There’s more to life in Alabama.
A great place to work. An even better place to live.
Alabama offers what people look for in a home and rarely find in one place: a low cost of living, easy access to the outdoors, award-winning restaurants, championship college sports and respected universities. It’s safe to say there’s no sweeter thing than to be home in Alabama.
Housing
Your forever home is right here.
Alabama’s cost of living runs roughly 12% below the national average, making it one of the most affordable places to live in the country. From small towns to our 12 major metro areas, there’s a place for you to build the life you want.
10th
lowest cost of living in the U.S.
(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
$244K
median home sale price
(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
Education
Leading Alabamians
from classroom to career.
Alabama invests in education at every stage. Our K-12 schools and higher education institutions connect to the same goal: preparing Alabamians for what comes next.
K-12
With a forward-thinking approach to K-12 education, a variety of options including magnet, public and private schools, and a rigorous academic foundation, Alabama invests in its students’ lives. Our state prepares students for tomorrow’s workforce and helps them confidently take their next step. Whether they pursue STEM, the arts, business or the trades, Alabama’s schools provide pathways and resources that lead to long-term success.
Higher Education
Alabama’s colleges and universities give students room to pursue almost any path. Public and private universities, HBCUs, community colleges, and technical schools support students across the state. Top institutions include Auburn University, The University of Alabama, The University of Alabama at Birmingham and The University of Alabama in Huntsville, each classified as an R1 doctoral research university.
7
four-year research universities
20
four-year universities
24
community and technical colleges
87.8
K-12 college and career readiness score
(Alabama State Department of Education, 2025)
Outdoor Recreation
We’re not called
“beautiful” for nothing.
Alabama is full of adventure. Our state is home to a vast landscape of state parks; national parks, forests and preserves; mountains; beaches; and more. Since Alabama averages nearly 215 days with sun each year, there are more days to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
From North Alabama’s Monte Sano State Park to the countless white sand beaches of the Gulf, there’s room to hike, bike, climb, paddle, fish, hunt, explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Recreational Sports
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail operates 26 championship courses across 11 sites, and locally, there are more public and private sport facilities and activity centers than one could imagine. Other outdoor sports like racket sports, water sports and cycling are popular in the state as well.
32
miles of white-sand beaches along the Gulf
23
public lakes across 20 counties
21
state parks
987
named high points and mountains
Food & Drink
Savor the finest
in the South.
There’s more to Alabama than just our world-famous BBQ. Across the state, award-winning chefs and vibrant culinary districts have shaped a food and drink scene that grows in reputation and diversity by the year. From elevated Southern cuisine and Gulf seafood to international flavors and artisanal coffee to acclaimed bars and local craft beers, Alabama offers a food and drink experience that truly reflects the character of its communities.
Southern hospitality is woven into our state’s food scene. Many restaurants encourage locally sourced ingredients, embrace cultural staples and recognize regional traditions. With James Beard-recognized chefs, culinary entrepreneurs and Michelin-recognized dining experiences, Alabama’s flavor profile gets richer by the day.
Food & Culture Festivals
The various cultures that make up Alabama are celebrated through food and cultural festivals year-round. Spend some time at the nation’s largest peanut festival in Dothan or find a new cocktail in Mobile at the Lemon Drop Festival. International staples, local cookoffs and more are all right here to enjoy in Alabama.
Sports, Arts & Entertainment
We’re known for more
than just football.
Being at home in the South means being immersed in a dynamic culture of competitive sports, breathtaking art and sensational entertainment.
Sports
Alabama’s sports culture runs deep. Teams like the Rocket City Trash Pandas (baseball), Huntsville Havoc (hockey), Birmingham Legion FC (soccer), Birmingham Stallions (football) and others bring Alabama’s fan experience to life. Our state is also home to NASCAR’s Talladega Superspeedway, the Westgate Tennis Center and Rickwood Field—America’s first baseball park.
Football is a big deal in Alabama, too. Legendary college football programs like the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn University Tigers offer unparalleled gameday experiences for the entire family. Thanks to these two teams, Alabama boasts the record for the most college football national championships by state.
Arts & Entertainment
Several music and cultural events and festivals take place in Alabama each year. Decatur’s Rock the South welcomes tens of thousands of guests annually. Venues like the Orion Amphitheater and Von Braun Center in Huntsville, the Coca-Cola Amphitheater and BJCC in Birmingham, and the Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach boast award-winning artists and extraordinary lineups season after season.
Art lovers can enjoy a variety of exhibits and entertainment at our state’s notable museums in Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery; Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment in Huntsville—the nation’s largest privately owned art center; and Birmingham’s Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema—home of the annual Sidewalk Film Festival. There’s something for everyone in Alabama.
176
entertainment venues
10
NCAA Division I athletics programs
27
FBS National Championships by state universities
191
NASCAR national series races held in Alabama
Get Started
What are you waiting for?
Our Recruitment and Retention office is ready to help you navigate the process of expanding or starting your business in our state—from start to finish.
Why Alabama?
You can make it here in Alabama.
Alabama is a state of makers, builders and doers. So, whatever you make or build, you can do it in Alabama. We’re a launching point for aerospace, aviation and defense. A leader in automotive production. A home for startups, technology and research breakthroughs. And drawing on our manufacturing roots, we’re helping to usher in the industrial evolution in America.
Quality of Life
There’s more to life in Alabama than just work. Here, you’ll find a low cost of living with a high-value life. Living in Alabama means stepping into a world of new, daily adventures. From beaches and national forests to world-class universities and legendary sports, living here is as sweet as it gets.
Business Climate
Alabama is built for business. Centrally located in the fast-growing American South, our state combines a competitive environment with a pro-business mindset. Whether you’re investing, launching, relocating or expanding, you will find the momentum you need to thrive.
Tax Incentives & Grants
Alabama’s business approach offers global companies incentives, tax benefits, a skilled workforce, ideal site locations and excellent real estate options. Our state’s low taxes, affordable utilities and reasonable cost of living help you boost profits and ensure your dollars go further.
Workforce
Alabama’s workforce is a major attraction for businesses worldwide. AIDT, our state’s nation-leading workforce development agency, has powered giants like Mercedes-Benz and Airbus. By pairing workforce training with strong university pipelines, we deliver a skilled workforce ready for every industry.
Site Search
Your next big move starts on Southern ground. With Alabama’s diverse inventory of prepared sites and available quality buildings, our state is ready to welcome your next project. Whatever you require, we have the space and infrastructure to get you operational—fast.
Contact a Project Manager
Our Business Development Division seeks corporate investors, promotes global expansion for local companies and collaborates with stakeholders to accelerate statewide growth. Connect with a project manager today to see how your new or expanding company could thrive in Alabama.