Huntsville, AL, known as "The Rocket City," is renowned for its deep ties to space exploration and technology. Located in the northern part of Alabama, Huntsville is approximately 100 miles north of Birmingham and 110 miles south of Nashville, TN. This medium-sized city is a hub for scientific research and development, attracting professionals and families alike.
Huntsville's climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, allowing for year-round outdoor activities. The city boasts numerous parks and green spaces, including the expansive Monte Sano State Park, which offers hiking, biking, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The Tennessee River, which runs nearby, provides additional recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing.
The cultural scene in Huntsville is vibrant, with attractions like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, which houses one of the largest collections of space artifacts in the world. The city's arts and entertainment venues, including the Von Braun Center and the Huntsville Museum of Art, offer a range of performances and exhibits. Annual events such as the Panoply Arts Festival and the Huntsville Botanical Garden's Galaxy of Lights attract visitors from all over.
Education is a priority in Huntsville, with institutions like the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are highly regarded, contributing to Huntsville's reputation as a great place for families. The presence of research institutions and high-tech companies also supports a strong job market.
Living in Huntsville combines the advantages of a thriving job market with a high quality of life. Residents have access to top-notch healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's robust public transportation system and well-maintained infrastructure make commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its unique blend of scientific innovation, cultural richness, and southern hospitality, Huntsville offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Nothing Found
There are no cons identified for this area, as none of the categories received a poor score.
Huntsville, Alabama is a mid-sized city with a population of 199,845 people. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Huntsville. With an average one way commute time of only 19 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Huntsville, Alabama. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Huntsville and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Alabama and national averages.
Huntsville, AL receives 81/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #2 in Alabama and #1,004 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Huntsville could be a great choice! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Huntsville has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (B), cost of living (A-) and housing (B+).
If you're living in Huntsville, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Huntsville an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Huntsville are: U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville Botanical Garden, and Monaco Pictures.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Huntsville has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Huntsville is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Huntsville come in at $184,500, which is 43.6% higher than the Alabama average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Huntsville, the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 13.8% higher than the Alabama average.
| Statistic | Huntsville | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.1% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.6% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.2% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.7% | 2.9% | 4.6% |
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