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Huntsville, Alabama

What It Is Like to Retire in Huntsville

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Where to Retire in Huntsville and Home Prices

Huntsville is situated in the Tennessee Valley of Madison County known for its beautiful mountains and karst landscapes. There are several historic neighborhoods to live in, including the Twickenham Historic District, which features homes in the Federal and Greek revival styles. Two others are the Old Town and Five Points Historic Districts. There are also many nice active adult and 50+ communities in the Huntsville area (see link at top left). The NAR reported the median sale price to be $285,800 in the 3rd quarter of 2021.

What Is Special about Huntsville

NASA Space Center, Redstone Arsenal, the huge (2000 acre) Mante Sano State Park, symphony, museums, 10 public golf courses, the Von Braun Center (10,000 seat), and numerous cultural festivals like the Spring Jam. Plus many new 55+ communities to choose from. University of Alabama at Huntsville and other colleges. Highly educated population. Huntsville was ranked #8 on CNN/Money's list of the Top 25 Places to Retire.

What Is Not Special about Huntsville

Summers are very warm and humid. Growth is rapid and traffic can be thick.

Who Will Like Retirement in Huntsville

People who are interested in a vital mid-sized city with many cultural and recreational facilities will like Huntsville. It tends to attract scientists and highly educated retirees.

Local Economy Is Driven by

NASA, the U.S. Army, University of Alabama, construction, healthcare, and retail are the main drivers of Huntsville's economy.

Climate and Physical Environment

Huntsville is on the northern border of Alabama in the middle of that border. It is in the Tennessee River Valley. Summers are hot and humid, average January temperature is about 40 degrees (F.).

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Culturally, Huntsville is the leading city for many miles; It has the Fantasy Playhouses, the Huntsville Theatre and Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center; festivals include the Big Spring Jam, Panoply Arts Festival, ConS+ellation sci-fi convention; U. of Alabama - Huntsville; Its Symphony Orchestra is the oldest in the state; The extensive Huntsville Public Library has 12 branches througout the city.

Crime

The crime rate here is higher than the national average. As in many cities, crime rates have a lot to do with neighborhoods - some have very high rates and others do not.