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Thanks to its genuine southern hospitality, Alabama
is considered to be one of the top places in the nation to visit
and live. In addition, the overall cost of living in Alabama is
much lower than in other states and is an affordable location for
those investors seeking a high quality of life in the United States.
The cost of housing in Alabama is significantly lower than the
national average and the state income and property taxes are among
the lowest found anywhere in the United States. According to the
Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA),
during the second quarter of 2006, the average price for a home
in Alabama was $141,730, while the U.S. average was $227,533.
There are beautiful, well-maintained, safe residential areas throughout
Alabama located near natural weekend getaways for enjoyment with
friends and family. In addition, Alabama features year-round golf
opportunities throughout the State that includes the renowned Robert
Trent Jones Golf Trail, the largest public golf system in the world.
Those who consider living in Alabama will enjoy its temperate climate.
The average for summer months is 82°F (27°C) and
51°F (10°C) during winter months in south Alabama.
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| Alabama’s
Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School was named
the number one high school in the nation in 2005 and number
two in 2006. Additionally, five other Alabama schools are listed
as top high schools nationwide. Source:
Newsweek, May 2005 & May 2006 |
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Alabama provides a comprehensive
and safe education system. The system encourages excellence
in academics and provides extracurricular programs for children
of all ages. There are several international baccalaureate
schools throughout the state. Birmingham, Huntsville and
Tuscaloosa all host certified Japanese Saturday Schools.
Some of the safety features are:
- The safe school hotline (1-888-SAV-KIDS)
to report school safety anonymously 24 hours a day.
- Required criminal background
checks to be performed on all current teachers and educational
employees having unsupervised access to children in schools.
- Video cameras provided under
Governor’s Private Eyes Education Program.
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Source: EDPA
| Southern
Business and Development magazine ranked the University of
Alabama at Birmingham as one of the Top 10 Universities that
Drive Economic Development. |
Alabama has seventeen state-sponsored universities and sixteen independent
colleges and universities including highly respected schools of business,
accountancy, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary programs;
and internationally recognized optometry, dental, agricultural, and
forestry schools.
Those students choosing to live in Alabama or anywhere in the United
States after receiving permanent resident status will be eligible
for resident tuition costs rather than higher out-of-state rates.
In addition, there are several English as a Second Language (ESL)
programs throughout the state providing foreign students language
tutoring services. For an interactive map of Alabama’s higher education
institutions, please click
here.
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Alabama has full-service hospitals, highly qualified health care
providers, nursing homes, and community health services. Such facilities
provide quality services to every region of the State.
| The
University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital was included in
the “America’s Best Hospitals” issue of U.S. News & World Report, released July 13, 2007. |
Alabama is a top destination for golfers around the world thanks
to its year-round golfing opportunities across the state.
Alabama offers a variety of getaways from sugar white sand Gulf Coast
beaches to beautiful mountains. Families who enjoy the outdoors will
take pleasure in visiting the various leisure, recreational, and
sport options across the state.
Some of the most popular activities include:
- Golf
- Camping and Hiking
- Hunting and Fishing
- Bicycling and Boating
- Cave Exploring and Climbing
- Horseback Riding and Mountain Biking
Alabama is a state with a rich history and culture. It offers a variety
of activities for everyone.
- Outdoors:
- Lakes and rivers
- Parks and gardens
- Scenery and natural wonders
- History and Culture:
- Buildings and structures
- Educational sites and libraries
- Historic sites
- Museums
- Sightseeing
- Entertainment and amusement:
- Performances
- Tours
- Zoos and aquariums
- Other:
- Educational /learning activities
- Shopping
Here is a list of some of the must-see cultural and historical sites.
- Alabama Shakespeare Festival
- Birmingham Astronomical Society
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center/U.S.
Space Camp
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- Birmingham Civil Rights museum, the nation’s
finest.
- Alabama Symphony Orchestra
- The Civil Rights Memorial Center
- The Rosa Parks Museum
- Vulcan Park and State of Vulcan
- Edmund Pettus Bridge
- Human & Civil Rights Multicultural
Center
- First White House of the Confederacy and
Civil Rights Memorial
- Helen Keller’s Birth place
- Carver Museum
- W.C Handy Home and Museum
- Alabama Space and Rocket Center
- Moundville Monument and Museum
- Alabama Memorial Park
- Birmingham Zoo and Museum of Art
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab Education Center
- Alabama Princess Riverboat
- Martin Luther King Memorial Baptist Church
- Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
- The State Capitol
- Hank Williams Museum and many more…
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- Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic
- Alabama Sports Festival
- Bayfest
- Big Spring Jam
- City Stages Music Festival
- GMAC Bowl (Football)
- Jubilee City Fest
- Mobile Bay Jubilee
- Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival
- Mardi Gras
- Spirit of America Festival
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The Birmingham International Airport is
home to several major and regional carriers with more than 70 departing
and arriving flights daily.
The Mobile Regional Airport is
located within minutes of downtown Mobile, and a convenient drive
from anywhere in southwest Alabama, west Florida, and southeast Mississippi.
It offers flights connecting to six major hub airports—Atlanta, Dallas,
Houston, Memphis, Orlando, and Charlotte, providing access to domestic
and international destinations throughout the world.
The Montgomery Regional Airport has
recently been renovated by adding new and improved gates and facilities,
including escalators, elevators, jet bridges, and flight information
displays. The capital city’s airport is vital for Alabama’s Army
and Air National Guard operations and it provides commercial and
aviation services to several businesses and industries. The airport
is the home of the 187th Fighter Wing, Alabama Air National Guard.
Some of the national and international airlines providing their services
include Delta, Northwest Airlines, US Airways Express, and Continental
Express.
The Huntsville International Airport located
15 miles from downtown Huntsville, Ala., serving the Tennessee Valley
region with over 85 daily flights. This airport provides quality
service by major airlines that include American, Continental, Delta,
Northwest, Continental, United, Allegiant Air, and U.S. Airways.
Alabama communities are served by ninety-six public-use airfields
across the state. Dothan, Tuscaloosa, and the Shoals also provide
regional air service.
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