[Southlander]

In a different thread, a poster opined of Alabama: "The economy in the entire state is rock bottom."
Opinions, anyone??

[marysally]

Couldn't be further from the truth!

[jsherman9901]

Originally Posted by Southlander

In a different thread, a poster opined of Alabama: "The economy in the entire state is rock bottom."
Opinions, anyone??

That may be true of West Alabama, the so-called "black belt", but in my travels throughout the state, the economy of the other regions seems no worse off than the country as a whole.

[nalabama]

There is more opportunity and excitement in Alabama now than at any time I can remember in the last 40 years. The high profile industry commitments by international companies in recent years are accelerating economic development beyond what most citizens could have envisioned when we first enticed Mercedes to locate in the state. The state will also benefit greatly over the next 4 years from the relocation of many high-level government agencies due to BRAC decisions. The medical community in Birmingham continues to grow and appears to be limited only by its vision and planning for the future. Bio-tech research and development is blooming in both Birmingham and Huntsville. Vast areas of under-utilized cropland is also available to take advantage of rapidly increasing interest in bio-fuels development. If we have the will to enable our schools to better educate our youngsters, our hardworking and capable workforce can become the basis for even greater economic achievements in the future. Alabama is poised to boom in my opinion.

[mrdude]

i just graduated from auburn, and i had plenty of job interviews all throughout the state. there are plenty of opportunities for anyone with a college degree.

also, there are plenty of jobs with all of these new car manufacturing plants popping up all over the place.

[Copper1272]

We have been looking to move to N.Alabama and see there are plenty of jobs if you are an engineer, but what if you are a blue collar worker in the construction industry. My husband does custom kitchens and baths, I am a bookeeper.

We are also concerned about an economy that will last. We currently live in southwest florida, we had a stable life for many years and then there was a boom here and suddenly now that bubble has burst and we are economically worse off than we were before the boom. Does anyone have any opinions on N. Alabama's longevity

[nalabama]

The Huntsville area economic engine so far has been the miltary and NASA presence. I forsee little likelihood of the military mission fading away, inasmuch as the Army will always need helicopters and missiles (the Army Aviation and Missile Command, or "AAMCOM") and somebody to oversee development and control of all its materiel needs (the Army Materiel Command, or "AMC"). The contractors and subcontractors are already on the ground here with more coming every day. NASA may be an entirely different situation, but there should be ample warning if their mission is threatened with major change. Our congressional delegation keeps pretty close tabs on anything that might impact the NASA's mission and have been fairly successful in beating back challenges in past years.

Custom kitchens and baths and bookkeeping would seem to be a good fit for the Huntsville area with al the speculative building going on. As our population ages and improves their homes either for resale or their personal enjoyment, I think you will see a sustained need for the work both you and your spouse do.

[Threestep]

Hello Cooper!
It is almost impossible to get someone for a remodeling job. I can tell you horror stories. Your husband does good work and the word will spread in a hurry.

Being on the inside of recruiting - there is no slump in AL.

[Copper1272]

I am glad to hear that the area looks strong. We are not people that love to move around. So most likely where we move is where we are going to stay. We both have had the same jobs here for years and now those are being threatened.

I also have horses here and land has become extremely expensive. Feed and hay are rediculous as well.

Looking foward to greener pastures ( not literally, I've heard about the drought up there)

[Keeper]

You should really check out N. AL. Land is reasonable but what is even more important is property tax and homeowners insurance is VERY LOW in comparison to FL. There is a state income tax and sales tax is 7-10 cents on the dollar in most cities. If I added the income tax, property tax and HOI, it is still a lot less than what I paid in FL for just property taxes. You shouldn't have a problem finding a job and the construction area is booming in N. AL. Also as stated, trying to get anyone to do small jobs is almost impossible. Why not take a look? go to valleymls.com for real estate listing in N. AL