Photo from Unsplash
Originally Posted On: https://exprealty.com/us/al/
The state of Alabama, known affectionately as the Heart of Dixie, has become a popular destination among home buyers wanting to stretch their dollar. While the Alabama real estate market is heating up, that low cost of living means that prices are lagging behind other, more expensive states. As a result, home buyers can find affordable homes for sale in Alabama in the upper $200k range. That’s a significant bargain compared to the national median home price in the mid $450s.
Alabama Real Estate Market
Alabama’s state capital, Birmingham, was first named the Magic City at the turn of the twentieth century, and a hint of that magic lingers there today. That might explain why it’s so heavily populated – until the 2020 census, Birmingham had remained the most populous city in the state for decades. Even though Birmingham has lost that title to Huntsville, there are plenty of people from out of state drawn to the Birmingham metropolitan area.
Birmingham Real Estate
One of the best places to buy real estate in Alabama is in Birmingham’s suburb known as Homewood. Excellent schools, an abundance of coffee shops and restaurants, and access to all the best Birmingham offers are the cornerstones of this family-oriented community. Homes in Homewood are in the mid to upper $400s range.
Huntsville Real Estate
As previously mentioned, the city of Huntsville recently surpassed Birmingham in terms of population. Huntsville provides new and old residents alike with plentiful career opportunities amidst the stunning backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains. Huntsville is one of the cities with affordable real estate in Alabama. Despite the growing demand due to the population growth, Huntsville still remains affordable, with a median home price in the low $300s. The suburbs of Huntsville are just a little pricier. The highly ranked suburb of Madison in the northwest part of the city has a median home price in the upper $300s.
Counties in Alabama
Alabama real estate in the more rural areas of the state has its own charms. There’s Hartselle in Decatur County, a town with a population just shy of twenty thousand. The town’s thriving Historic Downtown area has kept the economy strong even when times were tough in the rest of the state. Another great small community is Muscle Shoals along the Tennessee River, with a strong musical past: some of America’s most significant artists, like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Carrie Underwood, have all come through its recording studios.
Sometimes, you want just enough of a small-town vibe while still having many of the amenities of a city. If you’re looking for Alabama real estate that has that sweet spot, consider the Auburn-Opelika metropolitan area in Lee County. Auburn University is based in Auburn, and the college town that has blossomed around the institution is one of Alabama’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas. Nearby Opelika, like its neighbor, is full of delicious places to eat, shop, and catch live entertainment.
Alabama Schools
Alabama real estate has access to 1,500 schools, five were recently named National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence as determined by the United States Board of Education. Such schools are honored for high performance and significant work towards closing achievement gaps. The five schools were Brewton Elementary School in Brewton, Hall-Kent Elementary School in Homewood, MacMillan International Academy in Montgomery, Mt. Laurel Elementary School in Shelby County, and Orange Beach Elementary School in Orange Beach. However, these schools are not the only Blue Ribbon schools in Alabama; many others have been named in previous years since the program was first established in the 1980s. While Alabama’s education system has not always been strong, such evidence demonstrates that the schools are getting better every year.
K-12 Schools in Alabama
Due to its size, it makes sense that many of Alabama’s best schools are located in Greater Birmingham. Mountain Brook City, a suburb of Birmingham, is home to some of the highest-performing students in the state, including its four elementary schools and Mountain Brook High School. The high school is ranked third among Alabama high schools and in the top 300 of 18,000 United States high schools. The students of Homewood, Hoover, and Vestavia, another three Birmingham suburbs, are also remarkable for their achievements.
Of course, Birmingham can’t have all the credit. The college town of Auburn also boasts outstanding schools, especially for younger children. Closer to the coast, the city of Saraland in Mobile County has four schools, all of which rank consistently among the top performers due to their high proficiency in reading and math.
The highest-ranked high school in the state is Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School in Montgomery. This school, listed in the top 20 high schools throughout the U.S., is notable for its emphasis on family and community engagement. Most parents are very involved in the school’s culture. Students participate in an International Baccalaureate program and are accepted based on excellent academic history.
Huntsville’s New Century Tech Demo High School is another top contender, listed among the top 200 U.S. schools. Around 92% of students participate in Advanced Placement courses, and 100% of its students graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Real Estate
Where is the best place to live in Alabama?
For families with children
Families looking for Alabama real estate outside of its big cities should consider the small coastal town of Fairhope. Highly-rated schools and low crime rates, not to mention its spectacular Christmas season celebrations, make Fairhope a great place to raise children.
For singles and young professionals
The neighborhood of Central City in Birmingham is where you can be, well, at the center of it all. From bars, restaurants, and parks to the Birmingham Museum of Art, there’s plenty to do, no matter your tastes. Birmingham’s robust economy means that it’s an excellent place to start a career while enjoying the low cost of living and access to some of Alabama’s most beautiful natural landmarks.
For retirees
If you’re ready to relax, the waterfront city of Mobile, situated on the Gulf of Mexico, is a laidback and friendly community. Many people compare the city to New Orleans due to its party atmosphere and historic beauty. Unlike the reputation of New Orleans, Mobile is extremely safe, considered one of the safest among United States cities. It’s also one of the most affordable beach cities in the country, with many homes selling in the low $200k range.
What is the weather like in Alabama?
Alabama’s winters are relatively mild, averaging only about an inch of snow yearly. However, its summers tend to be very hot and humid, with most metropolitan areas ranging from averages of 89°F to 93°F between May and September. Alabama is prone to tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes, with some areas experiencing thunderstorms on over 100 days each year.
Where is the nearest commercial airport in Alabama?
Alabama real estate has access to five airports providing commercial services to the public, two of which are international. The biggest airport in Alabama is Birmingham International Airport (BHM). The other international airport is the Huntsville International Airport (HSV).
What major landmarks/attractions are a must-see for Alabama?
If you’ve ever dreamed of going to space camp, then the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville should be on your Alabama bucket list. Not only is it one of the most comprehensive museums dedicated to space flight in the world, but it’s also one of the only places civilians can get a taste of what it’s like to be an astronaut.
Those who would trade in their spacesuits for a leather jacket might find kindred spirits at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham. The largest collection of motorcycles and Lotus race cars in the world is housed here, with over a thousand on display at any time.
Alabama’s natural beauty is nothing to sneeze at, either. Its beaches are particularly beautiful. Thousands of visitors flock to the beaches of Gulf State Park and the Wharf in Orange Beach every summer. Alabama Point East is a quieter beach experience, with the added bonus of a food truck rotation sure to please any hungry beachgoer.
When do schools in Alabama start this year?
Schools in Alabama remain in session from early August to late May, just before the Memorial Day holiday. Some schools open a little later in late August and remain in session until early June.
Local Tips for Living in Alabama
● “Roll tide” or “War eagle”? Alabamans are passionate about their college football. Chances are, you’ll be asked whether you side with Alabama State’s red and black or Auburn University’s blue and orange.
● Moving to Alabama likely means spending less time on the road, with an average commute time of just over 24 minutes, below the national average.
● Other than the dense urban areas of Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama is a sparsely populated state, with just 99 people per square mile.
● If you love music history, Alabama has a rich musical heritage as the roots of jazz, country, and bluegrass.
