1. Alabama Is The Heart Of The South
Known as the “Heart of Dixie” and the “Cotton State,”
Alabama has some deep roots in the rich soil of Southern culture and heritage. And as one of the most prominent cities during the Civil Rights Movement, where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat and 3,000 demonstrators marched in Selma, there is no better place to learn about the modern history of the U.S. than visiting the many landmarks and museums paying homage to the movement and state’s progression throughout the state.
2. Alabama Makes Life Affordable Enough To Enjoy
Looking to save a few bucks? Of course you are. That’s why Alabama needs to be at the top of your list for places to move. It’s an incredibly affordable place to live, with an overall cost of living index of 90, which is 10 percent lower than the national average.
3. Buying A Home In Alabama Won’t Break The Bank
The housing market in Alabama is one of the most affordable aspects of the state. The median home value in Alabama is $126,000 which is 26 percent lower than the national average, giving you a lot more home for your bucks.
4. Alabama’s Economy Is Stable
The unemployment rate in Alabama is 6.2 percent, which falls just under the national average of 6.3 percent. The average income per capita is $23,587, which includes adults and children and the median household income is $43,160.
5. The Heart Of Dixie Hearts Barbeque
Many states claim to do barbeque better but whether you like the white sauce in the north or traditional in Southern Alabama, you’ll quickly discover that Alabama barbeque is something special.
6. Never Travel For Mardi Gras Again
New Orleans might be what comes to mind when you think of Mardi Gras, but the original parade and festival started right here in
Mobile, Alabama, well before The Big Easy picked up on it. Today, Mardi Gras is still a huge event in the area and around Southern Alabama where beads and Moon Pies fall from the heavens.
7. Alabama Has Beaches
Alabama might not have much shoreline but it’s bigger than you think. The tip of the state dips down into the gorgeous Gulf Shores, creating 60 miles of white sand and blue water for people to visit and vacation.
8. Alabama Has Lakes, Too
Lakes are found all through the state including Lake Martin and Lake Mitchell where residents spend their free time at events like Aquapalooza which is hailed as the The World’s Largest Boat Party.
9. The Safest Places To Live In Alabama
Alabama’s property and violent crime rates come in slightly higher than the national average. But don’t let those numbers sway you. Like anywhere else, there are a lot of great places to live throughout the state with safe neighborhoods, you just have to know where to look. Place like
Mountain Brook and
Vestavia Hills are two cities with safe crime rates.
10. Yes, Alabama Has Good Schools
Alabama’s major schools consistently smack down the tired old stereotype of Southerners being uneducated. The school systems here structured and have some of the most educated teachers in the south. In fact, Alabama has a high school graduation rate of 31 percent, which is three percent higher than the national average.
11. Alabama’s Drive Is Easy On Commuters
Alabama is a highly car-dependent state. Overall, the traffic isn’t as bad as it is in most other states, though, with a daily commute average of 24.6 minutes each way. But BizJournals reports that
Birmingham has one of the worst commutes in the South, with an average of 26.1 minutes. So, it can be higher or lower depending on how congested of an area you’re in, but overall, getting around Alabama is a piece of cake—as long as you have four wheels.
12. Best Places In Alabama To Live
The cities and towns of
Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills,
Pelham,
Hoover,
Daphne,
Homewood,
Alabaster,
Trussville,
Prattville,
Helena, and
Huntsville all rank as the most desirable places to live in the state for their exceptional schools, close proximity to major cities and amenities, close knit communities, and strong local governments.
13. Alabama Shakes Its Reputation Off
So, you still think Alabama is a backwards Southern state? Well, Alabama is the only state that has a city known as Rocket City. Huntsville, Alabama has been ranked as the best place in the country for engineers and even called the STEM Capital of the country. There’s nothing backwards about that.
14. Alabama Loves Kids
Alabama is a great place to raise kids. Along with the most desirable areas to live, other family-friendly communities include Demopolis, Butler, and Thomasville. There’s the Birmingham Zoo to visit, multiple water and amusement parks, museums, farms, and family-friendly festivals and events all year long. Oh, and don’t forget that Huntsville has real-life Space Camp.
15. Alabama Is Either Roll Tide Or War Eagle Country
This is college football country. Come game day, the only thing that might be considered more important is church and maybe going into labor… maybe. Alabama’s allegiance is highly set towards the Crimson Tide although you’ll find plenty of Auburn fans who disagree, too. The houndstooth will usually set them apart.
16. Southern Alabama Is The Coastal Plains
Although Alabamians stick together, there is a distinct difference between Southern Alabama and Northern Alabama. Southern Alabama is known as the Coastal Plains region and the topography and lifestyle are much more similar to that of Southern
Georgia than Northern Alabama. You can hear it in those typically deep south accents where you’ll hear speech patterns and phrases like “down yonder” much more than you will up north.
17. Typically Southern Weather
Alabama’s summers hover around the low 90s with a seemingly 300 percent blanket of humidity. Winters are lovely and mild
with January highs in the low to mid-50s. Don’t assume this means the state never sees any snow, though. The temperatures can dip below freezing at times and Birmingham can average just over an inch of snow annually.
18. Have An Emergency Plan In Place
Alabama sees its fair share of crazy weather. The state has one of the highest rates of hurricane, tornado, and thunderstorm frequencies in the entire country, which can comes as a bit of a shock to outsiders. Having emergency plans and safety provisions in place will set your mind at ease.
19. Fishing Is Huge In Alabama
You don’t have to love fishing to live in Alabama, but if you do love fishing, you’ll definitely love Alabama. The many lakes and rivers allow for some awesome spots for boating and setting out your lines. Everyone here has someone in their family who is out on the water every weekend promising to bring home dinner.
20. The Faster The Car, The Better In Alabama
NASCAR is another massive pastime in Alabama, which is pretty typical of the region in general, so that should come as no surprise. But enthusiasts can further their love for fast cars and vehicles at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
21. Alabama Is Home Sweet Home
“Sweet Home Alabama” isn’t the official state song but it’s definitely a state of mind. The stereotypes grow tired at times—Alabamians are educated, not everyone has an accent, and yes, they wear shoes. But the state is also ripe with traditions that they’ll never grow tired of, like a good bowl of grits or the perfect glass of sweet tea in an ice cold mason jar. And if you hand someone a packet of sugar to sweeten their tea? Bless your heart. Don’t worry, you’ll learn soon enough.
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