Huntsville is a historic city located in North Alabama, just south of the Tennessee border.
Huntsville is a moderately sized city with plenty of amenities for residents.
There are many positive aspects related to living in Huntsville, but there are also a few downsides to be aware of before moving to the city.
Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of living in Huntsville to help you decide if it is the right place to suit your lifestyle.
Contents
Pros of Living in Huntsville, Alabama
There are many advantages to living in Huntsville, Alabama.
Consider these top benefits that highlight why this may be an ideal place to settle.
1. Plenty of Jobs
Fortunately, in Huntsville, Alabama, there are plenty of jobs for most industries.
Whether it is technology or labor, there are usually plenty of opportunities for individuals wanting to change careers or looking for new job opportunities by moving to Huntsville.
Because of the healthy job market, there are fewer homeless and unemployed individuals in this area and a better quality of life.
2. Low Housing Cost
Another great reason to move to Huntsville is that the cost of housing is relatively low compared to the rest of the country.
Individuals wanting to save money without sacrificing accommodations or amenities will be pleased with the variety of options and the reasonable prices for rent or mortgage payments.
3. Tasty Southern Food
Anyone who loves southern food will be pretty impressed with the range of options available in Huntsville.
Not only is there great Southern food available, but there are also plenty of other restaurant options from cultures all over the world.
It is just one of the many reasons why living in a diverse area is a huge benefit.
4. Clean Area
Most areas of Huntsville, Alabama, are very clean and well-kept.
Not only do the city and local government have programs to ensure it stays clean and looks great, but the residents of the area also take pride in keeping their city clean and presentable.
Unlike some regions across Alabama, there is a noticeable lack of interstate trash and other unsightly debris throughout the city.
5. Quiet Neighborhoods
There are mostly quiet neighborhoods in Huntsville.
This makes it an excellent place for individuals to retire or move to raise a family.
In the residential areas especially, kids can play freely throughout neighborhoods and enjoy all this city has to offer.
It is a significant change of pace for anyone moving from a large city who wants to reduce noise pollution and have a quieter, more peaceful environment.
6. Light Traffic
One of the better features of commuting in Huntsville is that traffic tends to be light at most times during the day.
Of course, there is some congestion during the morning and evening rush hours.
However, it is not like heavily populated cities such as Houston or New York City, where there are delays and standstill traffic for hours at a time.
The average commute takes, on average, about 15 minutes to up to an hour to get to almost anywhere in the city.
7. Friendly People
Huntsville is definitely known for its Southern Charm and Hospitality.
People who live in this area are very welcoming to new residents and are eager to make new acquaintances.
It is just one of the benefits of living in the south in a place where people like to interact and be amicable.
This hospitality may be somewhat of an adjustment for individuals from large cities where people do not speak or greet one another while walking down the street, but it is a nice adjustment for most.
8. Close to Larger Cities
Huntsville isn’t considered a major city; it is more of a larger suburban area.
However, Huntsville is located near several larger cities such as Chattanooga and Birmingham.
That means easy access to all the perks and benefits that come along with those larger urban areas.
In fact, Chattanooga is just over an hour away from Birmingham and is similar in proximity.
Cons of Living in Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville is generally a great place to live for many.
However, it is essential to understand the cons of living in this area before deciding to move there.
1. Severe Weather
Huntsville’s location makes it one of the cities with a high threat of severe weather year-round.
Not only does Huntsville get ice and snow throughout the winter months, but it is also subject to flooding rains and remnants of tropical activity that hit the coastline.
Anyone who lives in Huntsville will want to ensure that their insurance is up-to-date and covers the people and property that are important to them.
It is also a good idea to have a weather radio and keep up to date on all the latest weather developments in the area.
2. Low Homeownership Rate
Although the cost of living in terms of rent and mortgage payments is low in Huntsville, the overall homeownership rate is relatively low.
Most individuals rent or lease their property rather than making payments on a mortgage.
3. Airport Traffic
A few smaller airports are located in Huntsville, which makes for additional traffic on the roads and in the air.
Unfortunately, if you live near the airport approach route, you will frequently hear the incoming and outgoing airplanes.
It will also be somewhat of an issue if you happen to relocate to an area near one of these airports.
4. High Sales Tax
Huntsville, Alabama, has one of the highest sales tax rates anywhere in the country.
Currently, the sales tax rate is 9.25% at a minimum.
That means extra thought to budgeting and spending should be done for individuals moving to Huntsville, Alabama.
The sales tax rates could significantly impact a budget and may take individuals by surprise when they are used to paying much lower sales tax in other areas of the country.
5. High Crime Rate in Areas
Huntsville has a surprisingly high crime rate in certain areas.
Before moving to Huntsville, research on which areas are more prone to frequent criminal activity, including violent crimes.
It is essential to understand the community you select and try to avoid the areas with elevated illegal activity risks to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your property.
6. Few Higher Education Options
Unfortunately, there are fewer higher education opportunities directly in the Huntsville area compared to other cities of the same size throughout the country.
However, Huntsville’s proximity to other larger cities will offer a quick commute for individuals interested in attending any of the universities or higher education institutes in those areas.
7. Low Salary Averages
Unfortunately, individuals living in the Huntsville area will collect a lower salary than those doing the same jobs in other parts of the country.
Huntsville is notoriously known for having lower wages than the national average, which is something to consider when moving to this area or looking for a new job.
8. Some Infrastructure Issues
The population of Huntsville has grown over the years, and some of its infrastructures have not been updated.
In some areas, there are issues with the current infrastructure and a demand for updates in the next few years.
This may impact some areas’ quality of life, transportation, and other necessities.
Some internet research and some investigation performed by visiting the area before making a decision will help him cover any issues that may affect new residents considering the move to Huntsville.
Pros and Cons of Living in Huntsville, AL – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Huntsville, Alabama | Cons of Living in Huntsville, Alabama |
|---|---|
| 1. Plenty of Jobs | 1. Severe Weather |
| 2. Low Housing Cost | 2. Low Homeownership Rate |
| 3. Tasty Southern Food | 3. Airport Traffic |
| 4. Clean Area | 4. High Sales Tax |
| 5. Quiet Neighborhoods | 5. High Crime Rate in Areas |
| 6. Light Traffic | 6. Few Higher Education Options |
| 7. Friendly People | 7. Low Salary Averages |
| 8. Close to Larger Cities | 8. Some Infrastructure Issues |
Huntsville Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Huntsville Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual rainfall in Huntsville, Alabama?
Huntsville, Alabama, is a relatively wet location in terms of annual precipitation.
On average, Huntsville receives about 55 inches of precipitation, with two inches being in the form of snow during the winter months.
Anyone considering a move to Huntsville should take into consideration the frequent rain and issues related to flooding and inclement weather.
Is Huntsville prone to natural disasters throughout the year?
Huntsville is very prone to various natural disasters due to its proximity to mountains, rivers, and the coastline.
Although Huntsville is not located directly on the coastline, it gets frequent leftover tropical activity from hurricanes and other tropical systems moving on the shore and drifting through the region.
Additionally, this area receives heavy rain due to severe thunderstorms and winter storms throughout the year.
What is the average monthly cost in Huntsville, Alabama?
The average cost of living in Huntsville, Alabama, for a single individual without rent is $937.
The figure for a family of four is just over $3,300.
This figure is well below the national average, which makes Huntsville a great place for individuals wanting to stick to a budget or stretch their dollars further.
Over time, the sales tax can add up to significant sums, but it is reserved for city projects and other government interests in the area.
What is the population of Huntsville, Alabama?
The current population of Huntsville is just over 216,963.
That figure continues to rise from approximately 2 to 3% per year.
The highest concentration of individuals living in this area is in the suburbs surrounding the current center of the city.
However, individuals looking for less populated areas could look for housing on the outskirts of the suburbs, where prices are more affordable, and the population is less dense.
What is the crime rate in Huntsville, Alabama?
The current crime rate in Huntsville is 53.70 per 1,000 residents.
The area’s property crime rate is 1 and 29, and the rate of violent crimes is one in 130.
Caution should be exercised in certain areas where crime rates are higher and where criminal activity is more frequent.
Learn more about prospective areas you plan to scout before moving to the area to protect yourself and your property.
Jeez. One can receive a wonderful Higher Ed in Huntsville.. med school, doc degrees in all sorts of engineering, mathematics, aeronautics, meteorology psychology… the list goes on…
Agreed. UAH, A&M, & Calhoun are just a few of the many options around here. That was big miss on this author’s part.