When it comes to relocating, the cost of living will likely be a major factor. Huntsville offers reasonable costs for housing, groceries, transportation and other everyday expenses.
This is why the city has a booming economy and a great quality of life. Its residents are devoted outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, engineers, students, and technology entrepreneurs.
1. Affordability
The city of Huntsville has many benefits for those who choose to move there. With a cost of living below the national average and plenty of job opportunities, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to this north Alabama city.
Known as Rocket City, Huntsville is home to a strong defense and technology sector that draws military retirees and college students alike. While it may lack the cultural diversity of bigger cities, the community is working to become more inclusive.
Whether you’re looking for a one-bedroom apartment or a family home, the affordable housing market in Huntsville is ideal. However, unexpected relocation expenses can add up quickly. For instance, you might need to rent a storage unit for items that won’t fit in your new home. Luckily, PODS provides portable storage containers at an affordable rate and includes a month of free storage with every move.
2. Quality of Life
Despite being well known for its aerospace and defense industries, Huntsville moving to huntsville has also become a cosmopolitan city that is welcoming to all kinds of people. The city boasts a strong sense of community, and many residents have reported feeling safe and connected to their neighbors.
The city is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including the Appalachian Mountains. You can enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing in these areas. There are also many parks and green spaces that offer opportunities for sports, picnicking, and other recreational activities.
The city is also a great place for families, as it has one of the best public school systems in the country. There are also numerous private schools that provide educational options for students of all ages. Additionally, the cost of living in Huntsville is lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for families.
3. Job Opportunities
Located at the foot of a mountain in North Alabama, Huntsville has long been a high-tech city. Its historic attractions include antebellum homes and the restored Harrison Brothers hardware store. The city is also renowned for its space history. Known as “The Rocket City,” the town became a hub for defense and aerospace after 1950 when U.S. senator John Sparkman brought a team of German rocket scientists to Redstone Arsenal, now NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, to design the rockets that orbited America’s first satellite and transported astronauts to the moon.
The area’s research, defense and manufacturing industries are still major employers. Other major industries in the region include tourism, banking, education and health care. The Cummings Research Park attracts life science specialists and manufacturers, while the Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment is a renovated textile mill that hosts artists and live performances.
4. Outdoor Recreation
With its unique Tennessee Valley location and mountainous topography, Huntsville offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Relax near shimmering shores at Big Spring International Park or hike trails blanketed with azaleas and leaves in the fall. Explore a natural wonder like Dismals Canyon or tour historic antebellum homes.
Huntsville’s parks offer something for every age and interest. For instance, the City of Huntsville’s Treetop Trekking adventure lets you feel like Tarzan as you climb and swing around a forest canopy. The city also has a variety of youth sports leagues and multipurpose Von Braun Center.
Residents can also play a round of golf or compete in laser tag at one of the city’s many community parks. The area also has a number of neighborhood parks with playgrounds, swimming pools and walking trails.
5. Safety
Once a sleepy farm town, Huntsville gained national recognition during the Space Race of the 1960s and now ranks as one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Alabama. Nicknamed the Rocket City, it’s known for its engineering and defense industries thanks to the presence of NASA and Redstone Arsenal. Many residents are also scientists, engineers, and technical specialists.
Overall crime is low in Huntsville, and the city is relatively safer than most places in the U.S. with respect to both violent and property crimes. The city has a good public transportation system, Orbit, which provides 10 routes throughout the downtown area and suburban communities.
However, it’s important to note that the weather can be hot and humid during the summer, so it’s a good idea to keep this in mind when considering a move to Huntsville.