Get to Know Huntsville, AL – Your Moving Guide

If you’re moving to Huntsville, Alabama, you’re not alone. Known for its Southern charm and rich history, Huntsville has become a top destination for those seeking a high quality of life in a welcoming community. This “Best Place to Live in the US” winner is more than thriving–it outshines cities nationwide thanks to its superior cost of living for the broad selection of amenities and employment opportunities. And it’s all in the heart of the Tennessee Valley in northeast Alabama.

Whether you are moving here for work, family, or just a change of pace, Huntsville’s unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor recreation makes it an exemplary place to call home. It’s diverse enough for everyone to find something appealing about Huntsville.

Explore what makes Huntsville such a special place to live, and gain some tips and insights for making the most of your move to this dynamic city.

An affordable midsize city

Huntsville may be more expensive than other parts of Alabama, but guess what? It’s still much more affordable than most other major cities in the US. Sperling’s Best Places Index says your essential costs will run 9% below the national average. The only category above typical national expenditures was healthcare, but housing was about 23% less here.

So what’s it going to take to live comfortably in Huntsville? A family of four, with one adult working and two children, would need to bring home $64,847 after taxes to meet their basic expenses.

A top city for defense and aerospace

Huntsville’s reputation as a center of science, technology, and aerospace is thanks to the presence of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the US Redstone Arsenal. As such, it is an essential hub for aerospace, engineering, and defense jobs.

That doesn’t mean the private sector is lacking. Over 40 Fortune 500 companies have a presence in Huntsville, partially thanks to Cummings Research Park. This facility is the nation’s second-largest research park and the fourth-largest in the world.

Education is equally an integral part of Huntsville’s economy. Combined Huntsville City Schools, Madison County Schools, Alabama A&M University, and the University of Alabama are among the largest employers. Moreover, healthcare employment is available at top-tier facilities like Huntsville Hospital and Crestwood Medical Center.

A car is best for getting around town

Getting around the core of Huntsville is pretty easy, thanks to its grid-like street layout. I-565 and Memorial Parkway bisect the city and are its major arteries. Most residents do use their cars to get around town.

If you prefer public transportation, the Huntsville Shuttle runs routes through core neighborhoods and the downtown. One route runs to the Huntsville International Airport.

The city has an expanding network of biking and walking paths that link neighborhoods with parks, restaurants, shopping centers, workplaces, and more. The plans call for 160 miles of bikeway facilities.

People are moving to Huntsville

Huntsville’s population has increased significantly over the past ten years, with around 35,000 residents added to the metro. The population stands at over 216,000 as of 2023. From 2020 to 2021, another 1.3% of people joined the city.

The city is expected to keep growing. The whole metro is projected to exceed 500,000 residents by 2030.

Real estate is in demand

The Huntsville real estate market has been consistently strong in recent years due in part to its affordability and quality of life. In early 2023, demand in the market remained strong even as inventory was on the rise. Early signs indicated it was trending towards balance.

The Madison County average home price was $374,000 in February 2022. That’s a $20,000 price increase from 2022, even though the number of closed sales dropped by over 120 homes.

March 2023 had over 1,100 listings at a median list price of $329,900. Options included the full range of housing, from downtown condos to single-family homes in master-planned communities to historic houses in amenity-rich neighborhoods.

Among the state’s top educational programs

Huntsville is a prime destination for students from across the globe, boasting an impressive total enrollment of 30,000 at six public universities and community colleges. The largest is the University of Alabama at Huntsville, a top-ranked research college in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Computer Information, and Economics. Alabama A&M University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), ranked among the top 30 in the nation. Oakwood School was founded as a Seventh-Day Adventist Church college, and there are two more two-year schools.

The Huntsville City School System is considered one of the best in Alabama, with a 92% high school graduation rate and a student-teacher ratio falling below average. The 36 schools serve 24,000 students across 26 pre-K elementary, 11 middle schools, six high schools, and seven magnet programs. All the high schools have Advanced Placement courses, and six are accredited International Baccalaureate schools.

Mild year-round weather

The weather in Huntsville is mild throughout the year, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing in the winter or climbing above 90°F. The city experiences an average of four inches of snowfall annually and heavy rainfall at times, particularly during the changing seasons.

Summers can be humid and uncomfortable if you’re not used to the heat. Severe weather is a real risk, and strong tornadoes or high wind events are possible.

Get outside at many parks

Huntsville is a beautiful area for those who love outdoor recreation, with plenty of options available year-round thanks to its temperature climate and location at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The greater metro alone has over 5,000 acres of nature preserves and 60 parks, providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Monte Sano overlooks the city and has 22 miles of beautiful hiking and biking trails, a disc golf course, and a Japanese garden. Residents also love Hays Nature Preserve’s golf course, lake views, and meadows. You can launch a kayak on the Flint River or fish in the waters.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to spend a day exploring various plants and ecosystems. The Children’s Garden is a delight for the young, and the Galaxy of Lights is a bucket-list event.

Make day trips from Huntsville that take you underground spelunking or overground rock climbing. For those who enjoy fishing, the Tennessee River is an excellent spot for catching bass, crappie, catfish, and more.

Stay entertained with top attractions

Huntsville keeps residents busy with its many attractions and activities. Some of the most popular include the US Space & Rocket Center, home to the world’s most extensive collection of rockets and space-related artifacts.

The city also has a thriving music scene with venues like the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Davidson Center for Space Exploration, and Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. The Big Spring Jam Music Festival takes place each fall in downtown Huntsville. It’s a two-day event filled with music of all genres, food vendors, and dozens of activities to explore.

The Huntsville Museum of Art is an interesting place to explore in Huntsville, offering various activities for visitors. In the Stender Interactive Gallery, art lovers can get hands-on and fully submerge themselves in their creativity – from adults all the way down to children! Guests are invited to take a “Walk Through Time” through important moments in art history and create masterpieces with fun materials at their fingertips in the museum’s ArtLAB.

The dining scene is expanding

Huntsville has an incredible variety of restaurants from all around the world, and it’s only getting better. Whether you crave Italian, Mexican, Chinese, or fine-dining steakhouse cuisine, everyone will find delicious dishes served by local chefs.

Downtown and North Huntsville are bursting with choices and probably the most well-known areas for their restaurants, but by no means are the only areas you’ll find top-notch places to eat. As an example, local favorite 1892 East is in historic Five Points. Some other top choices were Po Boy Kitchen, Commerce Kitchen, and Cotton Row.

To whet your appetite, try one of the eleven and counting breweries, distilleries, or cideries popping up around town.

Retail therapy and more

In need of a special occasion outfit? Or, interested in browsing for antiques? Huntsville meets your needs for everyday essentials and unique souvenirs.

The Bridge Street Town Centre is a popular shopping destination with over 100 specialty stores, restaurants, and entertainment, like a movie theater with private adult-only seatings.

Or, stroll through downtown Huntsville or Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment to browse the locally-owned boutique and specialty shops.

As for antiquing, your options are as diverse as the area’s history. Railroad Station Antique Mall is in downtown Huntsville while Firehouse Antique is in the south part of town.

Local farmer’s markets are the best way to get fresh produce and homemade goods from local vendors. The Huntsville Downtown and Lowe Mill markets run in the spring and summer months. The city has multiple farmer’s markets and co-ops, so see which is near you.

Moving Resources

If you’re planning to move to Huntsville, the city has gathered resources in one place to help make your move easier. The Huntsville Madison County Visitors & Convention Bureau provides information on everything from schools to local events and attractions.

To get your water and utilities running, contact Huntsville Utilities. You need a $300 deposit to start the service. Recycling is available upon request through the Recycling Alliance of North Alabama.

Anyone moving from out-of-state needs to apply for a driver’s license at the Driver’s License Test Center at 1115 Church Street between the hours of 8am to 4:00pm. It must be done in person as the state requires all drivers to pass an eye test.

Your options for internet and cable include Google Fiber, Comcast, AT&T, and WOW. You’ll need to check which providers service your part of Huntsville.

Living in Huntsville, AL

This midsize city is getting much attention, not just from you. It provides a well-rounded lifestyle without losing its friendly, small-town charm. Residents get the advantages of a rich culture, a top-notch educational system, a diversified and stable job market, and much more. Whether you move to Alabama for work, school, or simply to experience the city’s charm for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.