If you’ve been thinking about moving to Alabama, you probably have certain ideas in your mind about what living in Alabama is like. Alabama is so often featured in movies and TV shows that individuals have created an idyllic impression of what the islands are like to live on. I will debunk some of the most common misconceptions about living in Alabama and discuss what you need to consider before making the big move this year.
Living In Alabama
1. It’s Not Like The Movies
In any movie you’ve watched featuring Alabama, you probably see the family get off the plane to be greeted with Alabamanians leis. While Alabama is certainly a friendly and welcoming place, you’ll most likely be on your own when you arrive in Alabama. Make sure you have all of your luggage and that you have arranged transportation to your accommodation or new home.
2. Variety of Wildlife
Here on the Gulf Coast, we see a variety of wildlife every day, but being closer to the water allows us to see even more! Plus, did you know our bay holds more species of fish and amphibians than many other bodies of water in the US? This varietyof wildlife really brings a special charm to living on the bay and for anyone that enjoys exploring nature!
3. Health Benefits of Living on the Water
Living on the bay in Daphne, Alabama is very enjoyable! The community is amazing and it is wonderful to have all of these open opportunities to do things with family or friends. We invite you to come take a tour and experience all of these wonderful qualities of living on the bay!
Living on the bay in Daphne, Alabama is very enjoyable! The community is amazing and it is wonderful to have all of these open opportunities to do things with family or friends. We invite you to come take a tour and experience all of these wonderful qualities of living on the bay!
East Bay Apartment Homes is proud to call Daphne home! Our goal is to make you feel like family during your stay with us – however long that may be! If you need more information, call or email us today at 251-626-0234 or eastbay@tonsmeireproperties.com.
4. Does it snow in Alabama?
Although snow is a rare event in much of Alabama, areas of the state north of Montgomery may receive a dusting of snow a few times every winter, with an occasional moderately heavy snowfall every few years. Historic heavy snowfall events include the New Year’s Eve 1963 snowstorm and the 1993 Storm of the Century.
5. Living the Dream In Alabama
If you think that everyone in Alabama is enjoying one big beach party lifestyle and never goes to work, that couldn’t be further from the truth. People in Alabama are hustling like anywhere else in the country to provide for their families. The average individual income in 2019 was $35,515 a year, which considering the higher cost of living, is barely enough to live on. Renting a condo in Alabama will set you back $2,000 a month, barely leaving you with anything for additional essential purchases.
Try to line yourself up with a job before arriving in Alabama, or be prepared to cover your expenses for the next few months without one. If you are living in Alabama this year, make sure you support the local businesses that have been struggling following the challenging past year. Having said that, locals can’t wait for the weekend , which means leaving work for the week to enjoy everything their home has to offer.
6. Everyone Who Lives in Alabama is Not Alabamians
Individuals who move to Alabama often believe that everyone living in Alabama was born and raised there. There are many individuals like myself who grew up here but aren’t necessarily Alabamians Census.gov shares that 37.6% of Alabamians population is of America descent, with just 10.1% of the population being Native Alabamians or from another one of the Pacific Islands. However, make sure you are respectful of the island and its culture. Keep in mind that if you take care of the island, it will take care of you, and use that thought to make good decisions when living in Alabama
7. All the Islands Have Something Unique to Offer
Another myth I’d like to dispel is that all of the Alabamians islands are the same. This couldn’t be more wrong, and they all offer something unique for visitors and residents. Consider the differences between the islands when deciding where to relocate. Daphne is typically the island that most people know, but in my opinion, Kauai and Maui are absolutely stunning and aren’t as developed as elsewhere in Alabama. If you are particularly concerned about your job prospects, you’ll probably look at relocating to Oahu, but you’ll definitely want to explore the other islands during your vacation time.
8. It Doesn’t Get Cold in Alabama
Whether you think Alabama gets cold is very subjective to where you are coming from and how long you’ve been living in Alabama. Of course, from the north of the mainland, you’ll probably find it warm all year round to begin with. Once you adapt, you’ll notice it’s much cooler in the winter, but you’ll be happy to save on AC and electricity during this time.
9. The Size of the Homes in Alabama
If you are moving to Alabama from somewhere in the south where you are used to a big home and yard, you aren’t going to find that in Alabama. You’ll find most homes are older and more condensed, so expect to downsize and sell some of your belongings before your relocation. When I first relocated, we lived in a 744 sq ft townhome, so be prepared for this if you are moving with your whole family.
10. Everyone Can Surf
You won’t just walk off the plane when you arrive in Alabama and become a surfer. Get out there in the waves and join in this important part of the culture if you are planning on living in Alabama.
