Eight years ago, we made one of the boldest decisions of our lives. In just two short months, we sold nearly everything we owned, packed up our lives in Illinois, and moved to the charming area of Lower Alabama. Today, we’re proud to call this place home, and we couldn’t be happier. Many people ask us, “Do you have any regrets about moving to Alabama?” So today, we’re sharing our experiences to answer that question.

Our Journey to Lower Alabama

When we first thought about moving to Alabama, we knew it would be a big change. We had spent years in Illinois, but something was pulling us toward Baldwin County, Alabama. We wanted a place to lay down roots, give our children a better quality of life, and find the sense of community we longed for. Moving to Alabama seemed like the perfect chance to start fresh and build the life we always dreamed of.

In just two months, we sold everything we owned, listed our home, and sold it to our neighbor’s daughter, who wanted to be closer to her parents. Everything seemed to fall into place, leading us to Baldwin County, Alabama. This move wasn’t just about relocating; it was about finding our forever home.

Why We Chose Baldwin County

Moving to Alabama wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. We researched, explored our options, and chose Baldwin County for its charm, affordability, and strong sense of community. After moving around a lot due to our service in the Navy and Air Force, this move felt different. It wasn’t just another assignment; it was about finding a place where we could truly belong.

One of the first things we noticed after moving to Alabama was the warm and welcoming community. Our front porch quickly filled with “Welcome to the Neighborhood” gifts, casseroles, and desserts from our new neighbors. This level of hospitality was something we had never experienced before, and it made us feel right at home.

The Benefits of Moving to Alabama

Living in Lower Alabama has brought many benefits, both big and small. One of the biggest advantages has been the lower cost of living. Compared to Illinois, where we paid high property taxes, Alabama offers a much more affordable lifestyle. For example, Alabama has the second-lowest property tax burden in the nation. We went from paying $13,000 a year in property taxes to under $2,000—a savings of over $1,000 a month in our mortgage payment. This alone made moving to Alabama an easy choice.

Another major benefit of moving to Alabama has been the ability to enjoy the outdoors year-round. With over 250 days of sunshine each year, there’s always an opportunity to be active and explore the beautiful surroundings. Whether it’s spending a day at Gulf Shores beach, exploring local parks, or enjoying a meal at a cozy restaurant in one of Baldwin County’s charming towns, there’s never a dull moment here.

The Challenges We Faced

Of course, no move is without its challenges. Moving to Alabama was a big change for our family, especially for our kids. Our daughter wasn’t excited about leaving her school and friends behind, but she quickly adapted to her new surroundings. Today, she’s thriving in school, heavily involved in church, and has made countless connections that have improved her quality of life.

Another challenge we faced after moving to Alabama was adjusting to the cost of living in certain areas. While property taxes and housing costs were lower, we found that groceries could be 10-15% higher than in Illinois. We usually shop at Publix, which offers high-quality products at a premium price, but we also save by shopping at Aldi for fresh produce. Additionally, we had to budget for new expenses like pool maintenance, lawn care, and higher utility bills due to the warmer climate.

Despite these challenges, moving to Alabama has been a positive experience overall. The lower cost of living, combined with the warm weather and friendly community, has made this transition easier and more rewarding than we ever imagined.

Embracing the Lower Alabama Lifestyle

One of the things we love most about moving to Alabama is the lifestyle it offers. Lower Alabama is a place where you can enjoy both relaxation and adventure. We spend a lot of time outdoors, taking full advantage of the warm weather and stunning scenery. Whether it’s hosting barbecues, attending local festivals, or exploring nature trails, there’s always something to do.

For our family, moving to Alabama has meant more than just a change of scenery—it’s been a complete transformation. We’ve built strong friendships, become involved in the community, and embraced the laid-back lifestyle that Lower Alabama offers. Every day here feels like a vacation, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.

The Realities of Moving to Alabama

It’s important to be honest about the realities of moving to Alabama. While there are many benefits, there are also challenges that come with living in a new state. For example, the subtropical climate in Baldwin County means we have to water our lawn daily to keep it green, and we’ve had to adjust to the summer heat.

However, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. The value you get in terms of space and amenities in Lower Alabama is substantial, and the community-focused living offers many intangible benefits that enhance the overall quality of life. The convenience of being close to local amenities, combined with the lower cost of living, has made moving to Alabama one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

Final Thoughts on Moving to Alabama

Eight years later, we can confidently say that moving to Alabama was the right choice for our family. Baldwin County has become our forever home, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision. The warm community, beautiful surroundings, and affordable lifestyle have made this area the perfect place to raise our children and build a life we love.

If you’re considering moving to Alabama, we encourage you to take the leap. While there may be challenges along the way, the rewards are well worth it. Lower Alabama offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and community that’s hard to find anywhere else. Whether you’re moving to Alabama for the first time or looking for a place to retire, Baldwin County is a fantastic choice.

We hope our story has given you a glimpse into what it’s like to move to Alabama and call Baldwin County home. If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you every step of the way.