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Moving. Simplified.
Are you considering moving to Alabama?
The Yellowhammer State is currently one of the fastest-growing states in the country. The reason for that is simple.
Alabama is one of the states with the lowest costs of living in the country. The state’s housing market and rental market are below the national average in terms of costs.
If you’d like to live in a state where unemployment rates are lower than the national average, with more sunny days throughout the year, and with a shorter commuting time, moving to Alabama is right for you.
Alabama’s median age is 38 making it a state of Millenials and one of the best states for young families. If you’re mulling over moving to Alabama and wondering if the state is right for you or not, this guide contains key information about the state to help you make the right decision.
A quick look at the population and other demographics of Alabama.
Alabama is home to 724,357 people. The Last Frontier is rated 48th in the United States in terms of population. Alabama stretches across 665,384 square miles. Check out the following key stats about the state’s population since you’re considering moving to Alabama:
Alabama gets 121 sunny days per year. The national average is 205 sunny days a year. The weather is most likely one of the key things you’ll have to mull over before making up your mind about moving to Alabama. Here are key stats of the Last Frontier’s weather:
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Alabama’s average one-way commute time is 18.8 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. That means commuting time in Alabama is shorter than the national average. If you’d like to spend less time commuting on the road, with less stress and stay more productive, moving to Alabama is right for you.
Here’s how Alabamans commute to work:
Here are key reasons why moving to Alabama could be the right choice.
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The state is appealing to many people for various reasons. If you’re considering moving to Alabama, here are the top ten reasons why people have been moving to the Yellowhammer state:
Alabama has the 4th hottest summer in the US, making it an ideal place for those who dislike cold winters. Summer temperatures average over 90 °F throughout most of the state, with milder conditions in the extreme south due to Gulf of Mexico winds.
Alabama residents are passionate about football, with the state spending more time discussing the sport on social media and in daily life compared to neighboring states. Football is deeply ingrained in the culture.
Alabama is one of the wealthiest states in the US, with significant investments in various industries, including automobile, aerospace, education, healthcare, banking, heavy industries, and metal extraction. Despite global economic challenges, Alabama saw growth from 2020 to 2023, resulting in more job opportunities. The tourism sector is also thriving, creating additional job prospects.
Alabama records the 7th lowest cost of living in the US. The housing index in the state is 70.2. The median home price is $129,300, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $772 per month. The livable wage in Alabama is $45,824, and the median household income is $48,486. Read more about Alabama cost of living
Despite being the 30th largest state in the US, Alabama records a low population which means it is one of the least crowded states in the country. Alabama has just 99 people per square mile, which promises better ownership of state resources.
You can own a home in Alabama by spending $129,300 which is lower than the national average of $231,200. Even the average rent is lower than the national average. The average rent in Alabama is $1,050. With an average apartment size of 1,397 square feet, the average price per square foot in Alabama is $0.752.
Alabama has over 1,541 individual schools for 743,364 elementary and secondary students. There are also 17 private, undergraduate, and graduate universities in the state. The public primary and secondary education in Alabama is under Alabama State Board of Education, and the state has top-notch colleges and schools.
The Yellowhammer State is famous for its pretty landscapes and has an edge over neighboring states for serene and scenic surroundings. From diverse landscapes ranging from mountains and farmland to rivers and coastlines, Alabama boasts the most picturesque towns and villages in the South.
The average one-way commute time in Alabama is 24.6 minutes, which is less than the national average of 26.4 minutes. And this means you spend less time on the road.
Fabulous mountains and breathtaking white sandy beaches make Alabama a paradise of beauty. Highly scenic, Alabama promises a laid-back life for both residents and visitors alike.
Here are some of the best beaches and mountains in Alabama:
Great food, beaches, mountains, and an economy that is ever booming – Alabama has got reasons to call the new home.
The Yellowhammer state has a rich past, active present, and a bright future that’s sure to keep folks seriously thinking about moving here. However, Alabama has also got reasons to not move in. You need to weigh both the positives and negatives of living in Alabama before taking the final call. We have compiled the honest pros and cons of living in Alabama to help you make the right decision.
Here’s our list of the pros and cons of living in the Yellowhammer state since you’re considering moving to Alabama.
Alabama is home to several beautiful cities that are suitable for families, single adults, retirees, and the likes. If you’d like to live in some of the best places in the state, moving to Alabama will be a great idea. Here are the ten best places to live in Alabama:
| Rank | City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madison | 49,327 | 3.8% | $253,000 |
| 2 | Mountain Brook | 20,436 | 1.7% | $628,800 |
| 3 | Homewood | 25,534 | 2.7% | $347,800 |
| 4 | Vestavia Hills | 34,307 | 2.0% | $376,200 |
| 5 | Fairhope | 21,083 | 4.6% | $299,200 |
| 6 | Pike Road | 9,320 | 2.5% | $300,000 |
| 7 | Daphne | 25,901 | 3.4% | $201,400 |
| 8 | Orange Beach | 6,019 | 3.7% | $297,800 |
| 9 | Muscle Shoals | 14,103 | 3.5% | $147,100 |
| 10 | Millbrook | 15,645 | 3.0% | $154,300 |
Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Alabama.
The cost of living in Alabama is rated 82.3. The United States average is 100.
That means Alabama’s cost of living is lower than the national average. Since you’re considering moving to Alabama, here’s the average cost of living in the state:
| Cost of Living Category | Alabama | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 82.3 | 100 |
| Grocery | 94.4 | 100 |
| Health | 102.2 | 100 |
| Housing | 55.9 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $129,300 | $231,200 |
| Utilities | 101.2 | 100 |
| Transportation | 85.9 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 94.5 | 100 |
Overall, the cost of living in Alabama is rated 102%, while the U.S. average is 100. This means the cost of living in Alabama is slightly higher than the U.S. average. Housing is considered the biggest factor in the cost of living index, below is key data about Alabama rental and real estate market.
Alabama’s median home cost is $129,300 which is lower than the national average of $231,200. Buying a home can be one of the best housing options if you’re moving to Alabama. Over the last 10 years, the value of homes in Alabama has increased by 13.7%. Currently, home prices have risen by 6.9%.
There are several housing options to choose from if you’re moving to Alabama. One of such options is renting a home or an apartment. About 25.9% of the Alabama population are renters and up to 3.0% of homes and apartments in the state are available to rent. Here’s the average cost of home rental in the state if you’re moving to Alabama:
Alabama has a booming job market with an unemployment rate that is lower than the national average.
That means getting a job after moving to Alabama is fairly easy. Here’s a breakdown of the job market in the state if you’re moving to Alabama:
| Employment Information | Alabama | United States |
|---|---|---|
| The income per Cap | $25,746 | $31,177 |
| Household Income | $46,472 | $57,652 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.4 | 6.0 |
| Recent Job Growth | -3.24% | -6.18% |
| Future Job Growth | 32.42% | 33.51% |
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Start My Quote NowYou may be interested in getting a new job after moving to Alabama. The state’s average pay could be different from where you’re moving from. Check out a breakdown of the average pay in the state since you’re considering moving to Alabama:
The top career options in Alabama are also the highest-paying jobs in the state. Moving to Alabama could mean taking a shot at one of the top career options in the state. We’ve made a list of the top career options in the state since you’re considering moving to Alabama:
| Rank | Job Title | AVERAGE SALARY | ENTRY LEVEL SALARY | # OF PEOPLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obstetricians And Gynecologists | $269,920 | $171,080 | 80 |
| 2 | Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists | $265,650 | $145,310 | 430 |
| 3 | Anesthesiologists | $264,480 | $145,670 | 200 |
| 4 | Family Medicine Physicians | $227,770 | $116,130 | 780 |
| 5 | Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $213,410 | $59,390 | 4,260 |
| 6 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $210,300 | $82,160 | 160 |
| 7 | Psychiatrists | $179,810 | $69,230 | 380 |
| 8 | Chief Executives | $174,910 | $49,480 | 1,160 |
| 9 | Dentists, General | $172,050 | $94,290 | 1,320 |
| 10 | Nurse Anesthetists | $170,560 | $93,200 | 1,410 |
Alabama’s economy is powered by several top industries. Some of these industries are also some of the largest in the country. Moving to Alabama could mean getting a chance to be a part of these industries. Here are the largest industries in Alabama if you’re moving to the state:
Tip: Often, you feel like calculating the moving cost before you connect with a moving company. To help you, we've got a free moving cost calculator.
Depending on where you’re moving from, you may end up paying higher or lower taxes by moving to Alabama.
To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s a breakdown of the key taxes in Alabama:
Moving to Alabama means you’ll get the chance to see or do so many exciting things.
More so, Alabama is home to several remarkable attractions, and moving to the Yellowhammer state gives you the chance to see as many as you can. Here are some of the best things to do in the state if you’re moving to Alabama:
The world’s largest space museum exhibits more than 1,500 permanent rocketry and space exploration artifacts, which include rockets, engines, spacecraft, and simulators. Operated by the Government of Alabama, the museum is also the center for bus tours to nearby NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
Robert Trent Jones designed a collection of championship golf courses across Alabama. Initially, the Trail had 378 holes but now there are 468 holes around 11 sites.
A zoological park with 550 animals of 195 species, Birmingham Zoo also hosts different activities for visitors, such as a sea lion show. The animals in the zoo include sea lions, zebras, rhinos, and many endangered species from 6 continents.
A military history park and museum, Battleship Memorial Park houses many aircraft and museum ships including USS Alabama and USS Drum, both National Historic Landmarks. There are gift shops, snack bars, picnic spots, and fishing areas for entertainment.
A science museum and archive, McWane Science Center has an aquarium and an IMAX Dome Theater. The aquarium has 50 species of marine and freshwater aquatic life including small sharks. Visitors to the museum can also view a shark tooth through a microscope.
Alabama’s beautiful beaches are famous for white sand and you cannot escape from their charm while in Alabama. There are a lot of activities to indulge in, including fishing, boating, trying different delicacies at some of the good restaurants.
The 112-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden with grassy meadows to woodland paths and aquatic habitats to stunning floral collections is worth exploring in Huntsville, Alabama. It also homes the largest open-air butterfly house in the US. Apart from offering the cool serenity of nature, the garden also hosts multiple exhibits and programs year round.
The 2,800-acre public park got its name from Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state that is inside the park. There are numerous structures including a stone bathhouse, eleven stone cabins, two stone pavilions, Bunker Tower, and the Bald Rock Group Lodge inside the park along with many trailing points.
The 750-acre park has camping, hiking trails, biking trails, and a golf course. Open year-round, the park borders the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Along with an ice skating complex, the park homes a wave pool, Olympic-size diving pool, water slides, and kiddie pools.
The institute has multimedia exhibitions focusing on the history of African-American life and the struggle for civil rights in the US in the 1950s and 1960s. Opened in 1992, the institute has 25,000 visitors every week.
Situated in downtown Mobile, the Mobile History Museum has over 117,000 objects displaying the rich, diverse, and often turbulent histories of Mobile and the surrounding area.
The museum focuses on the history of football in Alabama with special emphasis on the legendary coach Bear Bryant. There are hundreds of photographs, uniforms, and sports memorabilia on display along with videos of Bama coaches, players, and unforgettable plays.
The about hundred-year-old Alabama theater in Birmingham can seat up to 2,500 people and was once the largest in the Birmingham Theatre district. The theater was built during the silent film era, the theater was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in1977, and the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Toomer’s Corner at Auburn is a landmark of the city since 1896 and is the destination for thousands of revelers who engage in the long-standing tradition of “rolling Toomer’s Corner;” a celebration occurring after every significant Auburn sports victory.
How safe are the neighborhoods, towns, and cities of the Heart of Dixie state if you’re moving to Alabama? Since safety is always a top priority before moving to any state, we’ve collated key stats about the state’s crime rates to help you decide if moving to Alabama is right for you or not.
If you’re moving to Alabama, you may be interested in some of the best schools in the state.
We’ve made a list of the best universities, colleges, and elementary to high schools in the state. If you have school-age kids who are moving with you to Alabama, this can help you decide the best places to stay in the state.
ClarkShaw Magnet School
Mobile County, Public, 5-8 | 787 students, Rating: 10/10
MacMillan International at McKee
Montgomery County, Public, K-5 | 371 students, Rating: 10/10
Mt Carmel Elementary School
Madison County, Public, PK-3 | 548 students, Rating: 10/10
EicholdMertz School of Math and Science
Mobile County, Public, PK-5 | 524 students, Rating: 10/10
W H Council Traditional School
Mobile County, Public, PK-5 | 673 students, Rating: 10/10
ClarkShaw Magnet School
Mobile County, Public, 5-8 | 787 students, Rating: 10/10
Baldwin County Virtual School
Baldwin County, Public, 7-12 | 287 students, Rating: 10/10
Carver Magnet School
Dothan City, Public, 6-8 | 411 students, Rating: 10/10
Phillips Preparatory Middle School
Mobile County, Public, 6-8 | 755 students, Rating: 10/10
Floyd Middle School
Montgomery County, Public, 6-8 | 505 students, Rating: 10/10
Booker T Washington Magnet High School
Montgomery County, Public, 9-12 | 403 students, Rating: 10/10
Mountain Brook High School
Mountain Brook City, Public, 10-12 | 1059 students, Rating: 10/10
Oak Mountain High School
Shelby County, Public, 9-12 | 1552 students, Rating: 10/10
Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School
Montgomery County, Public, 9-12 | 513 students, Rating: 10/10
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
Montgomery County, Public, 9-12 | 539 students, Rating: 10/10
The University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, AL
The University of Alabama in Huntsville - Huntsville, AL
Auburn University - Auburn, AL
Athens State University - Athens, AL
University of Montevallo - Montevallo, AL
University of South Alabama - Mobile, AL
The University of Alabama at Birmingham - Birmingham, AL
Jacksonville State University - Jacksonville, AL
Samford University - Birmingham, AL
University of North Alabama - Florence, AL
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If you are fond of warm winters and not a fan of snow, Alabama is a great place to relocate. Contrary to cliches, Alabama is not all about deserts. It is a rich state home to many big tech companies and this makes it easier to find a job. There are many wide open spaces and the flora and fauna are highly diverse. And it's also a great place for food lovers.
The cost of living is average in Alabama and a family with one child can comfortably live with $29,984 annually after tax deductions. If you've got two children and only one working member, you may need to earn $64,407 per year to have a decent life.
Alabama winters may be warm but summers are extremely hot and often venturing out in the afternoon can be horrifying. While the state's flora and fauna are diverse, the state is also notorious for venomous reptiles. You should also know that Alabama is rich, and diverse, and has unlimited open recreation facilities.
As per the latest stats, Scottsdale is called the best place in Alabama to raise a family. It is an incredible city with a vibrant downtown bursting with nightlife, art galleries, a gorgeous riverfront, and over 200 beautiful golf courses. The job market in Scottsdale is booming and more startups are getting launched. If you are an entrepreneur, a job aspirant, a retiree, or someone who loves a laid-back life, there is no place better than Scottsdale in Alabama.
Florence tops the chart in Alabama with the lowest crime rate. Situated just an hour's drive away from Phoenix, the city offers a small-town vibe with amazing scenery, a friendly community, and a good array of diners. Both violent crimes and property-related crimes in Florence are fewer than in Alabama and the national average.
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