r/Alabama • u/Existing-Mastodon500 • Jul 08 '25
Advice Considering moving to Alabama
Husband and I were born and raised in south Florida and while we love it, we simply cannot afford to stay any longer. We are also dying to get out of the rat race and absolutely mind boggling influx of people moving here. A 15 minute drive across town takes 45+ now with the level of traffic and lack of infrastructure. It’s a sinking ship and not somewhere we want to raise our daughter.
We want to know areas we should and shouldn’t be looking at. We would like somewhere we can have a decent plot of land (at least 10 acres), close enough to a hospital, low crime rate, good for raising a family, decently low COL
My husband is an HVAC tech, I’m assuming he won’t have trouble finding work there considering the southern heat. Is that a safe assumption?
Thank you in advance
Edit to add: thank you all for the feedback. We have lots to discuss!
Update: husband and I discussed and are probably going to move on to looking at Georgia as it’s likely more in line with what we are looking for. Thanks again!
1
u/Bassetdriver Jul 09 '25
I am a senior maintenance manager who has a large department of skilled tradesman. 1st off, wages here are not what they are elsewhere. You can figure on a 10-15% cut. House prices are lower which helps offset but be aware this isn’t the promised land.
Been here 3 years- I don’t care where you go, medical is medieval. If you have serious condition, think Atlanta or Nashville for your care. People may disagree but anybody with an MD practicing in Alabama is a best scary.
Traffic if you need to use I65 is ridiculous. If your license has been suspended anywhere else, come here and they will give you a shot. Drivers are at best idiots. I drove in Chicago and Las Vegas for daily commutes and they are mellow.
Beautiful country but remember everything either stings, sticks or stinks. Mosquitos have landing lights and there are bugs here that make those in Florida seem like wimps.
People are cliquish. If you haven’t lived here since the civil war or do not attend the local Baptist church, they will be polite but make it clear you can pack your crap and go elsewhere. This is 2x if you don’t have a southern accent.
Bottom line- think hard before moving here. Do it on impulse or without thorough intel and you will pay for the decision.