Owning Land In Alabama: Pros & Cons

‍Want to live in a rural community that is rich in agriculture? Alabama might be the right place for you. So what are the pros and cons of owning land in Alabama?

Alabama is a diverse community with multiple industries, sunny weather, and natural beauty. If you are comfortable with warmer temperatures and enjoy outdoor activities, Alabama is the perfect option for you.

There are many pros and cons to owning land in Alabama. For example, the low cost of living and real estate compared to other states, the amazing food, and the education system are great reasons to live in Alabama. But it does have alcohol restrictions, severe weather, and high pest infestation.

Alabama, also known as the Cotton State, is located in the southern region of the United States. It enjoys a blend of city and country living styles and is great for people who love the outdoors and warm weather. The state is filled with beautiful scenery, waterways, and forests. Initially, Alabama was solely reliant on agriculture to thrive but now has multiple industries like technology, finance, etc.

In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of owning land in Alabama. Let’s get started!

‍Pros and Cons of Owning Land in Alabama

Pros

Football

Football is pretty much treated as a religion in Alabama. The state is crazy for football, and even football college season is enjoyed in all earnest. People are always ready to skip important events to enjoy a match. Football is the primary interest and foundation of social interaction for people living in Alabama.

The football teams of colleges in Alabama compete in the SEC, which is the best conference in college football. The players from the SEC are often sent to the NFL, so you might be lucky enough to encounter young athletic talent in Alabama.

Low Cost of Living

One of the major reasons for owning land in Alabama is the low cost of living. Compared to other states, residents can save up to 12% on goods and services. According to the national average, services like healthcare, gas, mortgage, and rent are lower in Alabama.

When it comes to groceries and transportation, Alabama is better in this regard. You can find food cheaper than the national average, although there are some exceptions. Moreover, it is considered an ideal place for retired people to relax and enjoy their lives.

Low Real Estate

Besides affordable living, owning land in Alabama is fairly easy due to the low real estate cost. There is a 40% drop in real estate prices in Alabama compared to the neighboring states. People can buy houses for as low as $140k; although the prices increase every year, it’s still way more affordable than any other U.S state.

In addition to owning land, property taxes are also low in Alabama. The property tax is based on the value of your property and the state and local tax rate, making it the most affordable state in the U.S. Thus, it’s a great place for a family or a retired couple to settle down and save on living costs.

Higher Education Rank

If you are thinking of relocating with your family, don’t worry, Alabama has a great education system in place for your kids. Alabama’s higher education ranks higher than the national average, and this is due to the funds received from colleges with football programs.

Some of the best institutes in Alabama include the University of Alabama in Birmingham, which offers the best doctoral programs in the U.S, Auburn University, Troy University, and more. These institutes offer programs like business, law, engineering, and science.

The public schools in Alabama are not as good and haven’t yet developed a K-12 education system due to lack of funding compared to higher educational institutes.

Outdoor Activities

Another reason for owning land in Alabama is the multiple outdoor activities. It is a fun place to relocate to; from beaches to historical landmarks, the state has it all. The Gulf Shores in Alabama offer beautiful beaches where you can enjoy and sunbathe. It also has shopping malls, parks, and museums nearby so you can have a week’s worth of adventure and fun. You can also take advantage of activities like fishing, boating, etc.

As mentioned above, science is an emerging and preferred field in Alabama. And if that is something you are interested in too, you can enjoy a day in the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and check out artifacts from different missions. Moreover, there is a McWane Science Center in Birmingham as well. Other outdoor activities include parks, museums, libraries, etc.  

Amazing Food

One of the major pros of living in Alabama is the amazing food you get everywhere. From seafood to BBQ, Alabama has its own authentic taste that can’t be compared. The warm and sunny weather makes it perfect for hosting BBQs and enjoying pork ribs and chicken. Moreover, the Gulf Shores make seafood easily available and is one of the delicacies in Alabama. Shrimp, oysters, and crab are some of the most popular dishes.

Beer

You need some kind of beverage to wash all that delicious food down. Alabama has some of the finest breweries across the state. The beer industry dates back to the 1800s; since then, many breweries have opened, such as Birmingham District Brewing Company, TrimTab Brewing Company, etc. You can also enjoy the special seasonal beers.

Cons

Severe Weather

The weather in Alabama is dangerous and unpredictable, and you need to be prepared for anything. Weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and cyclones are common in Alabama and can happen all year round. From spring to late summer, the residents of Alabama experience thunder and rainstorms.

Tornadoes and hurricanes, although rare, have the power to wipe out entire communities. For example, the Camille hurricane was a level 5 category hurricane and was one of the three recorded in the U.S because of landfall.

Thus, it would be best to take protective measures and prepare safe and shelter rooms for emergencies.

Pest Infestation

If you are scared of cockroaches, Alabama might not be the right place for you. Alabama is a warm, humid state that doesn’t only attract people but also pests and animals. In the summer, cockroaches will be a common sight in your home in Alabama, and eventually, you will get used to it. Besides cockroaches, you will also encounter mosquitoes, gators, snakes, spiders, and much more. So make sure you have all the necessary tools to pest-proof your home.

Alcohol Restrictions

Some states have very strict laws regarding alcohol selling, and the same goes for Alabama. Some countries have banned the sale of alcohol, whereas others allow alcohol purchasing for some days of the week, with Sundays being closed. Other countries allow restricted alcohol sales for certain days of the week depending on the alcohol content in the beverage. This could all get confusing quickly; thus, it’s best to be prepared and stock ahead in case of a sudden craving.  

Low Quality of Living

According to many national surveys, despite all the benefits of owning land in Alabama, the quality of living has been declared very poor. The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development ranked Alabama 49th out of 51 measurements. The rank was given on nine aspects, including healthcare, income, job, housing, education, etc. Except for education, Alabama ranked poorly in all departments.

There has also been an alarming increase in the crime rate and violence in Alabama, and it is listed as one of the most dangerous states in the U.S.

No Business Sundays

Many countries have given up on this tradition, but some rural communities still follow it. There are no stores or businesses opened on Sundays in some countries or parts of Alabama. Thus, you need to stock up for the weekend before and enjoy a relaxing day with no errands to run. Moreover, you can also explore the city, go for a long drive, or spend the day at the beach. Restaurants and stores also close up early, at around 10 pm in Alabama, so make sure you do all necessary shopping before then.

Poverty

When we mention the poor quality of life, we cover all aspects of life. Employment opportunities are limited in Alabama. Only people working in the manufacturing field have high-paying jobs.

The high unemployment rate is one of the major reasons for growing obesity in the state. More than 30% of the population in Alabama is obese.

Now that you know the major pros and cons of owning land in Alabama, you can make a well-informed decision. If you want to live in a state that is rich in culture, history, and has a diverse population, then Alabama is the perfect place for you. But if warm weather, pests, and severe thunderstorms are something you are not comfortable with, then you need to consider another state. Although the quality of living in Alabama is considered poor, there are still many advantages, and the lower cost of living is the primary one.