What to Expect When Moving to Madison County, Alabama
The rest of the country is finally recognizing what locals already know — Madison County is one of the best places to live in the United States.
Money Magazine named Madison County 12th on its 2021 list of the best places to live in the U.S. AreaVibes and Stacker both called Madison County the best place to live in Alabama. U.S. Census data consistently shows Madison County as one of Alabama’s fastest-growing areas.
If you are thinking about jumping on the Madison County bandwagon, here are six things to look forward to by living in this great location.
Big-city perks with a small-town atmosphere
Madison County has a population of nearly 400,000, with the cities of Huntsville and Madison being its most popular destinations. Across the county, residents experience the amenities of big cities with the Southern charm of small towns.
The city of Madison is known for its quaint downtown and family-friendly atmosphere. With its low crime rate, warm hospitality and expansive dining options, it’s no surprise that Niche ranked the city as the second-best place to raise a family in Alabama. Regardless of which city you pick, both Huntsville and Madison offer safe, suburban environments for families and young professionals.
High incomes and low cost of living
Madison County boasts lower grocery costs, income taxes, housing costs, rental rates and property taxes than the national average. Why was Madison County deemed the best place to buy a house in Alabama? The median house price is a little over $250,000, according to Money. It’s no wonder Stacker reported 67 percent of people in Madison County owning their home.
Money also reported that Madison County’s median household income is $93,090 — nearly 36 percent higher than the national average. The area has a large concentration of well-educated professionals who benefit from the region’s high-paying jobs and affordable living.
Top-ranking education system
Madison County’s schools have received local, state and national recognition for their impressive test scores and high-quality teaching. The U.S. News & World Report gave every Madison City high school a spot on its ranking of the top 10 high schools in Alabama — a feat no other district in the state accomplished.
For individuals pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees, Madison County has 11 highly-esteemed colleges and universities, including Alabama A&M University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Sports fans have plenty of collegiate teams to cheer on, including the Alabama A&M football team and the University of Alabama in Huntsville men’s ice hockey team — both in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Endless outdoor-recreation opportunities
Located in the beautiful Tennessee Valley, Huntsville offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor-lovers to soak up the sun. Madison has more than 70 miles of free public trails across mountains, rolling hills, forests, creeks, caves and wetlands for hikers and bikers to explore.
Northern Alabama contains seven nature preserves. One of the largest urban preserves in the country, Monte Sano, is only two miles from downtown Huntsville. Locals of all skill levels can join the Land Trust of North Alabama’s free guided hikes to learn about Monte Sano’s trails, trees and wildlife.
Booming job market in Rocket City
If looking for a job in the space, military, biotechnology or telecommunications industries, there are plenty of positions available in Madison County. The region houses facilities for some of the nation’s top businesses, such as Facebook, Google, Toyota, Mazda, LG, Hexagon PPM, Tyonek, STI, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and more.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Madison County experienced a strong economy and job market from 2020-22. Madison’s unemployment rate currently sits around 2.9 percent — an entire percentage point lower than the national average of 4 percent.
Easy access to popular vacation destinations
Madison County residents have convenient access to the Huntsville International Airport, which has non-stop service to destinations across the country. Locals can also road-trip to Nashville, Birmingham, Atlanta, Memphis and Knoxville in three hours or less.
Northern Alabama receives all four seasons, with a light winter and bright summer. In Madison County, any season can be beach season because Gulf Shores, Destin, Orange Beach and Rosemary Beach are less than six hours away.
But after moving to Madison County, you may quickly swap vacations for staycations. This hidden gem of the South has everything an individual or family might want, making it an ideal destination for in-state or cross-country relocations.
Whether you are moving across the street, state or country, Armstrong – Huntsville can get you where you need to go. As one of the top-ranked relocation companies in Madison County, Armstrong – Huntsville is a one-stop-shop for a stress-free move. Get started today by calling 256.795.3135 or requesting a free quote online.
