Moving to the “Rocket City” Huntsville, Alabama
Moving to Huntsville can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
Moving to Huntsville, Alabama, also known as the “Rocket City,” can be an exciting and rewarding experience, given the city’s unique characteristics and opportunities. Here are some specific aspects to consider and look forward to when making the move:
- Aerospace and Innovation: Huntsville’s nickname, the “Rocket City,” reflects its rich history and ongoing contributions to aerospace and technology. The city played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program, and this legacy is still evident today with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Huntsville offers a supportive and inspiring environment if you’re interested in aerospace, engineering, or innovation.
- Job Opportunities: Huntsville is a hub for the aerospace, defense, and technology industries. This concentration of high-tech companies and research institutions translates to a wide range of job opportunities, particularly in fields such as engineering, science, research, and development.
- Educational Institutions: Huntsville is home to the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), which offers diverse academic programs and research opportunities. The university’s presence contributes to a dynamic learning environment and provides resources for those pursuing higher education.
- Quality of Life: Huntsville offers a balanced quality of life, with a mix of urban amenities and a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. You can enjoy cultural events, recreational activities, parks, and a variety of dining options. The cost of living is relatively affordable compared to many other cities.
- Diverse Community: Huntsville’s diverse population creates a multicultural and inclusive community. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with people from various backgrounds and learn from different perspectives.
- Cultural and Recreational Activities: Huntsville hosts numerous cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions throughout the year. The city has museums, theaters, and galleries, offering a range of artistic and entertainment experiences. Additionally, the surrounding natural beauty provides opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and water sports.
- Proximity to Nature: Huntsville is located in a picturesque region of northern Alabama, surrounded by scenic landscapes. You can explore nearby state parks, hiking trails, and lakes, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.
In 1811 Huntsville became the first incorporated town in what is now considered Alabama. The town’s initial growth was based on cotton production, trade associated with the railroad industries and expanded with the addition of textile mills. Major growth occurred during and after World War II with defense weapons and later with the space industry. Since then, the economy has expanded with new companies in the medical, engineering, and biotech sectors.
Cost of Living
One great benefit that you will enjoy by moving to Huntsville is that the city was named the second-best place to live in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 rankings.
Though the cost of living in Huntsville is higher than the state average, residents tend to pay less than those who live in other major metro areas around the country. When it comes to housing costs, Huntsville is very affordable as the cost is more than $60,000 less than the national average. Compared to the rest of the nation, you will pay about the same for groceries and utilities, and slightly less for transportation.
Recreation & Entertainment Art, Birthdays, & Annual Gala
The Huntsville Museum of Art (HMA) boasts a permanent collection of more than 3,200 objects focusing on 19th and 20th century American art from the Southeast. European, African, and Asian art is the HMA’s secondary collection. This collection is comprised of 400 works on paper by 20th century artists such James McNeil Whistler, Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol. In 2008 HMA acquired the prestigious Sellars Collection of Art by American Women, a landmark compilation of paintings, sculptures and drawings that heralds achievements of more than 250 women artists active between 1850 and 1940.
The Museum hosts other activities including: art classes for all age groups, Skating in the Park, children’s group birthday parties, and the Huntsville Museum of Art’s Annual Gala. One of Huntsville’s premiere events, the gala consists of three separate events which each offering unique cultural activities to attract a variety of patrons, both young and old. Leading up to the gala the silent art auction, trips, parties, and treasures on display in the galleries for purchase. This is one of the city’s biggest and best events you won’t want to miss!
Huntsville Botanical Garden — A rewarding experience
Natural Beauty on Display
The Huntsville Botanical Garden (HBG) is located on 118 acres and showcases the incredible variety and stunning beauty of nature. This pristine setting includes stunning floral collections, grassy meadows, woodland paths and aquatic habitats for children and adults to explore.
Speaking of children, one of their top favorites is The Purdy Butterfly House where these multi-colored winged-wonders flutter and dance in mid-air to the delight and amazement of children of all ages. The HBG is open year-round for a relaxing walk along the tree-lined trails to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tranquility of the outdoors.
Another fun event you will love after moving to Huntsville is HBG’s Golden Hour. This event is held every Wednesday, rain or shine from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST. This is a wonderful way to watch as the sun seemingly melts into the sky and spreads its’ golden rays throughout the park. You can stroll the grounds with food, drink, and live music or you can bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair and chill and with friends or family.
Experience the Dining & Nightlife
Turf & Surf
Once you move to Huntsville your taste buds will thank you with the variety and quality choices that are available to you. Connors Steak & Seafood has some of the finest prime steaks you will find anywhere. In 2023 the restaurant was named an Open Table “A Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America.” Other crowd pleasers among regular patrons are the Voodoo Shrimp and the Lobster Bisque. It’s a safe bet that Connors will quickly become one of your favorites in Huntsville.
Tex Mex Delight
Rosie’s Mexican Cantina offers great food in a fun and festive atmosphere. This restaurant features classic homemade Mexican and Southwest favorites including tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, southwestern salads, and vegetarian options. In addition to these traditional favorites, some house specialties include Mexican lasagna, raspberry chipotle salmon and Famoso shrimp burrito. Your dinner won’t be complete without trying a least one of their fruit-flavored Maragritas. The restaurant is full of antiques from Old Mexico and unique works of art that create a truly authentic dining experience.
From Thailand with Love
One great restaurant that you will have to try once you move to Huntsville is Phuket Thai Restaurant and Sushi. Chef Tukky Phornroekngam developed her cooking skill from her family while growing up in Thailand. Traditional Thai food features quality herbs and spices and using contrasting flavors like sweet and savory. Chef will tell you that the real secret ingredient however, is cooking food with love and sharing it with family and friends. Just a few of the menu favorites include Teriyaki Salmon and sushi, Pad Thai and drunken noodles, several curry options including shrimp green curry and the restaurant’s ever-popular spring rolls. Enjoy these and other exotic dishes from Thailand and you don’t even need a passport to do it!
Sports
Baseball: America’s Pastime
When it comes to watching live sporting events, moving to Huntsville puts you within reasonable driving distance to attend several different venues. Huntsville’s minor league baseball team is the Rocket City Trash Pandas, a Double-A affiliate of the American League’s Los Angeles Angels. The team plays in the 7,000 seat Toyota Field land, conveniently located 15-20 minutes west of Huntsville. The team is entering their third year, winning their division last year, and making it to the semifinals before its season ended. Whether you munch on popcorn, peanuts or a burger, baseball is great way to enjoy the warmer months with family and friends.
College Football
If you would like to watch some great college football, you won’t have to travel too far. Both Alabama and Auburn are well within driving distance and your biggest concern is if you can get tickets. It seems the Crimson Tide is always in the hunt for the national championship and the Tigers can never be counted out of a game. This is a great rivalry within the state once you move to Huntsville.
Ice Hockey — Action on the Ice
The Huntsville Havoc represents the city in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and play their games at the 9,000 seat Von Braun Center. The team is entering their 20th season and has won three championships (The President’s Cup) and two of those were back-to-back in 2017-2018, and 2018-2019. Hockey attracts many football fans because the two sports share common elements, physical contact and the speed of the game. The Havoc made the playoffs again last year but lost in the semifinals. You should give it a shot, especially if you’ve never watched a game in person. The action from one end of the rink to the other and usually only slows down because of a penalty.
Our local and long-distance movers know how to get you to this location and countless others. Of course, this one is a favorite because it is our home-base, and we are partial to Huntsville. For more information about this great southern town and its vibe for growth and a home-like feel contact the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County.
Are you in the market for a mover in Alabama? Lambert Moving Systems is one of the top companies for moving in Alabama. We’ve been around for 90 years. Find your location below to get in touch now!
Photo by Ke4roh on Commons.wikimedia.org
