This blog is part of a series showcasing cities where COLSA operates and where our family of professionals live, work, and play!
Known as “the Rocket City” for its pivotal role in space exploration, Huntsville, Alabama, is a thriving center for technology, culture, and outdoor adventure, and home to COLSA headquarters. This unique combination makes Huntsville a fantastic place to live, work, and play, offering residents a high quality of life and a promising future.
Stellar History
Huntsville’s story begins in 1805, when John Hunt first settled in the area, giving the city its name. By 1819, it had become the first capital of Alabama, a testament to its early importance. However, Huntsville’s claim to fame began mid-way through the 20th century, when Huntsville became the epicenter of the U.S. space program.
The establishment of Redstone Arsenal in 1941 and the creation of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 propelled Huntsville onto the global stage. Here, under the guidance of Dr. Wernher von Braun and his team of rocket scientists, the Saturn V rocket was developed, which would ultimately send astronauts to the moon. This remarkable achievement solidified Huntsville’s place in history and laid the foundation for its future as a leader in innovation and technology.
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A Smart Place
Huntsville is home to businesses of all sizes, from Fortune 500 companies to high-tech startups, space and defense agencies and contractors, and renowned education and research institutions. Redstone Arsenal and Cummings Research Park – the second-largest research park in the United States and the location of COLSA’s Headquarters – attracts many high-tech companies and research institutions, with opportunities from engineering and software development to research and development and cybersecurity.
Named one of the fastest-growing tech cities in the nation, Huntsville maintains a high quality of life and a low cost of living, which makes it an attractive location for young professionals and families seeking economic stability and growth.
Huntsville is rich in educational opportunities, with several colleges and universities, including the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and Alabama A&M University. It has also been recognized as one of the Most Educated Cities in America by Wallethub.
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Quality of Life
When the workday is over, Huntsville is an exciting place to play, whether you’re exploring the mountains and rivers, taking in local sporting events, or enjoying the arts.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Huntsville’s natural beauty at nearby Monte Sano Mountain, only four miles from downtown Huntsville. With more than 2,000 acres to explore, the Monte Sano State Park is an outdoor-lover’s dream with more than 20 miles of hiking trails and 14 miles of biking trails. Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city below from historic Burritt on the Mountain. The nearby Tennessee River provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports.
For those who prefer indoor activities, Huntsville does not disappoint. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the largest spaceflight museum in the world and offers an immersive experience into the history and future of space exploration. The Huntsville Museum of Art, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, and Theatre Huntsville provide cultural enrichment, while the Von Braun Center hosts a variety of concerts, sporting events, and conventions.
Huntsville’s rich history, thriving economy, and exciting cultural scene make it an ideal place to call home. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a tech professional, or someone looking for a welcoming community, Huntsville has something for everyone.
To learn more about opportunities to join the COLSA family in Huntsville, Alabama, check out our latest career openings.
