Did you know that one of the cities in Alabama is the cheapest city to live in the whole United States?

If you’re thinking about moving to Alabama, be prepared for beautiful beaches, low prices, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. You’ll enjoy being a part of the genuine Alabama experience, with its deep-rooted history, delectable cuisine, and enthusiasm for college football.

So, if you’ve been planning on a long-distance move, then living in Alabama is an excellent option for you. Keep on reading for our breakdown of the top 10 things you need to know about the state before finalizing your move. 

1. Moving to Alabama: Yes – Muscle Shoals Have the Swampers

There’s no misunderstanding in the line in “Sweet Home Alabama” regarding the Swampers.

The Swampers are a well-known session band that has worked with some of music’s greatest stars, including Wilson Pickett, Paul Simon, and Aretha Franklin, to mention a few.

Muscle Shoals is still a hotspot for the recording business, and many familiar songs were recorded there with the Swampers as the supporting band.

2. The Stunning Nature and Landscapes

Alabama offers it everything, from white sandy beaches to mountain ranges. Gulf Shores is home to a 32-mile length of the silken beach and crystal-clear sea. In the Talladega Mountains, go northeast for hiking and breathtaking vistas.

Then it’s just a two-hour trip to Smith Lake’s lush shorelines and crystal-clear water.

These are just a few examples of Alabama’s stunning landscape, including a variety of energetic and relaxing outdoor activities. Alabama is a naturalist’s dream.

3. The Musical History

Alabama has rich musical origins and a history that has influenced the development of blues, jazz, and country music throughout the globe.

Alabama has long honored its musical history and the musicians. They have come from it, including the Jazz Hall of Fame in Birmingham, the Hank Williams Festival in Montgomery, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia, and the music studios in Muscle Shoals.

Visitors may follow in the footsteps of some of music’s greatest legends, who are all buried here. Artists such as Nat King Cole, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, and many more have been recorded in Alabama.

4. The Eternal Love for Football

If there’s one thing you should know about Alabama before you move here, it’s that football is a cultural tradition. This is particularly true for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers’ in-state rivalry.

Every year, over 100,000 people go to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn to see the Iron Bowl.

This doesn’t imply that Alabama and Auburn are the only teams in the state that play football. Groups such as the Troy Trojans and the UAB Blazers have won bowl games and drew large crowds.

But what if you’re asked, “Who are you for?” The Tide or the Tigers are your options. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues will be curious as to whether you say “Roll Tide” or “War Eagle,” and you’ll want to respond boldly.

5. Obsession With Fried Foods

Although the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes” was not shot in Alabama, the location that inspired the book does exist.

The Irondale Cafe is the original Whistle Stop Cafe, and it’s still serving its most renowned meal beside the train lines in Irondale, Alabama. You may also find this fried Southern staple on the menu of any meat-and-three soul food joint worth its salt.

6. Plan for the Amazing Barbecue

It isn’t easy to include all of Alabama’s fantastic barbecue restaurants.

Dreamland, renowned for its hickory-smoked ribs and sauce, Big Bob Gibson’s, home of white bbq sauce, and newcomer Saw’s, which has people queuing up in Birmingham, is among the most well-known. 

7. Grits Are Like Peanut Butter and Jelly

You may have never had grits or even heard of them, yet they are a staple in every Alabama kitchen.

Virtually every restaurant offers them, from greasy spoon restaurants to fine dining places where the meal is dressed up and often served with shrimp.

8. Great Tax Rates

Alabama is a beautiful location to live in since it has lower income and property tax rates, lower crime rates, and a slower pace of life than many other states.

These characteristics make it an excellent location to raise a family. If you want to get away from the rush and bustle of big cities, the slower pace is a plus.

And, when it comes to the tax rates, you’ll see a property tax of 0.42%, which is the second-lowest effective real-estate tax rate in the nation. So, you might want to take a look and view these rentals for a better idea about your real estate options. 

Moreover, Alabama’s introductory sales tax rate is 4%. You may anticipate a sales tax rate of 4–11% when combined with municipal taxes.

Income tax rates range from 2% to 5%. There are just three brackets in the state, 2%, 4%, and 5%.

9. Politeness Is a Point of Pride

If you were born and bred in Alabama, you would follow your “yes” or “no” with a “sir” or “ma’am.”

It has nothing to do with ethnicity, social status, or religious beliefs, and it’s all about honoring your elders and embracing the Southern hospitality that remains.

10. Humidity Is Here to Stay

Summers in Alabama are hot and humid, with humidity levels often exceeding 80%, making the heat even more unpleasant and sticky.

On the positive side, the spring and autumn seasons are beautiful, and winters are moderate.

Moving States: The Yellowhammer State

If you’ve been thinking about living in Alabama, then you’d truly benefit from knowing exactly what you’re signing up to. We hope that our guide has provided you with the 10 critical pieces of information you need to learn before moving to Alabama. 

And, if you enjoyed reading our article, then you’ll love checking out our additional tips and moving strategies. You’ll find all of that (and more) in our lifestyle and travel section.