You're thinking of moving to Alabama, however you're not sure you've completely mulled-over all the super-important information before showing up at your decision. Well, possibly southern-bound buddy, you have actually come to the best location - we have actually assembled an useful, yummy guide that will describe 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) thinking about 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 Toolbox. 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 provide, besides substantial advances in the area program and ridiculously wise individuals? Plenty - from lovely landscapes that'll have you clicking your shutter so quick your electronic camera starts steaming, to tasty 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 people presently live 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, consisting of computer technology, physical treatment, nursing, occupational therapy, aircraft assembly and EMT, to name a couple of, according to zippia.com. The highest-paid professions include pediatrician, nurse anesthetist, administrative law judge, orthodontist and dental practitioner, states bizjournals.com.
The current unemployment rate is just 3.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Data, so odds are pretty good for finding work upon your relocation. The federal minimum wage is the very same as the nationwide average, nevertheless, at $7.25/ hour, mentions minimum-wage.
Don't forget that Alabama is home to NASA, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the Marshall Space Flight. This might really well be the brand-new house of your dreams if you have actually got a love for all-things aerial.
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 like (and be able to afford) in the Yellowhammer State?
Well, zillow.com specifies that the average value of homes currently on the market is $128,900, with a typical listing cost of $190,000. The mean house lease is $995/month, with one-bedroom apartment or condos balancing $824/month in Birmingham.
Residences in Alabama are primarily relatively brand-new, too - zillow.com reveals that the majority of homes presently readily available were constructed in the years 2000-2010. So not just are chances helpful for you to discover a cost effective location to live, however you'll likewise be taking a look at newish properties, too.
That being said, there's not much in the method of brand-new building and construction appearing nowadays, according to zillow.com. A little is happening 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, especially 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 brand-new place, you might be curious about the individuals there. Will they become your friends, or will they be the type to make you chain your doors and gaze out of a slit in your blinds in total paranoia?
According to residents, citizens can be a real variety. The agreement is that Alabamians like to gossip, are passive-aggressive, and might simply deceive you with their deceptive insults. The phrase "bless your heart" is not indicated warmly, but rather sarcastically - and if you hear it, chances are great that when you've left, you'll be spoken about.
Do not let that discourage you, though. Residents worry that the main vibe of their state is among 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 discover yourself adjusting your vocabulary and pronunciations after a relocate to Alabama. The town of Burmingham, to Alabamians, has a quiet 'g', and is pronounced "Burmin'- ham". Do not lose who stands out like a sore thumb simply since you're partial to your consonants. In addition, Alabamians have their own catch-phrase when they're prepared to act: "Fixin' to."
Yellowhammer State Trivia
Montgomery, Alabama was the where a well-known event happened on December 1, 1955 - the day when Rosa Parks bravely declined to quit her seat on the bus to a white male. 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 locals and travelers alike.
The people of the Cotton State are insane about BBQ - and we do suggest CRAZY. They'll combat to the death (possibly not literally) over which dining establishment or local cookout serves up the best.
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 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 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 grabbing 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 compiled of some of the state's primary tourist attractions.
Here simply a few of the state's can't- miss activities and sights:
U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Located in Huntsville, this museum consists of access to the historic Shuttle 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 outlines the history of the U.S. space program. It's likewise house to the annual, extremely anticipated Space Camp program including the Aviation Challenge, 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 create, represents the state's roots in the iron and steel industry - and he's type of a huge deal. His 100th birthday was a big event that drew a crowd of more than 100,000 people.
Cathedral Caverns State Park: Located in Woodville, this park uses cavern tours, camping areas, hiking and backpacking. It has the widest entryway of any business collapse the world, and features a sparkly Gemstone Mine with a gem mining experience available to any ages.
Talladega Superspeedway: AKA NASCAR's "most significant and baddest" track, it's situated in Lincoln and includes an extremely anticipated annual 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: Found in Summerdale, this overload sanctuary has a raised boardwalk including a too-close-for-comfort view of numerous alligators and different kinds of wildlife. This is the place for you if you're into staring one of mankind's most significant natural predators virtually right in the face.
Benefits and drawbacks of Residing In the Heart of Dixie
Before you ideal your BARBEQUE dish and run to see the alligators and the world's highest Vulcan, we thought it might be worth more info taking into consideration a short-and-sweet list of a couple of benefits and drawbacks of moving to Alabama.
Low cost of living: It's no secret that realty in the Cotton State is quite low-cost, and taxes are quite low. We suspect that's just one of the big reasons that 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. Due to the fact that of this, there are plenty of activities for all different breeds of outdoorsy types. 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 summer seasons and spring torrential rainstorms.
Music: Due to the fact that of its area, 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 - make looks here.
Food: As we have actually currently pointed out, Alabamians are die-hard foodies. The town of Birmingham alone has a tremendous 28 various food celebrations every year. Amongst them are the Exceptional Structure Chili Cook-Off, Taste of Homewood, BARBEQUE for Building, Girls Inc. Cajun Cook-Off and BHamBurger Battle. Seriously, don't eat anything for a while before you arrive here - you'll be stuffing your face in no time.
Distance to significant cities: Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans and Memphis are simply day-trips far from the Heart of Dixie. This prime place lends itself to countless opportunities to see all kinds of celebrations, performances, museums, state parks, going shopping tourist attractions and more. Did you truly believe you 'd be bored here?
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 say that it's not uncommon for a 45-degree day on the thermometer to feel closer to 10 degrees.
Drug use: The more rural locations of the state have genuine problems with poverty, homelessness and block after block of deserted homes. With read more this naturally comes troublesome drug use, and in Alabama's case, methamphetamine labs are a real battle to break down on (no pun meant).
Severe storms: While experiencing all 4 seasons can be argued as an advantage, it also means 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 tornado states. The spring and fall seasons bring heavy thunderstorms, and mid-year brings cyclones. At any time of year, citizens 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 here, wait 5 minutes."
Weird Laws
We 'd be doing you a significant disservice if we left without giving you a list of a few of the strangest, lamest and downright dumbest laws still around in the state you're thinking about making your next homeland. We have actually compiled a couple of that'll have you raising an eyebrow in no time.
Here are simply a few from onlyinyourstate.com:
Putting salt onto a railway track is punishable by death. They wish to keep their railways without cattle, and they're actually major about it.
It's prohibited to impersonate a priest. For genuine. Stop practicing your impression in the mirror, and put your comical efforts towards new product - you'll thank us later.
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.) 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 of rest.
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 long-term moving. Obviously, we can't say and lie that we have the ability to give you definitely all the important 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's up to you to decide (after possibly doing some further research study) if you can envision yourself in the Yellowhammer State, amongst the not-at-all and excellent intimidating rocket scientists, the rapid racecar drivers, the soul-filled foodies, and the always-hungry alligators. It's been a genuine pleasure compiling this guide for you, and we hope you have actually had your fill of Alabama goodies.
All the best - and do not forget to remember "Sweet House Alabama."