You're thinking of moving to Alabama, however you're not sure you've completely mulled-over all the super-important details prior to showing up at your decision. Well, potentially southern-bound good friend, you've pertained to the right location - we've put together a handy, delicious guide that will outline some of the most crucial points for someone in your position to examine.
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 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 people? Plenty - from stunning landscapes that'll have you clicking your shutter so quick your camera starts steaming, to savory soul food, to seriously action-packed sporting events. Continue reading to discover why you might simply make Alabama your next move.
Job Market
According to U.S. Census data, about 4.875 million individuals presently reside in the Cotton State. 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.
Well, for starters, the state has several fast-growing job fields, consisting of computer technology, physical therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, airplane assembly and EMT, among others, according to zippia.com. The highest-paid careers include pediatrician, nurse anesthetist, administrative law dental expert, orthodontist and judge, states bizjournals.com.
The present joblessness rate is simply 3.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Data, so odds are pretty great for discovering work upon your relocation. This number has actually likewise been on a great, constant decrease considering that 2010, when it was a much-higher 11.9%. The federal minimum wage is the exact same as the nationwide average, nevertheless, at $7.25/ hour, states minimum-wage. org.
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 brand-new house of your dreams if you have actually got a love for all-things aerial.
Real estate
You're most likely going to desire a location to live after you move (we're simply thinking), so what's the probability of discovering a brand-new location you'll love (and be able to manage) in the Yellowhammer State?
Well, zillow.com states that the median value of homes currently on the marketplace is $128,900, with a typical listing rate of $190,000. The median 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 available were integrated in the decade 2000-2010. So not only are odds helpful for you to find an economical place to live, however you'll likewise be looking at newish residential or commercial 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 taking place in main Alabama, around Birmingham; a little in the southwest corner, near Mobile; and a tiny bit in the northern end of the state, around Huntsville.
If more affordable housing, especially around the state's hot-spots, appeals to you, you might simply wish to set your sights on the Heart of Dixie.
Culture and Natives
When relocating to a brand-new place, you may 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 fear?
According to residents, homeowners can be a genuine blended bag. The consensus is that Alabamians enjoy to chatter, are passive-aggressive, and may simply trick you with their underhanded insults. The phrase "bless your heart" is not suggested warmly, however rather sarcastically - and if you hear it, chances are excellent that when you've left, you'll be spoken about.
Don't let that dissuade 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 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 move to Alabama. Do not be the loser who sticks out like an aching thumb just due to the fact that you're partial to your consonants.
Yellowhammer State Trivia
Montgomery, Alabama was the where a well-known event happened 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 residents and tourists alike.
The individuals of the Cotton State are crazy about BARBEQUE - and we do mean CRAZY. They'll battle to the death (maybe not actually) over which dining establishment or local 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 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, 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 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 reaching for seconds. Bring additional napkins.
Must-See Alabama Fun + Activities
We understand you're already midway out the door, travel luggage in hand, ready to make your transfer 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, take a look at this list we have actually 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 yearly, highly expected Area Camp program featuring 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 excellent 56 feet high. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, represents the state's roots in the iron and steel industry - and he's type 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 offers cavern trips, campsites, hiking and backpacking. It has the largest entryway of any business collapse the world, and includes a sparkly Gemstone Mine with a gem mining experience available to all ages.
Talladega Superspeedway: AKA NASCAR's "biggest and baddest" track, it's situated in Lincoln and includes an extremely anticipated annual NASCAR race, the Alabama 500. The race opts 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 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 Living in the Heart of Dixie
Before you perfect your BBQ dish and run to see the alligators and the world's highest Vulcan, we thought it may be worth thinking about a short-and-sweet list of a couple of advantages and disadvantages of transferring to Alabama.
Low expense of living: It's no trick that genuine estate in the Cotton State is pretty cheap, and taxes are pretty low. We think that's just among the huge factors why 55% of relocators across the country in 2017 picked this as their brand-new home.
Nature + all four seasons: The terrain of Alabama is widely-varied, including forests, beaches and mountains. There are plenty of activities for all various types of outdoorsy types due to the fact that of this. Residents also like to point out that they experience all four seasons and see weather condition from all over the spectrum - from snow and ice storms to hot, damp 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 categories - varying from jazz to rock 'n' roll to country - emerge here.
Food: As we have actually currently discussed, Alabamians are die-hard foodies. The town of Birmingham alone has a massive 28 various food celebrations every year.
Proximity to major cities: Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans and Memphis are just day-trips away from the Heart of Dixie. This prime area provides itself to numerous opportunities to see all kinds of festivals, performances, museums, state parks, going shopping destinations and more. Did you actually 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 wetness 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 real problems with hardship, homelessness and block after block of deserted houses. With this naturally comes problematic substance abuse, and in Alabama's case, methamphetamine laboratories are a real struggle to punish (no pun meant).
Severe storms: While experiencing all 4 seasons can be argued as a good idea, it also means that there's chance for all sort 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 typhoons. At any time of year, residents undergo durations of seemingly random rainstorms, that can stop as rapidly as they start. Locals joke, "If you do not like the weather here, wait five minutes."
Odd Laws
We 'd be doing you a major disservice if we left without offering 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 few that'll have get more info you raising an eyebrow in no time.
Here are just a few from onlyinyourstate.com:
Putting salt onto a railway track is punishable by death. They wish to keep their railroads devoid of cattle, and they're actually major about it.
It's illegal to impersonate a priest. Genuine. 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 might cause 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 permanent moving. Of course, we can't lie and state that we have the ability to give you absolutely all the crucial details that might influence your choice (we 'd be here for days), but it's our hope that we've 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 study) if you can picture yourself in the Yellowhammer State, among the not-at-all and outstanding challenging rocket scientists, the quick racecar motorists, the soul-filled foodies, and the always-hungry alligators. It's been a real satisfaction compiling this guide for you, and we hope you've had your fill of Alabama goodies.
All the best - and don't forget to remember "Sugary food Home Alabama."