From the 60 miles of shorelines and delicious BBQ to the state’s deep-rooted history, Alabama has a lot to offer its residents. Sit back and enjoy the southern charm of small towns like Opelika or cheer on the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa; there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Despite the excellent pros of living in this state, it can also have its drawbacks.
Are you looking for homes for sale in Birmingham or considering renting an apartment in Huntsville? Here are ten pros and cons of living in Alabama to consider before making this state your home.
Pros of living in Alabama
1. Alabama has a plethora of white sandy beaches
If you’re looking to escape to a tropical oasis without a crowd, you’ll need to check out one of Alabama’s white sandy beaches. Alabama borders the Gulf Coast, which creates around 60 miles of beautiful beaches and views. Orange Beach, one of Alabama’s largest communities, is known for its unforgettable experiences. From golfing and hiking to kayaking and boating, there’s an activity for all. For those seeking a real escape, head to Dauphin Island. With just a three-mile-long bridge, you’ll find yourself in a charming small-town filled with historical attractions, fantastic beaches, and warm temperatures.
2. The cost of living is affordable
Although Alabama’s median sale price is up by 7.6% YoY, it’s still only $278,200, which is extremely low compared to popular metros like California, which has a median sale price of $761,700. Alabama is a great state to live in if you’re looking for lower cost of living. If you’re considering cities to move to, check out this list of affordable Birmingham suburbs and this list of affordable places to live in Alabama.
3. Alabama has picturesque landscapes
From mountain ranges and coastlines to farmlands and charming towns, Alabama has beautiful landscapes. Spend your day hiking Lookout Mountain in the north with views of the Little River Canyon & Falls and the fall foliage in the valley. If you’re wanting to experience going back in time, explore the southern charm in towns like Mooresville which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Michael Huxley from Bemused Backpacker, a resource for all things travel, shares, “Alabama is packed with protected nature spots and areas of unique natural beauty. From the hiking trails in Monte Sano State Park to the picturesque waterfront of Ditto’s Landing, there is much to see. My favorite scenic spot is Burritt on the Mountain, where you can see the state stretch out as far as the eye can see.”
4. Football is very popular in Alabama
If you’re a football fan, Alabama welcomes you. Football is the heart of this state, college football, to be exact. You’ll hear football conversations among the locals about popular teams like the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama State Hornets in Montgomery, or the Auburn Tigers in Auburn. And if football isn’t your thing, don’t fret; there are plenty of other things to do in Alabama.
5. The state experiences plenty of sunny days
With 213 days of sun, Alabama boasts excellent weather all year long for all sorts of activities. Throughout many parts of the state, you can expect the summers to average 90 degrees Fahrenheit and above while the winters remain mild. Sunny weather and an incredible coastline make it perfect for many outdoor activities like water sports, hiking, kayaking, or just exploring a new town. So if you’re tired of the cold weather, Alabama is a state to consider.
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Cons of living in Alabama
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1. You might have to deal with cockroaches
One trade-off of having warm weather in the south is the number of pests that follow. Especially in Alabama, you’ll need to watch out for cockroaches. These pests can invade your home, and although these pests don’t cause any structural damage, these pests can be a nuisance and cause sanitation issues. Learning how to get rid of roaches in your home can be a lifesaver if you encounter them.
2. Many places close early or are closed Sundays
Although many large cities like Mobile have steered away from this long-standing tradition, smaller towns still practice traditional hours like closing early throughout the week or closing entirely on Sundays. If you decide to move to the state, you’ll want to know which stores have these hours to plan your shopping accordingly.
3. The state has a variety of alcohol laws
Alabama has some fairly strict alcohol laws. Some counties in Alabama don’t sell alcohol at all, while others only sell it during the week but not on Sundays. In addition, beverages with higher alcohol content, such as spirits, can only be sold through state-run liquor stores. Just be prepared for these restrictions if you are moving to Alabama and like to have a drink or two.
4. Alabama has extreme weather conditions
With the location of the state boarding the Gulf Coast, Alabama is vulnerable to natural disasters all year long. You’ll find that the most common occurrence is flash floods, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and hurricanes. In the spring months, tornadoes frequently occur, so it is best to stay prepared and seek a storm shelter. There are ways to protect yourself and your home from these disasters. Opt for storm windows, and take the essential steps to stormproof your house.
5. The humidity levels in Alabama can be high
During the autumn and spring months, you’ll see a rise in humidity levels. If you’re not used to moisture in the air, it may take time to get used to. Humidity can make the hot weather seem even more severe, so taking time to cool off is essential. With the humidity rising in the autumn and spring, you’ll notice that summers and winters are pretty dry. Although getting a break from the wet air might seem significant, it can be more challenging for your body to adjust.
Pros and cons of living in Alabama: The Bottom Line
Alabama has many great qualities to offer residents living there. There’s plenty of southern charm, beautiful landscapes, and fan-based communities. If you’re considering relocating to this state, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of living in Alabama and what that might mean for you.
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