What is Living in Alabama Really Like? - Local's Guide

What happens when the warm, humid Gulf breeze of sun-kissed beaches mixes with good 'ol Southern life?

The rich historic state of Alabama forms!

If nothing else stirs up the chilly feeling of living in Alabama, the aroma of true Yellowhammer BBQ and scenic, wonderful views of natural beauty are sure to light a spark.

For the new folks headed down to the Heart of Dixie, there are tons of surprises waiting for you. Some great and some just necessary need-to-knows to make life for you in the Cotton State even better.

What's life in Alabama like?

1. It's Cheap, It's Affordable, Taxes are Easy

There's no other way to say it; it really is cheap here!

Compared to the nation's average cost of living, residents of Alabama spend 11% lower on bills across its cities. 

Placing it amongst the top 5 cheapest states to live in. 

It's no secret that this level of affordability is a magnet for families and individuals looking for the perfect place for their budget.

Last year alone, Alabama movers recorded over 35,000 people moving into the state, and with housing prices and value maintaining a low-cost range, the number is only going to rise.

• Average House Rent: $1,265

• Median Home Value: $228,241

Even the taxes are low! The state has one of the lowest in the country, making it a lot more friendly for retirees and those hoping to spend more of their income.

2. Growing Job Market and Economy, But

The Cotton State is not what it used to be; economically, it's getting better.

Agriculture in the state is booming, the aerospace sector continues to dazzle, and the manufacturing industry keeps on bringing a source of employment. It's pretty much a stable economy in Alabama if you are looking to get a job.

Major cities like Huntsville are hotspots for folks looking to explore the best of the state's booming economy. Just earlier this year, Alabama recorded 129,000 new job openings, which showcases the high-spirited opportunities for the unemployed.

However, poverty still thrives in the state. Alabama has one of the worst poverty rates in the country, higher than the national average. For an affordable state, this is a bit worrisome, but the growing job market might be good for residents.

• Median Household Income: $59,674

• Poverty Rate: 16.2%

• Unemployment Rate: 3.1%

3. The Weather: Beauty and Sour

You can't take away the amazing temperatures of Alabama!

With average warm temperatures around 80° in the summer and 50° during the winter, it's a pretty nice feeling all year round. 

Depending on who you ask, it could be great or terrible but understand that Alabama's hot and humid summers can bake you. Don't take it the wrong way; it can also be an excellent time to go hiking, kayaking, or doing other water sports; it's just going to be hot. 

Then, there's the talk of natural disasters. Being on the border of the Gulf Coast, Alabama experiences enough problems annually. Flash floods, thunderstorms, hurricanes, and even tornadoes are common, especially in the spring.

4. A Bug Fest: Prepare for The Horror

Is Alabama a good state to live in?

Remember the weather? When the bugs creep in, you usually ask yourself if staying here is what you really want. Mosquitoes and cockroaches are some of your biggest companions in the state—always active.

The truth is, in Alabama, you just have to prepare yourself for the worst during those sunny days. Some bugs don't just stay outside; roaches tend to sneak through the door cracks into homes.

Worse off, it's not only the little guys you might have to deal with. Snakes, spiders, gators, and possibly sharks when there's flooding can easily become neighbors in the state.

5. Education; It's Clearly Not Top Priority

What is Alabama like for those families with school-aged kids? It's a sensitive area and one often misunderstood.

The Heart of Dixie has good schools across its county and city districts from kindergarten through University; however, it doesn't rank well nationally. Education here isn't taken as seriously as it should be; only about 27.4% have a bachelor's degree or higher.

High poverty levels might be a common cause, which is true. But the quality of education itself isn't so good—it ranks 45th in the nation. 

Is it a good place to seek a degree? Maybe not, but there are a few good schools you might want to make your Alma Mater if you already live here.

• Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School — Montgomery

• New Century Tech Demo High School — Huntsville

• Birmingham-Southern College — Birmingham

• University of Alabama — Tuscaloosa

• Auburn University — Auburn

6. Endless Outdoor Spectacles

If you ever get to live in Alabama, the outdoor scene is one you will never forget and always talk about!

From white-sand beaches to beautiful Appalachian foothills, there's everything to keep you excited about living in Alabama. Whether it's the picturesque landscape or for-your-eyes-only view, you would love it here if you like staring into nature.

Coming over to Alabama, you are spoiled for fun. Even a regular walk, you can do it while under lush canopy trees like it's some dream movie scene.

While living in Alabama, be sure to stop by:

• Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

• Horse Pens 40

• Chewbacca State Park

• Little River Canyon National Preserve

• Mobile-Tensaw Delta

7. Excellent Cuisines and Dining Scene

Ever had true southern BBQ and fries? Alabama is sure to give you a taste of the best shrimp and grits you have ever had!

Whether you prefer it cheesy, spicy, or creamy, the chefs here are ready to delight you with their meals. The official dish for the residents of Alabama is the famous BBQ sauce, varieties of seafood specials, and spicy steaks.

Do check out these top restaurants while in the Yellowhammer State

• SAW's Soul Kitchen — Birmingham

• Check Fonfon — Birmingham

• Cotton Row — Huntsville

• Acre — Auburn

8. Football Takes Center Stage

It's not just sports generally; it's college football specifically!

Not to discard basketball and baseball, which tend to share the limelight, but the residents here just love college football. Casually, you would often hear conversations among locals about popular teams and upcoming games.

Even if sports generally isn't your thing, living here, you might just have a liking for any of the college teams like the Crimson Tide or Auburn Tigers.

9. Occasional Crimes Around The Cities

As already established, Alabama is not the best Southern state. Of course, the pros and cons of living in Alabama will occasionally arise, especially when crime levels are involved.

At some point, the crime rates in the state were way above the national average—being 44th in violent crimes. However, these rates have dropped continuously yearly, but this doesn't completely eliminate the fact that late walking on dark paths isn't safe.

Appropriately, 110,000 crimes happen across the state annually, which is lower than the national average. However, depending on the exact city you choose to reside in, the numbers can turn.

For your safety, you can choose to reside in any one of these safe cities

• Rainbow City

• Southside

• Mountain Brook

• Pleasant Grove

• Vestavia Hills

Summary—Living in Alabama

Is living in Alabama right for you? Should you move your entire family down to this part of the south?

You need to look at the facts and be the judge. Yes, the living costs are low, and there's a ton of beauty and history. However, education quality and median income might be something to consider.

The best way to know if Alabama is good for you is to ask yourself what you need a state to be. For instance, if you have young schoolchildren, Alabama's education system might not be the best for them.

So, look inward at what you want and base it on the average lifestyle in Alabama, as highlighted.

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