[MrPortCity]

I recently read Alabama was almost last in growth from the past 10 years, at something like 7.5%. My question is, how could Alabama improve and why maybe are we not growing as fast and as much as neighboring states. Alabama is the central southern state, plenty of land, okay-good sized cities and metros. I read and look at Florida's, Texas' and Georgia's growth and wonder why Alabama couldn't be like them. What do you see in the future for the State as a whole and the cities in it?

[annie_himself]

Alabama doesn't have the same cities as FL, GA, or TX. I believe Alabama will shine soon, as you said, there are many cities that are growing. I can't, for the life of me, believe that Mississippi experienced more growth than even Birmingham metro.

[Keeper]

Growth in what? Employment, new residents, construction? It might help to have a link to what you were reading so it can be discussed. I can't speak for all of AL but Mobile and Huntsville area have seen a lot of growth recent in employment. Some smaller cities have lost jobs due to them being moved out of the country.

[cpg35223]

Actually Alabama has had some huge growth in areas such as household income and educational achievement. We've climbed out of the statistical bottom in those areas. That's the kind of growth that matters to me.

[Joeyj42]

Actually Alabama has had some huge growth in areas such as household income and educational achievement.

Wow? Really? That's great!

[southernnaturelover]

Alabama's growth rate is just fine, its not like were losing people. The high growth in other Southern states like GA and NC is mostly because of the cities, and then there's the massive suburban sprawl that comes with that. No thanks.

Just go over to the NC forum and see what the NATIVE North Carolinians think of all of that growth, most of them don't like it.

[PortCity]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

Actually Alabama has had some huge growth in areas such as household income and educational achievement. We've climbed out of the statistical bottom in those areas. That's the kind of growth that matters to me.

Yes ! And as long as Alabama continue to grow in those areas other things will folow.

[Pear Martini]

Sounds pretty bad. I think most people who have never been to Alabama, pretty much just write it off as too close-minded of a place to move to. Even if the cities were big and booming, there are just too many groups of people that would feel uncomfortable in a place with such a reputation for ignorance (People who are not Christian and/or 100% white). I visited Alabama for a few weeks years ago, and it didn't feel very welcoming. I'm also a Jewish Latina, so I don't know if people would be very nice to me.

[PortCity]

Originally Posted by Pear Martini

Sounds pretty bad. I think most people who have never been to Alabama, pretty much just write it off as too close-minded of a place to move to. Even if the cities were big and booming, there are just too many groups of people that would feel uncomfortable in a place with such a reputation for ignorance (People who are not Christian and/or 100% white). I visited Alabama for a few weeks years ago, and it didn't feel very welcoming. I'm also a Jewish Latina, so I don't know if people would be very nice to me.

And again you are a vicim of stereotypical ignorance.The state of Alabama is growing at a moderate healthy rate.

[mattawest]

I'm originally from Raleigh, NC. Because of all of the transplants from up north, a lot of natives are no longer able to afford to live in Raleigh anymore. You can't even find a decent 1br apartment for under $550/month. I remember when Raleigh used to be a quaint town. Now it loaded with people from everywhere and it has lost it's personality.

I hope to relocate to another state after I am done with school.