it could trigger laughter, it's illegal to use a fake moustache in church. (See? We informed you they were super-serious about their church.) Religious beliefs is no laughing matter to Alabamians.
It's unlawful to use a mask in public. Guy, so what are we expected to do on Halloween?
It's unlawful to play dominoes on Sunday. It interrupts the day of rest.
Prepared for Landing in the Heart of Dixie
Well good friends, there you have it - a carefully created website guide to some of the primary contemplation points for long-term relocation. Obviously, we can't say and lie that we have the ability to give you definitely all the important information that could influence 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 further research) if you can picture yourself in the Yellowhammer State, among the not-at-all and outstanding 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 have actually had your fill of Alabama goodies.
Best of luck - and do not forget to remember "Sweet House Alabama."