Moving to Alabama can be a culture shock unless you're already familiar with Southern culture and climate. Here are some tips on moving to Alabama.
Moving to Alabama from the Midwest or Northeast can lead to some serious culture shock, but those who are open to true Southern traditions may find the move very satisfying. Alabama is considered to be part of the Deep South, meaning that interaction with Northern states has been very limited. Moving to Alabama is not like moving to a border state such as Kentucky or Maryland, where Northern and Southern cultures have intermingled for decades. Alabamians are naturally proud of their traditions and most of their history, so new residents are tacitly expected to assimilate into Southern culture, not force a Northern culture on the locals.
One important selling point for Alabama is the relatively low cost of living. It is not unusual to find rental housing for a family of four priced under $500 a month in many Alabama cities. Grocery items such as fresh fruit and vegetables can often be found at a surprisingly low cost at locally-owned supermarkets or farmer's markets. Because Alabama has a number of poultry, dairy and vegetable farms, prices for essential staples are generally low. Gas prices tend to be on the lower end of the national average due to several large oil suppliers working in the Gulf of Mexico. Because of cheaper hydroelectric power generated by the Tennessee Valley Authority and active nuclear power plants, utility prices in Alabama are some of the lowest in the country.
Here are some things to consider when moving to the state of Alabama:
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Alabama has four distinct seasons, although signs of seasonal change may not always be noticeable. Springtime in Alabama may be the best time for a move, since temperatures are generally in the 60s and 70s and the humidity is relatively low until late April or May. There is a heavy release of pollen around the first week of April, however, so those with allergies may want to plan around that event. Surprisingly, Alabama does not have many of the allergy-triggering plants found in the Midwest or Northeast, such as milkweed. Some visitors may experience a sensitivity to pecan tree droppings, however. Fortunately the pecan trees do not blossom until later in the year. Because Alabama does not usually experience major snow accumulations in Winter, Spring is not especially muddy.
Summer in Alabama can be brutal if visitors are not acclimated to extreme heat. Moving in June, July or August may not be advisable. Temperatures often reach the upper 90s or even 100s in Alabama during Summer. Besides the dangerous exposure to the sun's rays, Alabama heat also includes high humidity. Local weather stations often issue heat index readings, much like Northern stations issue windchill factors. Air-conditioning is essential during summer in Alabama. Moves attempted in Summer should be done with extreme caution and with plenty of hydration.
Fall in Alabama is similar to Spring in overall temperature ranges, but is also windier in general. Weather in Fall can be very changeable, with days of soaking rains followed by surprise cold snaps or heat waves. Moving to Alabama in the Fall would definitely be preferable to moving in the Summer, but extreme heat can still be a factor until late October. Many consider Fall to be the best time of the year to visit outdoor attractions in Alabama, and many towns plan festivals, county fairs and other entertainments during this time.
Winter in Alabama is difficult to generalize. Most Winters are mild because of the state's southern location and the prevailing jet streams which block Canadian and Arctic cold fronts. Cold winter weather usually comes in quick snaps, followed by an immediate thaw. Moving to Alabama in the Winter means being prepared for any type of weather condition. Because major snowstorms are so rare, cities rarely invest in the sort of snow removal equipment found in Northern cities. Larger cities may spread salt or sand on the main streets or use a road grader to scrape away accumulations. Accumulations of over 2 inches often lead to school and business closings, as well as emergency trips to grocery stores for supplies. Unless you know the weather conditions for your arrival day in Alabama, it pays to call local weather experts or law enforcement offices for current conditions.
CITIES AND TRANSPORTATION
Alabama is generally divided between a handful of major cities and numerous rural areas divided into counties. In the northwest corner of Alabama lies the four cities of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. In the north-central region are Decatur, Madison and Huntsville. The northwest is generally rural, situated at the bottom of the Appalachian mountains. The central part of Alabama is dominated by Birmingham, perhaps the most developed city in the state. A little further southeast is the capitol city of Montgomery. In the southeast corner lies Mobile, a port city similar to New Orleans. Between these major cities lie many small to mid-size cities and a significant amount of underdeveloped rural land. The difference between city and rural living in Alabama is palpable. If you're moving to the rural areas of Alabama, be prepared to drive long distances for essential supplies and city life.
Alabama has several interstate highways for easy travel. I-65 essentially divides the state in half from north to south. I-59 moves traffic into Mississippi and the Carolinas. I-20 is a main artery into Atlanta. I-75 moves from north to south through the extreme eastern part of Alabama.
The biggest difficulty with transportation in Alabama lies in moving east and west across Northern Alabama. Highway 72 does connect Alabama with Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia, but is two-laned in many places. A much-discussed superhighway between Memphis and Atlanta is in the works, but travel between cities in Northern Alabama remains difficult.
RECREATION AND CULTURE
Alabama has a number of state parks and reserves which help protect much of the natural beauty of the land. There are several major lakes with lodging and boat landings available. Alabama even has a small but developed section of beach directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Several resort towns have built up over the years, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Alabama also has one snow skiing facility in Mentone which uses snow machines to create a decent course in the winter months.
Cultural events in Alabama are a mixture of local and imported talent. Most of the major cities feature museums and art exhibitions, although many of the exhibits arrive as part of travelling displays, not permanent collections. There is a professional theater facility outside of Montgomery which features Shakespearian plays and modern works. Local cultural efforts in smaller towns are not always supported with external funds, so results can be hit-or-miss. Joining a local arts council or attending local productions may be a good way to meet new people, so it pays to seek out those who share your interests.
RELIGION AND POLITICS
Alabama has a mixture of liberal and conservative political believers, but in general the atmosphere is very conservative. Many native Alabamians attend church regularly, or were at least raised in a Judeo-Christian family. These traditions and values are often carried over into the general atmosphere of smaller cities and rural communities. Alcohol sales may be prohibited in an entire county, for example. Places which do serve alcohol often work under strict guidelines. Many businesses voluntarily limit their hours of operation on Sundays. Newcomers to Alabama should understand the moral codes and beliefs which lie beneath the decision-making process. Assimilating into the Southern culture often hinges on the ability to let go of preconceptions and meet native Alabamians at their level.
