More and More Americans Are on the Move: Is Huntsville, Al a Good Place to Live?

Over the last 20 years, Americans have increasingly moved from one state to another, one region of the country to another.

More often than not, the South has been their destination for various reasons, including quality of life, economic opportunities, warm climates, lower cost of living, excellent educational opportunities, and access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and hunting.

In addition, Southern states are increasingly popular destinations for retirees looking to stretch their retirement funds via the low cost of living and enjoy more of a laid-back lifestyle.

Alabama is one of the states benefiting most from this migration. U.S. News and World Report rank Alabama as one of the top 10 states people are moving to, with a 62% "inbound move rate."

In Alabama, Huntsville now boasts the highest population in the state - and it's steadily growing as people discover this open yet-hidden gem with an Appalachian feel. 

During the last few years, the city grew by over 3200 people per year and was U.S. News and World Report's number one city to live in for 2022 (and came in second for 2023). Sounds like a trend to me. 

But is Huntsville the right city for you? Read on, and I'll give you two big reasons that might help you decide. 

Searching for the Best States to Live in for the Outdoors?

Huntsville, Alabama, is located in the northern part of the state and is known for its outdoor activities. 

A big reason why is the excellent year-round weather. 

Huntsville, AL, enjoys moderate temperatures throughout the year, mild winters, and pleasantly warm summers. The long summer days and mild winter nights make it an ideal location for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls. 

The average high temperatures in the winter range from the mid-fifties to the mid-sixties, while the summer months bring temperatures in the seventies and eighties with just enough humidity to keep you cool. Showers are most frequent in the spring and fall, but generally, the city enjoys ample sunshine with light precipitation. 

Altogether, Huntsville offers a delightful climate all year, making it an inviting destination for residents and visitors alike.

The city provides access to numerous public parks, nature preserves, lakefront camping areas, hiking trails, and biking trails. 

Huntsville has many unique outdoor attractions, such as the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Monte Sano State Park, and the scenic Green Mountain Nature Trail. 

The North Alabama Land Trust (NALT) is a non-profit organization promoting voluntary, permanent land conservation in North Alabama. It has already protected over 10,000 acres of land across over half a dozen accessible parks. 

NALT ensures that the region's natural resources will remain healthy and productive for future generations. The organization focuses on restoring habitats, protecting water resources, and reclaiming areas for public access. It works collaboratively with public institutions, private landowners, and other conservation groups to protect irreplaceable lands and water resources.

The city offers a wide variety of recreational activities, from river rafting and kayaking to swimming and world-class fishing via an "embarrassment of riches" in nearby bodies of water such as the Tennessee River, Lake Guntersville, Flint River, and Lake Wheeler's National Wildlife Refuge. 

If getting outside to hike beautiful rolling mountains, fish bountiful lakes, rivers, and creeks, explore myriad caves, or enjoy year-round mild weather is high on your list of criteria for a new place to call home, Huntsville may be the right place. 

(TIP: If you want to see first-hand what the outdoors in Huntsville looks like, spend a few minutes scrolling thru the Huntsville Adventurer's Facebook page. You'll be tempted to keep scrolling and scrolling.)

Looking for the Best States and Cities for Jobs?

If steady work, career opportunities, and cost of living vs. salary ratio are essential in your next place to live, you can't do much better than Huntsville, Alabama. Seriously. 

Data doesn't often lie, and Huntsville's unemployment rate is at an astonishing 1.5% as of April 2023. 

This means jobs, growth, and all that comes with it:

"The city also ranks seventh-highest for income growth between professionals aged 25 to 44 and those aged 45 to 64 (25.85 percent). Huntsville has seen the job market increase by 3.6 percent over the last year, and the city ranked in the top 10 for best places for career opportunities in 2022.

Huntsville's most significant job sectors in Huntsville are Aerospace and defense, with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Army's Redstone Arsenal being two of the area's largest employers. There are also many private sector opportunities for residents working in science, technology, engineering, and math at companies including Boeing, SAIC, and Northrop Grumman. A Toyota manufacturing plant also provides many area jobs. Huntsville is considered the technology hub for the greater Southeast, a title that has contributed significantly to the city's overwhelming growth rate." (Mathews Real Estate Investment Services)

Average salaries here approach $90,000 per year. Combine great wages with a low cost of living, and you get a magical, dynamic place to live:

"While Huntsville's salaries are high, its cost of living is extremely low. The average house sells for around $220,000, compared to $290,000 in the rest of the country. Food, transportation, and utilities are generally inexpensive as well. Residents also have fewer sales, income, and property taxes to worry about. In short, workers in Huntsville earn more and pay less." (Allied Van Lines Moving)

And how much less are Huntsville's workers paying to live? According to Kiplinger, Huntsville ranks in the top 20 most affordable cities to live in and has a 14.% lower cost of living than the US average.

Huntsville as a Great Place to Live and Work

In conclusion, Huntsville, Alabama, offers an irresistible combination of outdoor beauty and economic prosperity. 

With its inviting climate, abundant outdoor recreational options, and booming job market, it's no wonder Huntsville is attracting people from all walks of life. Huntsville has something to offer whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or seeking excellent career opportunities. 

Consider making Huntsville your next home, and experience the magic and dynamism of this remarkable city.

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