If you’re considering a move to Alabama, you’re joining a train of many other Americans looking to do the same. Besides having lots of great attraction sites to offer, life in Alabama is affordable and lovely – that’s why it’s one of the top states many Americans consider for relocation.
Located in the southern region of the United States, Alabama borders Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, and Florida to the south. The state has a beautiful landscape and is home to some stunning mountains and beautiful beaches.
Whether as an individual or a family, moving to Alabama is a great decision. If you’re looking to change your environment or for a lovely place to retire, you can’t go wrong with Alabama. The Heart of Dixie has everything you need and something for everyone.
But before moving, you’d want to research the best places to live in Alabama and the housing cost, which is excellent. However, there are many other vital things to do before packing your bags for Alabama. But before going into that, how do you become a resident of Alabama?
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How to Become a Resident in Alabama
Becoming a resident in Alabama qualifies you to apply for a driver’s license, register your vehicle(s), and enjoy local perks and discounts such as access to some parks and in-state tuition at colleges and universities exclusive to residents only.
The following are ways you can establish residency in Alabama:
- Enroll your children in the state’s primary or secondary schools
- Establish a business within the state
- Rent or buy a house in Alabama
- Register to vote in Alabama
- Secure a Job
Essentially, actions and activities that demonstrate your intention to stay in Alabama will establish your claim to permanent residency. If you’ve locked your relocation target on Alabama, consider the following factors:
● The Job Market
Say you’re looking to move to a new city because of a particular job industry you’re interested in or specialize in, consider job security and the market’s potential for long-term job sustainability.
Before relocating, research the best places to work in Alabama if you’re open to new prospects. In a case where you specialize in a particular industry – like construction – tailor your research towards that angle. Get necessary information about how the construction market works, and if you can, secure a job before you move.
No matter your current career level, think about long-term options within your choice of industry and what the city offers in that regard. Keep in mind that most people no longer stick with one job throughout their career, so you’ll want to consider your prospects – job-wise – in the new state.
● Housing
When moving to a new area, housing is one of the significant factors to consider. Fortunately, housing in Alabama is affordable. To find out the best places to live in Alabama, make a detailed list of features of the ideal area you’d want to reside.
For instance, if you’re moving to Alabama with your family, you’ll probably want to reside in a county with an excellent school district, peaceful neighborhoods, and great amenities for apparent reasons.
Interestingly, many of the homes in Alabama are relatively new, as most properties came to be within the years 2000 and 2010. Perhaps you’re relocating to Alabama with your family and looking for the best places to live in Alabama with a family; consider places like Montgomery and Birmingham.
● Cost of Living
Besides researching the best places to live in Alabama, such as Orange Beach, another essential factor to note before moving is the state’s cost of living. The Bureau of Economic Analysis mentions that the average annual living cost of a typical single resident in Alabama is $35,859.
On average, living in Alabama is less expensive than many other states across the United States, as goods and services cost about 13.6 percent less than they do nationwide.
Keep in mind that housing is one of the significant components of one’s cost of living. The national median home value sits at $204,900, and meanwhile, a typical home in Alabama costs $137,200, about $68,000 less than the national median value.
● Entertainment and Social Life
Take note of how you love to spend your free periods. What fun things do you love to do as an individual or a family? Do you seek access to trails and parks, or do you love to explore? These questions are essential as socialization is part of human life. Also, consider proximity to fun and exciting activities when researching Alabama best places to live.
Meanwhile, dining, nightlife, and the beach experience in Alabama are top-notch. The state features a delightful array of restaurants and bars serving varieties of delectable drinks and dishes.
● Climate
Alabama has a humid subtropical climate with an average temperature of 64°F. Alabama is neither too sunny nor cold, but keep in mind that the southern part of the state is usually warmer due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. At the same time, North Alabama – the Appalachian Mountains area – tends to experience cooler weather.
So, when looking for the best places to live in Alabama, you’d want to factor in your climate preferences. Do you love warm sunny weather or prefer a cool temperature? Your answer will determine which part of the state you’ll want to stay in.
● Education
If you have school-aged children or are a couple looking to start a family, there’s a high possibility that school districts or access to academic choices will be critical factors to review. List the academic criteria and needs you’d like for your children and look for qualified schools in areas you wish to reside.
Pros of Living in Alabama
- Affordable housing
- Low property taxes
- Mild winters
- Average social and nightlife
- Best homemade delicacies
- Perfect location for football fan
Cons of Living in Alabama
- Unpredictable weather
- Thunderstorms and hurricanes
Summary
There you have it – a well-thought and carefully crafted guide on some of the significant contemplation points for a permanent relocation. Moving – especially with a family – comes with much stress; however, you can make your move worth it by considering the points discussed in this article.
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