Get to Know Harvest, Alabama | Armstrong Huntsville

As the job market in Huntsville, Alabama soars, young professionals and families are racing to plant roots in the nearby town of Harvest.

Located 15 miles Northwest of the Huntsville metro, Harvest perfectly blends the joys of country and city living. Residents can work in the city by day — exploring the hustle and bustle of Rocket City and its up-and-coming employers — before returning to Harvest’s quaint, quiet community.

With stellar public schools, beautiful landscapes and low unemployment rates, Harvest has become one of the most popular places to buy a home in Northern Alabama. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about moving to this town.

Employment

Harvest is a short 30-minute drive from downtown Huntsville, making it an ideal suburb for commuters. Harvest residents are highly educated and benefit from its neighbor’s strong economy and low unemployment rates. According to the Alabama Department of Labor, Huntsville’s unemployment rate reached 2.1 percent in March 2022, compared to the national average of 3.6 percent. The aerospace, defense and manufacturing sectors thrive in Huntsville, attracting employers including Boeing, Toyota, NASA and Northrop Grumman.

Housing

Niche estimates that 88 percent of Harvest residents own their homes, rating the town as the third-best suburb to raise a family in the greater Huntsville area. The median home values in Harvest are around $183,500, which is on par with the national averages. Harvest’s housing gets a boost from its low crime rate, clean environments and overwhelmingly welcoming communities. Neighbors look out for each other in a unique way that you won’t often find in a big city.

Schools

Harvest is part of the Madison County School District, one of the highest-rated districts in the state and country. Out of more than 10,000 public school districts across the country, Niche ranked Madison County in the top 50, with many local schools also individually landing in the top percentile. Parents say that school teachers and staff care for students inside and outside of the classroom, valuing every child’s unique exploration, education, and development.

Cost of Living

Harvest’s affordability makes it an attractive alternative to living in the Huntsville metro. Data from Best Places shows that Harvest’s cost of living is nearly eight percentage points lower than the national average, and its median household income is roughly $20,000 higher than the national average. Harvest residents also experience lower sales and property taxes, providing a cushion against rising inflation rates.

Outdoors

Harvest is full of lovely rural landscapes, which offer ample opportunities to soak up the sun and get active outside. The Harvest Square Nature Preserve is home to 69 acres of woodlands, farmlands, and free public trails for running, biking and walking. Anglers will appreciate the preserve’s naturally-stocked ponds, which are open to those with Alabama fishing licenses. In the summer, kids can partake in “Tuesdays on the Trail,” an environmental education series that has become a local favorite.

Recreation

Residents can access not only the big-city entertainment of Huntsville but also some local gems that will keep families plenty busy. Aspiring equestrians can take horseback-riding lessons at CVC Farms, and the whole family can get in on the fun at Hyde’s Harvest, a vineyard that allows visitors to pick grapes and other produce. Harvest is also the proud host of the Huntsville Dragway, a raceway with an eight-mile dragstrip sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association to host professional competitions.

Dining

Harvest is home to mouth-watering dining spots that are some of Alabama’s best-kept secrets. Head down to RD’s Smokehouse Barbecue for ribs, pulled pork and smoked wings. People drive across the county for RD’s brisket, which locals rightfully argue is the best in the state. Then take your family to LJ’z Backyard Bayou for Cajun-inspired eats, including flavor-packed po’boys, crawfish mac and cheese and boudin balls. If you’re in the mood for Greek food, 5 A’s Restaurant serves up gyros, kabobs and baklava that you’ll be dreaming about for weeks.

Whether moving your family across Alabama or the country, Armstrong’s comprehensive, professional services provide the peace of mind you deserve. Learn why Armstrong Relocation is the best moving company in the Huntsville area. Get started today by calling 256.795.3135 or requesting a free quote online.