So you're considering transferring to Alabama, however you're unsure you've completely mulled-over all the super-important details prior to getting to your decision. Well, potentially southern-bound good friend, you've pertained to the right place - 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 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 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 substantial advances in the space program and unbelievably clever people? Plenty - from lovely landscapes that'll have you clicking your shutter so fast your cam starts steaming, to savory soul food, to seriously action-packed sporting occasions. Continue reading to discover why you might just make Alabama your next relocation.
Job Market
According to U.S. Census information, about 4.875 million people presently live in the Cotton State. About 11,447 of those people moved here in between 2016 and 2017. Likewise, get this - 55% of the individuals overall in the U.S. who relocated the year 2017 moved to Alabama, according to the 2017 National Movers Research Study. So why are a lot of people are flocking here?
Well, for starters, the state has several fast-growing task fields, consisting of computer technology, physical therapy, nursing, occupational treatment, airplane assembly and Emergency Medical Technician, to name a few, according to zippia.com. The highest-paid professions include pediatrician, nurse anesthetist, administrative law dentist, judge and orthodontist, mentions bizjournals.com.
The existing joblessness rate is just 3.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, so odds are pretty great for discovering work upon your relocation. This number has actually also been on a nice, consistent 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. Area & Rocket Center and the Marshall Area Flight Center. If you've got a love for all-things aeronautical, this could effectively be the new home of your dreams.
Housing
You're probably going to desire a location to live after you move (we're simply thinking), so what's the likelihood 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 market is $128,900, with an average listing price of $190,000. The average home rent is $995/month, with one-bedroom houses balancing $824/month in Birmingham.
Houses in Alabama are mainly relatively brand-new, too - zillow.com shows that a lot of houses currently available were developed in the decade 2000-2010. So not only are odds great for you to discover a budget-friendly location to live, but you'll likewise be taking a look at newish residential or commercial properties, too.
That being said, there's not much in the method of brand-new building and construction turning up nowadays, according to zillow.com. A little is occurring in main Alabama, around Birmingham; a little in the southwest corner, near Mobile; and a little bit in the northern end of the state, in and around Huntsville.
If cheaper housing, especially around the state's hot-spots, interest you, you might just want to set your sights on the Heart of Dixie.
Culture and Natives
When relocating to a brand-new place, you might be curious about individuals there. Will they become your finest pals, 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, homeowners can be a genuine variety. The consensus is that Alabamians enjoy to chatter, are passive-aggressive, and may just deceive you with their questionable insults. The expression "bless your heart" is not indicated warmly, but rather sardonically - and if you hear it, chances are great that when you've left, you'll be talked about.
Do not let that deter 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 provide 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. The town of Burmingham, to Alabamians, has a silent 'g', and is noticable "Burmin'- ham". Don't lose who sticks out like a sore thumb even if you like your consonants. In addition, Alabamians have their own catch-phrase when they're ready 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 bravely refused to offer up 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, bring in lots of travelers and locals alike.
The people of the Cotton State are insane about BBQ - and we do suggest CRAZY. They'll combat to the death (maybe not literally) over which dining establishment or regional 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 approximately 11. Even Alabamians who secretly hate the tune will begin to boogie when they hear that popular 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 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 rich, that residents like to observe a slower pace of life. These self-proclaimed "salt of the earth" types will make you forget your health-enthusiast methods and have you reaching for seconds. Bring additional napkins.
Must-See Alabama Fun + Activities
We understand you're currently halfway 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 attractions.
Here just a few of check here the state's can't- miss activities and sights:
U.S. Space & 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 area expedition. It's considered to be the world's largest area museum, and describes the history of the U.S. area program. It's also home to the yearly, highly expected Area Camp program featuring the Air travel Difficulty, in which trainees go through training in flight simulators.
Vulcan statue: In Birmingham, the world's tallest cast iron statue stands a remarkable 56 feet high. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, represents the state's roots in the iron and steel market - and he's sort 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 cavern trips, campgrounds, treking and backpacking. It has the best entrance of any commercial collapse the world, and includes a sparkly Gems Mine with a gem mining experience available to any ages.
Talladega Superspeedway: AKA NASCAR's "greatest and baddest" track, it's situated in Lincoln and includes a hugely 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: Located in Summerdale, this overload sanctuary has a raised boardwalk including a too-close-for-comfort view of numerous alligators and various sort of wildlife. If you're into staring among humanity's biggest natural predators practically right in the face, this is the location for you.
Pros and Cons of Living in the Heart of Dixie
Prior to you best your BARBEQUE dish and run off to see the alligators and the world's tallest Vulcan, we thought it may be worth thinking about a short-and-sweet list of a few advantages and disadvantages of transferring to Alabama.
Low expense of living: It's no trick that real estate in the Cotton State is pretty inexpensive, and taxes are quite low. We presume that's simply among the big reasons 55% of relocators nationwide in 2017 selected this as their new house.
Nature + all 4 seasons: The surface of Alabama is widely-varied, consisting click here of mountains, forests and beaches. There are plenty of activities for all various breeds of outdoorsy types because of this. Locals also like to point out that they experience all four seasons and see weather from all over the spectrum - from snow and ice storms to hot, humid summertimes and spring torrential rainstorms.
Music: Since 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. Big names in all genres - varying from jazz to rock 'n' roll to country - make appearances here.
Food: As we've already discussed, Alabamians are die-hard foodies. The town of Birmingham alone has a massive 28 different food here 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 numerous opportunities to see all kinds of celebrations, performances, museums, state parks, going shopping destinations and more. Did you truly believe you 'd be bored here?
Humidity: Make that winter humidity. While the humidity in the summertime is undeniably bad, it's the winter that separates die-hard Alabamians from wannabees - the extra wetness triggers cold temperature levels to feel definitely freezing. Locals say that it's not uncommon for a 45-degree day on the thermometer to feel closer to 10 degrees. It might not be long prior to you're miserable here if you're not into feeling the extremes in every season.
Substance abuse: The more backwoods of the state have genuine problems with poverty, homelessness and block after block of abandoned homes. With this naturally comes troublesome drug use, 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 great thing, it also means that there's chance for all kinds of stormy weather - and this state sees some of the most extreme. For beginners, it's one of the most active tornado states.
Unusual 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 considering making your next homeland. We have actually put together a few that'll have you raising an eyebrow in no time.
Here are simply a couple of from onlyinyourstate.com:
Putting salt onto a railroad track is punishable by death. They want to keep their railways without cattle, and they're really severe about it.
It's unlawful to impersonate a priest. For real. Stop practicing your impression in the mirror, and put your comedic efforts towards brand-new product - you'll thank us later.
Since it could trigger laughter, it's unlawful to wear a phony moustache in church. (See? We told you they were super-serious about their church.) Faith is no laughing matter to Alabamians.
It's illegal to use a mask in public. Man, so what are we expected 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 carefully created guide to some of the primary consideration points for irreversible relocation. Naturally, we can't state and lie that we're able to offer you absolutely all the crucial details that might influence your choice (we 'd be here for days), but it's our hope that we have actually given you a great 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 visualize yourself in the Yellowhammer State, amongst the not-at-all and remarkable challenging rocket scientists, the fast 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 have actually had your fill of Alabama goodies.
Best of luck - and do not forget to memorize "Sugary food Home Alabama."