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, possibly southern-bound buddy, you have actually come to the best location - we have actually assembled a handy, delicious guide that will outline a few of the most essential points for someone in your position to evaluate.
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 need to offer, besides big advances in the area program and ridiculously wise 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 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 Research Study.
Well, for starters, the state has several fast-growing job fields, including computer technology, physical treatment, nursing, occupational therapy, aircraft assembly and EMT, among others, according to zippia.com. The highest-paid careers include pediatrician, nurse anesthetist, administrative law dentist, judge and orthodontist, states bizjournals.com.
The current unemployment rate is simply 3.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Data, so chances are pretty good for finding 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, mentions 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 could very well be the new home of your dreams if you've got a love for all-things aeronautical.
Housing
You're probably 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 afford) in the Yellowhammer State?
Well, zillow.com states that the median value of homes currently on the market is $128,900, with an average listing price of $190,000. The median home rent is $995/month, with one-bedroom apartment or condos averaging $824/month in Birmingham.
Homes in Alabama are mostly fairly new, too - zillow.com shows that most houses currently available were built in the decade 2000-2010. So not only are chances great for you to discover a budget friendly location to live, but you'll also be looking at newish properties, too.
That being said, there's not much in the method of brand-new building and construction appearing these days, 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 may just wish to set your sights on the Heart of Dixie.
Culture and Locals
When transferring to a new place, you may be curious about the individuals there. Will they become your buddies, 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 residents, locals can be a real mixed bag. The agreement is that Alabamians like to gossip, are passive-aggressive, and may simply deceive you with their deceptive insults. The phrase "bless your heart" is not implied warmly, but rather sardonically - and if you hear it, chances are great that when you've left, you'll be talked about.
Don't let that deter you. Residents stress that the main ambiance of their state is one of true southern hospitality - they use "sir" and "ma'am" out of regard, and will give 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 noticable "Burmin'- ham". Don't be the loser who protrudes like an aching thumb even if you prefer your consonants. In addition, Alabamians have their own catch-phrase when they're prepared 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 offer up her seat on the bus to a white guy. Today, to honor this local 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 imply CRAZY. They'll battle to the death (perhaps not actually) over which dining establishment or local cookout serves up the finest.
Locals will CONSTANTLY rock out to "Sweet Home Alabama" if it begins the radio, and they'll crank it up to 11. When they hear that well-known opening riff, even Alabamians who privately 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, 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 rate of life. These self-proclaimed "salt of the earth" types will make you forget your health-enthusiast methods and have you grabbing seconds. Bring extra napkins.
Must-See Alabama Enjoyable + Activities
We know you're already midway out the door, luggage in hand, prepared 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, check out this list we have actually compiled of some of the state's primary attractions.
Here simply a few of the state's can't- miss out on sights and activities:
U.S. Area & Rocket Center: Located in Huntsville, this museum includes access to the historical Shuttle bus Park and Rocket Park and showcases unique artifacts from the nation's area exploration. It's considered to be the world's biggest area museum, and outlines the history of the U.S. space program. It's likewise house to the annual, highly prepared for Space Camp program featuring the Air travel Challenge, in which students go through training in flight simulators.
Vulcan statue: In Birmingham, the world's highest cast iron statue stands an outstanding 56 feet tall. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and create, represents the state's roots in the iron and steel industry - and he's kind of a big offer. His 100th birthday was a huge celebration that drew a crowd of more than 100,000 individuals.
Cathedral Caverns State Park: Found in Woodville, this park offers cave 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 located in Lincoln and includes an extremely anticipated yearly 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 a raised click here boardwalk including a too-close-for-comfort view of numerous alligators and various kinds of wildlife. This is the location for you if you're into gazing one of humanity's most significant natural predators almost right in the face.
Benefits and drawbacks of Living in the Heart of Dixie
Before you ideal your BARBEQUE recipe and run to see the alligators and the world's highest Vulcan, we believed it may 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 no trick 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 selected this as their brand-new house.
Nature + all 4 seasons: The surface of Alabama is widely-varied, consisting of beaches, forests and mountains. 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 discussed, Alabamians are die-hard foodies. The town of Birmingham alone has a massive 28 various 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 countless 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 season is undoubtedly 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 areas of the state have real problems with hardship, homelessness and block after block of abandoned houses. With this naturally comes bothersome drug usage, and in Alabama's case, methamphetamine labs are a real battle to split down on (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 type of stormy weather - and this state sees a few of the most serious. For starters, it is among the most active tornado states. The spring and fall seasons bring heavy thunderstorms, and mid-year brings hurricanes. At any time of year, homeowners go through periods of seemingly random rainstorms, that can stop as quickly as they start. Residents joke, "If you don't like the weather here, wait 5 minutes."
Strange Laws
We 'd be doing you a significant injustice if we left without giving you a list of a few of the strangest, lamest and downright dumbest laws still out there in the state you're considering making your next homeland. We have actually compiled a couple of that'll have 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 railways devoid of cattle, 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.) Religion is no laughing matter to Alabamians.
It's unlawful to use a mask in public. Man, 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 guide to some of the primary contemplation points for irreversible relocation. Obviously, we can't state and lie that we have the ability to provide you definitely all the essential information that could affect your decision (we 'd be here for days), but it's our hope that we have actually provided you an excellent launching pad to fire up your choice rocket from.
Now it depends on you to decide (after possibly doing some further research study) if you can envision 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."