Huntsville
About Huntsville, Alabama
Welcome to Huntsville, Alabama, a dynamic city known for its pivotal role in the U.S. space missions and as a hub for aerospace industries. Huntsville is home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, where history and innovation meet under the backdrop of NASA's ongoing space explorations. The city marries Southern charm with high-tech sophistication, offering a variety of lifestyle choices from its bustling downtown to quieter suburban areas. Huntsville's cultural life thrives with festivals, museums, and theaters, while nearby mountainous landscapes provide numerous outdoor activities.
Average Home Prices in Huntsville
The average home price in Huntsville, AL, is approximately $282,670, which showcases the city's accessible real estate market. Housing options vary widely, from modern downtown apartments to sprawling suburban estates, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. Huntsville's growing economy and its reputation as a tech hub continue to draw new residents, making it a promising location for both living and investment.
Based on calculations of home data from MLS and/or public records.
Veteran Benefits in Alabama
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Alabama State Veterans Homes
Alabama manages four state veterans homes: Bill Nichols in Alexander City, Floyd E. "Tut" Fann in Huntsville, William F. Green in Bay Minette, and Col. Robert L Howard in Pell City. The upcoming Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins home in Enterprise is expected by 2024. Admission requires an honorable discharge and wartime service, with a monthly fee.
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Alabama Tax Benefits For Veterans
Veterans benefit from property tax exemptions on specially adapted housing and vehicles provided by the VA. All military retirement pay and active combat pay are exempt from Alabama state tax.
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Alabama Veteran Employment Benefits
Veterans receive a preference in state employment, adding points to examination scores. This preference extends to spouses and surviving spouses under certain conditions.
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Alabama Veteran Education Benefits
Includes tuition waivers for Purple Heart recipients and the Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship Program offering tuition assistance for children and spouses of disabled or deceased veterans.
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Alabama National Guard Education Assistance
ANGEAP provides up to $5,080 per semester for National Guard members, covering tuition after federal benefits are applied.
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Alabama Veteran Recreation Benefits
Veterans enjoy free access to state parks, discounted hunting and fishing licenses, and special rates for other recreational licenses.
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Alabama State Veterans Cemetery
Located in Spanish Fort, the cemetery offers interment for veterans and eligible family members without charge for veterans, with a fee for dependents.
Huntsville Neighborhoods and Surrounding Areas
Explore the distinct neighborhoods and surrounding areas of Huntsville, each offering unique experiences and lifestyles. Here's a closer look at 20 vibrant communities:
- Downtown Huntsville: The heart of the city, Downtown Huntsville is a thriving hub of business and culture, featuring high-rise offices, luxury lofts, and a vibrant arts scene. It hosts regular events like food truck rallies and music nights.
- Five Points: Historic and eclectic, Five Points is known for its charming bungalows and a welcoming, artistic community. It offers convenient access to downtown and several local shops and cafes.
- Medical District: As the healthcare nucleus of Huntsville, the Medical District is home to many of the city’s major hospitals and medical offices. It features a mix of residential housing and essential services.
- Monte Sano: Named after the mountain it rests on, Monte Sano offers breathtaking views and is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous hiking trails and a state park nearby.
- Twickenham: Twickenham features Huntsville’s largest collection of antebellum homes, presenting a step back in time with well-preserved architecture and quiet, tree-lined streets.
- Blossomwood: A family-friendly neighborhood, Blossomwood has excellent schools and is close to downtown, with an abundance of parks and recreational areas.
- Hampton Cove: A master-planned community with a focus on family living, Hampton Cove offers a range of modern homes, extensive amenities, and a 54-hole golf course.
- Jones Valley: Known for its upscale homes and proximity to the Carl T. Jones Field, Jones Valley is a premier residential area with a variety of shopping and dining options.
- Low Mill: An artsy area centered around an historic cotton mill that’s been converted into a creative space hosting artists, craftsmen, and small businesses.
- Research Park: This area houses many of the city’s technology and defense companies, featuring contemporary housing developments close to workplaces and good schools.
- Providence: Modeled after old-world towns, Providence combines residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces in one accessible location, known for its community events and local businesses.
- Madison: Just west of Huntsville, Madison is known for its quality schools, rapidly growing residential areas, and strong community-oriented atmosphere.
- Greenwycke Village: Offering an array of substantial homes set in mature landscapes, Greenwycke Village caters to those looking for tranquility close to urban conveniences.
- Chapman Mountain: Located on the east side of Huntsville, Chapman Mountain offers easy access to downtown and the I-565, ideal for commuters and those seeking a suburban lifestyle.
- Bailey Cove: Nestled in Southeast Huntsville, Bailey Cove features well-established neighborhoods, with plenty of parks and natural beauty, appealing to families and retirees alike.
- Weatherly Heights: This neighborhood is prized for its quiet streets and solidly built homes, boasting a tight-knit community and active neighborhood association.
- Sherwood Park: Close to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Sherwood Park offers affordable housing options with proximity to several major employers and leisure activities.
- Lincoln: Lincoln is a developing area with new housing projects and commercial developments, attracting first-time home buyers and young professionals.
- English Village: English Village is characterized by its unique architecture and quiet streets, offering a blend of residential comfort and local conveniences.
- Blue Spring Gardens: Known for its spacious plots and mature trees, Blue Spring Gardens is an ideal spot for those looking for a peaceful suburban setting with city access.
Military Presence in Huntsville
Huntsville and the surrounding areas have a significant military presence, contributing robustly to the local economy and community. These bases support numerous active-duty, reserve, and civilian personnel, as well as their families.
- Redstone Arsenal: Located in Huntsville, Redstone Arsenal is a major U.S. Army post hosting multiple tenants, including the Army Materiel Command and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, making it a key player in national defense and space exploration.
Local Universities in Huntsville
Huntsville is home to several distinguished higher education institutions, providing a wide array of opportunities for academic advancement and professional development. Here’s a look at some of the notable local universities:
- University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH): Known for its strong engineering and science programs, UAH is a leading research university that attracts students nationally and internationally.
- Oakwood University: A historically black Seventh-day Adventist institution known for its liberal arts programs and vibrant campus life.
- Alabama A&M University: A public, historically black university located in Normal, offering a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields.
VA Home Loans and MHS Lending in Huntsville
In Huntsville, the VA Home Loan program offers great opportunities for veterans and active military personnel seeking homeownership. These loans provide substantial benefits:
- No Down Payment Required: Qualified veterans can purchase a home in Huntsville without a down payment, easing the path to homeownership.
- Competitive Interest Rates: VA Loans typically feature lower interest rates than many conventional loans, helping to reduce monthly payments and total loan cost.
- No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Unlike many other loans, VA Loans do not require PMI, which can save buyers a significant amount monthly.
MHS Lending, specializing in VA Loans, offers expertise and personalized service to guide veterans through the home buying process, helping them maximize their benefits in Huntsville.
