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 friend, you have actually come to the right location - we have actually put together a handy, delicious guide that will lay out some of the most crucial points for someone in your position to examine.
We don't blame you for wishing to relocate 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 have to provide, besides substantial advances in the space program and extremely smart individuals? Plenty - from beautiful landscapes that'll have you clicking your shutter so quick your electronic camera begins steaming, to succulent soul food, to seriously action-packed sporting occasions. Continue reading to discover why you might simply make Alabama your next move.
Job Market
According to U.S. Census information, about 4.875 million people presently reside in the Cotton State. About 11,447 of those people moved here in between 2016 and 2017. Also, 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. Why are so many people are gathering here?
Well, for beginners, the state has several fast-growing task fields, consisting of computer technology, 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 dental expert, orthodontist and judge, 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 discovering work upon your relocation. The federal minimum wage is the same as the national average, nevertheless, 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. This might really well be the new home of your dreams if you've got a love for all-things aeronautical.
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 have the ability to afford) in the Yellowhammer State?
Well, zillow.com specifies that the average value of homes currently on the market is $128,900, with an average listing cost of $190,000. The mean house lease is $995/month, with one-bedroom apartment or condos balancing $824/month in Birmingham.
Houses in Alabama are mainly relatively brand-new, too - zillow.com reveals that a lot of houses currently available were integrated in the decade 2000-2010. Not just are chances excellent for you to discover an economical place to live, however you'll likewise be looking at newish residential or commercial properties, too.
That being said, there's not much in the way of brand-new building and construction turning 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 small bit in the northern end of the state, around Huntsville.
If less expensive housing, specifically around the state's hot-spots, interest you, you might just wish to set your sights on the Heart of Dixie.
Culture and Natives
When relocating to a new location, you might be curious about the people 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 overall fear?
According to locals, locals can be a real combined bag. The consensus is that Alabamians love to chatter, are passive-aggressive, and may just fool you with their questionable insults. The expression "bless your heart" is not indicated warmly, but rather sarcastically - and if you hear it, chances are excellent that when you've left, you'll be talked about.
Don't let that deter you. Residents stress that the main 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 transfer to Alabama. The town of Burmingham, to Alabamians, has a silent 'g', and is pronounced "Burmin'- ham". Don't lose who stands out like a sore thumb just due to the fact that you like your consonants. In addition, Alabamians have their own catch-phrase when they're ready to do something about it: "Fixin' to."
Yellowhammer State Trivia
Montgomery, Alabama was the where a famous occasion took place 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 locals and travelers alike.
The individuals of the Cotton State are crazy about BARBEQUE - and we do imply 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 approximately 11. Even Alabamians who secretly dislike the tune will start to boogie when they hear that well-known 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 rare, apparently 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 ways and have you grabbing seconds. Bring additional napkins.
Must-See Alabama Enjoyable + Activities
We understand you're currently halfway out the door, baggage in hand, all set to make your move to the Heart of Dixie, however cool your jets for a moment. Before you go racing off like you're a motorist at Talladega Superspeedway, have a look at this list we have actually compiled of some of the state's piece de resistances.
Here simply a few of the state's can't- miss activities and sights:
U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Found in Huntsville, this museum consists of access to the historic Shuttle bus Park and Rocket Park and showcases special artifacts from the country's space expedition. It's considered to be the world's largest area museum, and outlines the history of the U.S. space program. It's likewise house to the yearly, highly expected Area Camp program featuring the Air travel Obstacle, in which students undergo training in flight simulators.
Vulcan statue: In Birmingham, the world's highest 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 huge offer. His 100th birthday was a huge celebration that drew a crowd of more than 100,000 individuals.
Cathedral Caverns State Park: Located in Woodville, this park provides cave trips, campsites, backpacking and hiking. It has the best entryway of any commercial cave in the world, and features a sparkly Gems Mine with a gem mining experience readily available to all ages.
Talladega Superspeedway: AKA NASCAR's "biggest and baddest" track, it lies in Lincoln and includes an extremely anticipated yearly 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: Located in Summerdale, this swamp 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
Before you ideal your BARBEQUE get more info dish and run to see the alligators and the world's tallest Vulcan, we thought it might be worth considering a short-and-sweet list of a couple of benefits and drawbacks of moving to Alabama.
Low cost of living: It's clear that property in the Cotton State is quite inexpensive, and taxes are pretty low. We presume that's simply among the big reasons why 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, forests and mountains. Because 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 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 categories - varying from jazz to rock 'n' roll to nation - emerge here.
Food: As we have actually currently discussed, Alabamians are die-hard foodies. The town of Birmingham alone has a whopping 28 different food festivals every year.
Proximity to major cities: Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans and Memphis are simply day-trips far from the Heart of Dixie. This prime area 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?
Humidity: Make that winter humidity. While the humidity in the summer is undeniably bad, it's the winter season that separates die-hard Alabamians from wannabees - the additional moisture causes cold temperatures to feel absolutely freezing. Residents state that it's not uncommon for a 45-degree day on the thermometer to feel closer to 10 degrees. If you're not into feeling the extremes in every season, it may not be long before you're unpleasant here.
Drug usage: The more rural locations of the state have genuine problems with poverty, homelessness and block after block of deserted houses. With this naturally comes problematic substance abuse, and in Alabama's case, methamphetamine laboratories are a click here real struggle to punish (no pun meant).
Serious storms: While experiencing all four seasons can be argued as a good idea, it likewise implies that there's opportunity for all sort of rainy weather - and this state sees some of the most extreme. For beginners, it's one of the most active twister states. The spring and fall seasons bring heavy thunderstorms, and mid-year brings cyclones. At any time of year, locals are subject to durations of apparently random downpours, that can stop as quickly as they begin. Residents joke, "If you don't like the weather condition 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 railway track is punishable by death. They wish to keep their railways devoid of cattle, and they're actually serious about it.
It's prohibited to impersonate a priest. 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 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!
Prepared for Landing in the Heart of Dixie
Well pals, there you have it - a carefully developed guide to some of the primary contemplation points for long-term relocation. Obviously, we can't lie and say that we're able to provide you absolutely all the essential details that could affect your decision (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, among the excellent and not-at-all intimidating rocket researchers, the fast racecar motorists, 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.
Excellent luck - and don't forget to remember "Sugary food Home Alabama."