Which city was recently recognized as the Best Place to Live in the United States? It wasn’t New York or somewhere in Silicone Valley. Instead, US News & World Report chose Huntsville, Alabama.
Huntsville, the “Rocket City,” is a bustling, high-tech city with a rich history and unique landscape that has shot to the largest city in Alabama, outgrowing Birmingham. Being one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, Huntsville promises to offer a superb quality of life and unique experiences that are highly sought-after attributes in a city. From its diverse population to its low cost of living, Huntsville is a great place to live!
Initially known for its cotton and railroad industries, Huntsville has transformed into a hub of military technology and aerospace industries. A German immigrant and an American dreamer, Wernher von Braun helped to launch the space industry that Huntsville is still nationally renowned for. Possessing some of the US’s most significant feats for space advancement, it was here that scientists designed and tested the Saturn V rocket that sent men to the moon for the first time. A replica of this rocket is erected at the Space and Rocket Center, which signifies the ingenuity of The Rocket City. It is indeed a landmark to stamp what is the greatness of the joint efforts that came out of the city to grow all things space. Also, the first American satellite was sent into orbit from the city in 1958, completed in less than three months. NASA’s Marshall space center is a monumental part of what makes the city great, and it can be said that it is an integral player in our nation’s efforts to advance space exploration.
US News & World Report’s annual Best Places to Live list for 2022-2023 has ranked Huntsville as No. 1! According to the article, “to make the top of the list, a place had to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life”. Huntsville clearly offers an abundance of great characteristics, one being at the top of the list for most Americans: overall quality of life. Here are a few reasons why the city was ushered to the top of the list:
- Huntsville’s low cost of living and relatively high income (some of the highest median incomes in the state)
- Strong economy
- Jobs
- Housing affordability
- Diversity
- Cultural Attractions
- Great school systems with schools targeted toward STEM
The continued migration of people to the city spurs the continuation of attractions being brought to the city. There are many staple charms like the Space and Rocket Center, Botanical Gardens, Huntsville Museum of Art, and the North Alabama Railroad Museum. Newer and entertainment attractions include the Orion Amphitheater, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, Campus 805, Stovehouse, and many more multipurpose entertainment centers. The city also houses 2 minor league professional teams, the Huntsville Havoc Hockey team, and the Rocket City Trash Pandas baseball team. Nestled downtown is Big Spring Park which hosts several events throughout the year like outdoor concerts, movies, food truck rallies, and skating in the park. Like the outdoors? Monte Sano State Park is a great location for nature lovers with hiking and biking trails. Those who enjoy the water have access to the nearby Tennessee River for a day out on the water.
The Rocket City shows continued growth with jobs and people even during the pandemic. It is reported that about 55 people move here on average from all over the country. The economy is very strong & diversified. Federal aerospace, STEM, and defense are some of the city’s biggest strengths that attract new residents. Huntsville also has incredible biotech, telecom, and manufacturing markets. There is an apparent upwards trend for the city, and growth has yet to slow. Being the “melting pot of the south”, Huntsville continues to be a city full of hospitality and opportunities.
Forbes voted COLSA, the only Alabama company ranked in the top 25, one of America’s Best Midsize Employers. We are honored by this recognition and try to live up to the honor. We strive to foster a culture of innovation, trailblazing thinking, and constant learning. We are proud to call ourselves part of the Forbes family of best employers. We are never satisfied. We are always pushing to be better, stronger, faster, and more innovative than before. And it’s easy to see how we are constantly evolving in whatever form that takes! We are a Family of Professionals focused on innovating the future and expanding horizons and upholding our policy to exceed requirements and ensure customer satisfaction above all else. Join us in Huntsville!
