So you're considering transferring to Alabama, however you're unsure you've completely mulled-over all the super-important details prior to reaching your decision. Well, potentially southern-bound good friend, you've pertained to the ideal place - we've put together a convenient, tasty guide that will lay out some of the most essential points for someone in your position to evaluate.
We don't blame you for desiring 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 have to provide, besides huge advances in the space program and extremely smart individuals? Plenty - from lovely landscapes that'll have you clicking your shutter so fast your electronic camera starts steaming, to succulent soul food, to seriously action-packed sporting occasions. Keep reading to discover why you might simply make Alabama your next relocation.
Job Market
According to U.S. Census information, about 4.875 million people currently live in the Cotton State. Get this - 55% of the individuals overall in the U.S. who moved in the year 2017 moved to Alabama, according to the 2017 National Movers Study.
Well, for beginners, the state has numerous fast-growing task fields, consisting of computer science, physical therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, airplane assembly and Emergency Medical Technician, among others, according to zippia.com. The highest-paid professions consist of pediatrician, nurse anesthetist, administrative law dental practitioner, orthodontist and judge, mentions bizjournals.com.
The existing joblessness rate is simply 3.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Data, so odds are respectable for finding work upon your relocation. This number has actually likewise been on a great, steady decline because 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. 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 want a place to live after you move (we're just guessing), so what's the probability of finding a new place you'll enjoy (and have the ability to pay for) in the Yellowhammer State?
Well, zillow.com specifies that the mean 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 apartments averaging $824/month in Birmingham.
Homes in Alabama are mostly fairly new, too - zillow.com reveals that most homes presently readily available were built in the years 2000-2010. So not just are chances helpful for you to discover a cost effective place to live, but you'll also be taking a look at newish homes, 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, around Birmingham; a little in the southwest corner, near Mobile; and a small bit in the northern end of the state, in and around Huntsville.
If cheaper real estate, specifically around the state's hot-spots, attract 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 friends, 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 combined bag. The consensus is that Alabamians love to chatter, are passive-aggressive, and may just deceive you with their questionable insults. The phrase "bless your heart" is not implied warmly, but rather sardonically - and if you hear it, chances are good that once you have actually left, you'll be discussed.
Don't let that deter you. Residents stress that the main ambiance of their state is one of true southern hospitality - they utilize "sir" and "ma'am" out of respect, and will offer you a warm welcome and great deals of food. They may describe you as a Yankee if you're from the North, but this they actually do out of (buffooning) love.
You'll find yourself changing your vocabulary and pronunciations after a move to Alabama. Do not be the loser who sticks out like a sore thumb just due to the fact that you're partial to your consonants.
Yellowhammer State Trivia
Montgomery, Alabama was the where a well-known occasion occurred on December 1, 1955 - the day when Rosa Parks fearlessly refused to quit 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, attracting lots of residents and tourists 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 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 as much as 11. Even Alabamians who privately hate the tune will begin to boogie when they hear that well-known opening riff. 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 rich, 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 ways and have you grabbing seconds. Bring additional napkins.
Must-See Alabama Fun + Activities
We understand you're already halfway out the door, travel luggage in hand, all set 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 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 Park and Rocket Park and showcases distinct artifacts from the nation's area exploration. It's considered to be the world's biggest area museum, and describes the history of the U.S. area program. It's also home to the yearly, highly expected Area Camp program including the Aviation Difficulty, in which trainees undergo 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 deal. His 100th birthday was a substantial celebration that drew a crowd of more than 100,000 people.
Cathedral Caverns State Park: Found in Woodville, this park uses cave trips, camping sites, backpacking and hiking. It has the largest entryway of any business 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 lies in Lincoln and includes a hugely anticipated annual NASCAR race, the Alabama 500. The race opts for 188 laps, covering simply over 500 miles. Now that's a great deal of high-speed left turns.
Alligator Alley: Located in Summerdale, this overload sanctuary has an elevated boardwalk including a too-close-for-comfort view of numerous alligators and various kinds of wildlife. If you're into staring one of humanity's most significant natural predators almost right in the face, this is the location for you.
Pros and Cons of Living in the Heart of Dixie
Prior to you ideal your BARBEQUE dish and run to see the alligators and the world's highest Vulcan, we thought it might be worth considering a short-and-sweet list of a few benefits and drawbacks of relocating to Alabama.
Low expense of living: It's clear that property in the Cotton State is pretty inexpensive, and taxes are quite low. We presume that's simply among the huge factors why 55% of relocators nationwide in 2017 chose this as their new home.
Nature + all 4 seasons: The terrain of Alabama is widely-varied, consisting of beaches, mountains and forests. Because of this, there are plenty of activities for all different breeds of outdoorsy types. Residents likewise like to explain that they experience all four seasons and see weather from all over the spectrum - from snow and ice storms to hot, humid summertimes and springtime torrential downpours.
Music: Since of its place, the Yellowhammer State draws great deals of big music acts each year. The Hangout Fest in Gulf Shores is the state's largest annual music event. Big names in all genres - ranging from jazz to rock 'n' roll to country - emerge here.
Food: As we've already mentioned, 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 consume anything for a while prior to you show up here - you'll be packing your face in no time.
Proximity to major cities: Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans and Memphis are just day-trips away from more info the Heart of Dixie. This prime location provides itself to numerous 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?
While the humidity in the summer season is unquestionably bad, it's the winter that separates die-hard Alabamians from wannabees - the extra moisture triggers cold temperatures to feel absolutely frigid. Residents state 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 issues 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 genuine battle to break down on (no pun intended).
Extreme storms: While experiencing all 4 seasons can be argued as an advantage, it also suggests that there's opportunity for all kinds of rainy weather condition - and this state sees some of the most severe. 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 periods of apparently random downpours, that can stop as quickly as they begin. Locals joke, "If you don't like the weather condition here, wait 5 minutes."
Odd Laws
We 'd be doing you a major disservice if we left without offering you a list of some of the strangest, lamest and downright dumbest laws still around in the state you're thinking about making your next homeland. We've assembled a few that'll have you raising an eyebrow in no time.
Here are just a couple of from onlyinyourstate.com:
Putting salt onto a railroad track is punishable by death. They wish to keep their railways without livestock, and they're truly severe about it.
It's unlawful to impersonate a priest. Genuine. Stop practicing your impression in the mirror, and put your comical efforts towards 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. Guy, so what are we supposed 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 consideration points for irreversible relocation. Naturally, we can't state and lie that we're able to offer you absolutely all the essential details that could affect your decision (we 'd be here for days), however it's our hope that we've provided you an excellent launching pad to fire up your choice rocket from.
Now it's up to you to choose (after possibly doing some further research study) if you can envision yourself in the Yellowhammer State, amongst the not-at-all and excellent challenging rocket scientists, the quick racecar drivers, the soul-filled foodies, and the always-hungry alligators. It's been a real satisfaction assembling this guide for you, and we hope you've had your fill of Alabama goodies.
Best of luck - and don't forget to remember "Sugary food Home Alabama."