Moving to Huntsville? Discover Why This City Is Your Perfect Next Move

Huntsville at a Glance 

In the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where the Tennessee River wends and winds around towering pines, hickories and sugar maples, lies an understated city bursting with Southern charm — Huntsville, Alabama. One of the oldest cities in the state, Huntsville’s historic buildings, cultural amenities and mild climate have long provided an easy appeal. And the stable job market and low cost of living here have made it easy for folks to keep their families rooted in this mid-size city for generations. But, living up to its jet-fueled reputation, the Rocket City has seen a surge of new residents of late. Since 2010, the population has jumped from just 180,105 to 225,564. It seems the word is finally getting out about Alabama’s best-kept secret.  

Huntsville and surrounding Madison County have long been a major base for both the U.S. Army and NASA — hence the nickname, the Rocket City — and many people move here for jobs in aerospace and defense. But with the creation of the Cummings Research Park, Huntsville has rapidly remolded itself into a high-tech hub of innovation with a diverse industry base, something that would likely astound the city’s founders. 

In its first heyday, Huntsville was, well, much fuller of hay. The agrarian outpost was briefly known as Twickenham, and the economy of that quaint north Alabama city thrived on staples like corn, cotton, textiles, tobacco and — yes — hay. But during WWII, Huntsville’s economy was completely transformed, and by the middle of the 20^th century, three of the city’s key institutions had been established: the Marshall Space Flight Center, the Redstone Arsenal and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. All are still vital economic engines today. 

Twenty-first -century Huntsville has a cultural scene to match its economic might, and current residents can enjoy visits to the city’s ballet, fine museums and many historical sites. Huntsville has a vibrant, youthful vibe, with lots of public art, fun restaurants and outdoorsy activities. You can go for a morning hike on Monte Sano, sit down for a proper Southern lunch at the Blue Plate Café, have dinner in the Cotton Exchange district and then catch a performance of the Opera Huntsville. Huntsville may be known for its space-crafting abilities, but it has hospitality down pat. 

If you are looking for an affordable, family-friendly city in the South that’s still flying below the radar, the Rocket City should be at the top of your list. Learn more about moving to Huntsville below, from the job and housing markets to fun things to do around town, indoors and out. 

Discovering and Moving to Huntsville

Affordable Cost of Living 

Many people have assumptions about living in north Alabama, and most of them do not know that it’s a cool, beautiful, rapidly growing tech hub that is shockingly affordable. We’re here to set that record straight.  

The cost of living in Huntsville is less than in other mid-size and large cities in the Southeast, and the real estate market here plays a major role. The current median home value in Huntsville is only $236,300 — nearly $50,000 below the national average — and even farther below the cost of housing in Raleigh, Durham and Atlanta. Rent, too, offers considerable savings. The median gross rent in Huntsville is just $1,020/month, whereas the Atlanta market is nearly $500 above that price point. Compared with real estate around the state, however, Huntsville’s housing prices are as big as its breeches, topping every other major city from Birmingham to Mobile by more than $56,000.  

Income levels in Huntsville also run high for Alabama cities, topping the state average by more than $8,000 but falling below the national average by $7,275. So, you may need to factor in a lower paycheck, depending on the type of job you hold in the city. If you’re moving to Huntsville from outside the region, you’ll likely find that other common household expenditures cost less. Transportation, food, healthcare, personal insurance/pensions and miscellaneous expenses are all more affordable in the Southeast than elsewhere in the nation. 

Economic Opportunities

While U.S. employment trends have been headed south, Huntsville’s unemployment rate has managed to stay far below the national average, standing at just 2.7% in the city, Madison County and Limestone County in July 2024. All industries in Huntsville added jobs over the last twelve months, with leisure and hospitality and education and health services expanding the most, both by roughly 5%. The largest single sector in Huntsville is professional and business services, which supplies 68,000 jobs across the region. The government, not surprisingly for a military town, is a close second, employing 57,000 Huntsville workers. Trade, transportation and utilities and manufacturing run neck-and-neck for third, with each supporting between 35,000 and 40,000 jobs. 

The aerospace, aviation and defense industries dominate the job market in the Rocket City, and even if you’re not employed by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center or the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal, there’s a good chance that your job supports these industries. This is one reason why Huntsville has been named a top city for tech jobs, rubbing shoulders with San Jose, Boulder and Seattle.  

Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park (CRP) is one of the city’s biggest assets. CRP is a public-private initiative that integrates commercial, governmental and educational institutions. Three hundred companies from a diverse array of industries employ more than 26,000 people in this innovation incubator, including Lockheed Martin, AECOM, Booz Allen Hamilton, as well as the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Auburn University’s College of Engineering. Whatever business sector you work in, you’re likely to find a company in Huntsville in your arena. 

Educational Excellence 

When you live in the Rocket City, it’s only fair to expect schools to shine in their science, math, and technology programs, and Huntsville-area schools do not disappoint in this regard. Whether your child is enrolled in a Huntsville city school or one in greater Madison County, all are equipped with STEM labs to prepare them for in-demand jobs. Nearly all children in the region attend public schools, and Huntsville has some of the best in the state, according to the U.S. News & World Report. The region has a high school graduation rate of over 91%, and 46% of residents have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.  

There are also 12 colleges and universities in the Huntsville area, including Alabama A&M and the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), which is known for its strong programs in engineering, business and science, and other well-respected institutions are only a short drive away. So, if you’re hoping the kids won’t stray too far in their college years, Huntsville puts your children within easy reach of a bright start to their futures.  

Natural Beauty

Living in northern Alabama puts you squarely in the foothills of Appalachia, one of the most beautiful and varied regions of the country. The Tennessee River meanders around the southern reaches of the city, pooling into massive reservoirs like Wheeler Lake (to the west) and Guntersville Lake (to the east). You don’t have to be into boating, fishing, or even swimming to enjoy these natural beauties. Book yourself a tee time for a round of golf at Joe Wheeler State Park, or reserve a lakeside cabin for a sweet weekend of doing absolutely nothing.  

Guntersville is the perfect place for a quick escape outside the city. Just 45 minutes from Huntsville, this charming city has a historic downtown district with boutiques and restaurants and a great Saturday farmer’s market. With its lodges, chalets and glamping tents, Lake Guntersville State Park is an ideal place to stay. You can rent kayaks, canoes and even motorized fishing pontoons — you want to make sure you have bragging rights for catching your own dinner, right? If that’s not your thing, there are 36 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and even horseback riding, as well as a three-hour zipline tour, after which you can collapse on the sand beach with your favorite page-turner while someone less exhausted makes you a cocktail. 

One thousand six hundred feet above sea level but only six miles from downtown, Monte Sano State Park lives up to its name as the “Mountain of Health.” Think stone cabins with screened porches, Japanese gardens and a mineral spring. Before the stars come out, take your family to the planetarium on-site for a little night sky primer. They even host Harry Potter-themed shows for those skeptical about the power of nature alone.  

If you’re still looking for ways to get your city-loving family into nature, the Land Trust of North Alabama will be your new BFF. In addition to helming the effort to preserve green spaces in the Yellowhammer State, they’ve created fun scavenger hunts to entice the indoor-loving outside, and they lead guided hikes throughout the area — even night hikes, perfect for hard-to-impress teenagers. 

Cultural and Entertainment Attractions 

We’re pretty sure if you’re a resident of Rocket City, U.S.A., that — by law — you have to see the U.S. Space & Rocket Center at least once. But, if you’ve ever dreamed of a less gravitational existence or an all-freeze-dried-ice-cream diet, no one will have to twist your arm to visit this museum. Take a guided tour of the solar system, see an actual Starliner Pressure Capsule test vessel or experience the invisible power of the G-Force Accelerator — whatever natural forces your family can handle. 

Back on good old Planet E, the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum gives your kids hands-on fun of the earthly variety. They can hear a story from a talking tree or build a fort with giant Legos, which are a lot easier to avoid with your bare feet than the regular-scale variety scattered all over your house. One of the most popular areas in this venue is the Happy Puppy Salon, where children delight in learning the art of dog grooming. Be prepared to adopt at least one puppy on your way home.  

When the kids aren’t with you, you can entertain yourselves at one of Huntsville’s popular festivals. During the few weeks of the year that winter darkens Huntsville’s door, one thing will keep your spirits bright — the Von Brewski Beer Festival. This homage to ale has been keeping things sudsy in the Rocket City for eight years running, and one ticket will get you sampling privileges from 50 breweries in the VBC Propst Arena, where you’ll also find as many brats, nachos and pretzels as you can eat, sometimes in jewelry form. Wear that pretzel necklace with pride! Remember: you’re among friends, and they’re feeling it too.  

The VBC also hosts the annual Space City Tattoo Expo, where your experience can be permanently fun. Or terrible! Either way, the OMG factor of this event cannot be overstated. There will also be barbers and aestheticians on site in case you want to make all your bad decisions under one roof. 

Unlike the aforementioned alcohol- and ink-based affairs, the Panoply Arts Festival is nearly 100% PG, which is why it’s one of the most popular annual events in north Alabama. Every year, you’ll find something you can’t live without, from quirky oil paintings to moonstone earrings to handmade brooms that are too pretty to sweep with. Thirty-plus musical acts will entertain you while you empty your wallet to the artists, and when you’re feeling a little lightheaded from your creative haul, you can refuel with your favorite local provisions. Handfuls of Popi and Mimi’s Sweet Fried Pecans are best followed by a Crunchy Dog from New South Hot Dog & Sushi, which comes with all your new favorite toppings — pork rinds, avocado, cream cheese and eel sauce. What hot dog has ever felt complete without eel sauce? Here — wash that down with an old-fashioned lemonade from Nannie’s.  

Panoply is not the only place to see art in town, either. The most prominent venue is the Huntsville Museum of Art, but there are great exhibitions at UAH and the Lowe Mill, and pretty much everywhere you look throughout the city and county you’ll find public art. Be sure to check out the SPACES Sculpture Trail, which has a handy app for locating works. 

When you need a one-size-fits-all space that has something for every age, taste and mood, go to Campus 805. This inspired renovation of an old schoolhouse is the most fun way to skip class. Two local breweries, great restaurants and fun entertainment venues now occupy the hallowed halls of this defunct Huntsville public school, and instead of crunching numbers in pre-calc, you can practice your virtual golf swing or the cathartic art of axe-throwing. Just don’t down too many of Yellowhammer’s Juicy Dons before you wield that blade.  

Expert Tips for a Stress-Free Move to Huntsville

Finding the Right Moving Company

Make your move to the Rocket City smooth and worry-free! Whether you’re moving cross-country or just across town, Mayflower is here to make your relocation as seamless as possible. For nearly 100 years, families across America have worked with Mayflower — the nation’s most trusted mover — and you can, too. 

Get a moving quote now for Huntsville, Alabama. 

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Moving Resources

The best way to prepare for your move is with Mayflower’s moving checklist and planner. We’ll map out your moving journey and give you the big-picture perspective you need to get your home packed properly.  

Not looking to go the DIY route for your move? Let our nationwide network of professional movers make your cross-country move easier. Our long-distance movers are licensed for interstate moves and offer customizable moving packages, which include services like packing and unpacking, storing your belongings, removing debris, shipping your car and more.  

Find out more about our full-service moving packages.  

Are you making a move within the state of Alabama or the city of Huntsville? Our interstate Alabama movers can help with local moves independently under their businesses and brands.  

Want to make your move to northern Alabama even easier? Get pro tips in Welcome HOME magazine, our exclusive digital guide. And, if Huntsville is just one city you’re considering moving to, let us help you narrow your options. Check out our state guides and city guides to see the pros and cons of living in different cities across the U.S.  

Settling Into Huntsville

Before you even think about packing, start planning for the final part of your move — settling in. Follow these tips from our experts to make the transition easier for yourself, your family and even your pets.  

Get a quote on moving to Huntsville.