Montgomery is the capital city of the southern state of Alabama. Sitting on the Alabama river, Montgomery’s rich history has shaped much of its identity today.
Moving to Montgomery, Alabama, is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable new home and better opportunities. While there are many modern amenities, the cost of living in Montgomery is strikingly low.
So, if you have any plans to relocate, this article is for you. Learn about the pros and cons of living in Montgomery, the cost and quality of living, and the many things that shape life there.
1. Consider The Pros And Cons Of Living In Montgomery
Like most cities, you’ll have to weigh the good and the bad. This way, you won’t make any regrets down the line and know that you made an informed decision.
Pros
A Very Affordable Cost Of Living In Montgomery
According to the most recent number, Montgomery is cheaper by more than 10% than the national average.
Revitalisation And Urbanism Projects
Since 2004, Montgomery has steadily increased revitalisation programs and urbanism projects. This includes building new residential areas and implementing SmartCode zoning, a template for planning and urban design.
Great Educational Institutions
If you plan on having a family and having kids in the future, the Montgomery Public Schools system is here to provide quality education. They have great graduation rates, teacher-to-student ratios, and enrollment rates. Some private colleges and universities cater to the population at a higher level by offering quality education.
Cons
The Weather Can Get Troublesome At Times
Though the overall climate of Montgomery is agreeable, severe weather phenomena have been recorded, such as thunderstorms bringing in hail. Heavy rains and wind are also expected, as is the risk of tornadoes.
2. Calculate And Budget Your The Cost Of Living In Montgomery Against Your Current Cost Of Living
Moving to Montgomery is great for anyone looking for a high quality of living without spending much. The cost of living in the city is lower than the national average by more than 10%.
If you are looking to buy property, the cost of housing is around 30% lower than the national average. This translates to a median home cost of 110,000 USD.
For a single person, the cost of living will be in the range of 880 USD. This covers utilities, food and groceries, transportation, and more. It will fetch anywhere between 550 to 1,200 USD for rental costs, with prices varying based on the distance to the city centre.
In 2022, a study was performed on cities where you can live for less than 1,500 USD per month and gave the cities a livability score. Montgomery got a livability score of about 71, meaning it is pretty affordable.
3. Adapt To The Montgomery Lifestyle By Checking Out Local R&R Hot Spots
Life shouldn’t be all work. When in Montgomery, you should look up these locations if you need some rest and recreation. Not only will you have a fun time with your family, but it’s also a great way to meet new people now that you are in a new city.
Riverfront Park is an all-in-one entertainment destination that lies on the Alabama river. It has rides and venues for concerts and other shows. If there isn’t a big event scheduled, you can set up on the grass or tables and have yourself a picnic.
Haunted Montgomery Tours leans more toward recreation rather than rest. But if you are a fan of the more spooky side of life, this would be a fun night out.
Eastbrook Antique Hall is always a fun place to go to. You will never really know what you’ll find, and that’s already half the fun. From mid-century furniture to antique trinkets, unearthing treasures will be the agenda for the afternoon.
Montgomery Zoo has over 750 animal specimens from 5 different continents. Take an educational stroll and say hello to the furry residents. In addition to the live animals, there’s also the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, which has taxidermy exhibits.
Montgomery City Planetarium, if ghosts, antiques, or wildlife aren’t your thing, the planetarium is an excellent destination if you want to learn about space and the cosmos.
4. Find Jobs In The Most Promising Industries
In a recent study, the best companies to work for in Alabama were in the Health Sector. This would include healthcare, health services, and insurance.
Montgomery’s position in the Black Belt, a region of rich soil that has historically been used for plantations, makes Agriculture very strong today. Cotton, peanuts, and soybeans have long been farmed and processed in this area, so you will always be able to find job opportunities in this sector.
To date, the largest employer in the city is Montgomery’s Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base. Employing over 17,000 people in the military, civil service, and personnel.
You can also find a lot of opportunities in the manufacturing and trade industry, especially after the 1 billion dollar investment of Hyundai Motor Company in Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.
5. Familiarise Yourself With Public Transportation
The Montgomery Area Transit System provides public transportation services for the majority of the city via a fleet of buses. TransLoc is a service provided by the transit system that allows you to track the buses live on your phone. This makes it easier to catch the bus you need or check out unfamiliar routes.
If you need to travel to different cities, there is a terminal that is operated by Greyhound Lines. Interstate 65 and 85 are the main highways that run through and serve Montgomery. The former is the north-south route between Birmingham and Huntsville, while the latter leads northeast and serves as the connection to Atlanta, GA.
6. Learn About The History And Culture Of Montgomery Through These Museums
Alabama has a very rich history and played as the backdrop for the civil rights movement. Today, you can learn all sorts of things about the city and state’s history via the many museums that preserve the stories of Montgomery’s past.
Alabama State Archives and History Museum is the official archival office of the US government in the state of Alabama. Famous exhibits include features of the Selma to Montgomery marches and the history of Native Americans.
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts features an art collection from the 19th and 20th centuries. Exhibits include paintings, sculptures, and prints, one of which is the Blount Collection of American Art.
Rosa Parks Library and Museum is a museum attached to Troy University. It features exhibits and some artefacts from the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 by the museum’s namesake, Rosa Parks.
Dexter Parsonage Museum is the restored Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church which was the residence of civil rights activist and minister Martin Luther King Jr.
7. Participate In Local Festivals And Holidays
Another great way to get to know a city is through the festivals that they celebrate. In Montgomery, join in on the fun while getting to know a little bit more of the city’s culture.
Alabama Shakespeare Festival is perfect for those fans of prose and rhyme. It’s one of the largest Shakespeare-themed festivals in the world and is celebrated by the production of plays by William Shakespeare and new playwrights.
Dragon Boat Festival is an intense battle between over 70 dragon boat teams from all over Alabama. Witness the colourful boats and exciting races on the banks of the Riverfront Park as you and other patrons cheer for your favourite team.
Maxwell Air and Space Show is an exhibition by the Department of the Air Force, held at the Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base.
The Flimp Festival is held every first Saturday of May. The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts organises this festival as a celebration of art and self-expression.
8. Look Into The School Systems And Upskill Through Montgomery’s Universities And Public Schools
Several institutions in Montgomery are excellent if you ever plan to go to university, whether to level up in your current field or pursue a different degree. Here are some of the city’s top Universities and colleges that you should consider.
- Alabama State University
- Huntingdon College
- Auburn University at Montgomery
- Faulkner University
Montgomery Public Schools provide excellent training if you ever plan on having kids in the future. Aside from those under the Montgomery Public Schools system, there are also 9 Magnet schools in Montgomery.
Montgomery is also the home to three public schools with International Baccalaureate programs. This international non-profit institution aims to provide quality education.
9. Connect With Your Community By Being Part Of Civic Organisations
If you want to meet new people and learn about the city simultaneously, joining civic and non-profit organisations is another great idea. Aside from uplifting the community, it’s also another avenue to learn about the state’s history of the civil rights movement.
Montgomery Clean City Commission promotes environmental awareness
Building Our Neighborhoods for Development and Success or BONDS is about building the community through citizen engagement.
One Montgomery is a group that promotes racial diversity and unity.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program provides assistance and opportunities for people above 55 years old.
10. Explore The City Via A Segway Tour
If you are unfamiliar, a Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing transporter for one person. The Segway Tour is a guided trip that will show you key areas in the city, including the Riverfront, as well as buildings and historical sights related to the civil rights movement.
Since you are new to the city, this will be an excellent way to find its nooks and crannies. Throughout the tour, you will, in effect, also discover places to eat and shop. If you are with kids, the interactivity of this tour is a sure way to keep them engaged.
You won’t have to worry if you’ve never ridden a Segway before. At the beginning of the tour, there will be a tutorial.
11. Make A Checklist To Keep The Stress Levels During Your Trip Low
Don’t overcomplicate the relocation process; keep things simple and organised by making a checklist. The checklist can be categorised according to what you need to do, buy, when they need to be accomplished, and their current status.
To start, here are some categories and entries you can add:
- Things to buy (Boxes, tape, markers, etc.)
- Documents (Tickets, Property Deed, etc.)
- Items to bring, donate, or sell
- Budget
- Relocation timeline.
You can modify these entries at any time but do make sure to update the list throughout the relocation process.
12. Engage With Experienced Professionals To Ship Your Belongings
If you want your relocation to be less stressful, engaging with an experienced moving company like Sanelo is the next step.
Whether you are moving to a new city or country, Sanelo is here for all your relocation needs. You won’t have to worry about carrying heavy luggage when you avail of Sanelo’s services. You can enjoy your trip stress-free knowing your belongings are under Sanelo’s shipment protection.
On top of that, our team will walk you through every step of the process catered to your specific needs.
Conclusion On Moving To Montgomery
Montgomery is an excellent city if you are after a healthy mix of a relaxed lifestyle with modern amenities. It is home to friendly civic groups, job opportunities, educational museums, and exciting festivals to join.
Every opportunity is waiting for you in Montgomery. All you have to do is take the leap and make the trip.
And to ensure the best transition possible, engage with Sanelo to help you move to Montgomery and have an enjoyable experience overall.
If you’d like to know more about Alabama or its cities, check out these articles on Huntsville and Birmingham.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving/Relocating To Montgomery
Is Montgomery A Good Place To Live In?
Yes, Montgomery scores relatively high on the livability index, citing the low cost of living, lower home prices, and tax rates. This is especially true for retirees who have a fixed income.
How Cold Does It Get In Montgomery, Alabama?
Depending on the season, Montgomery’s temperature will float between 39 to 92°F. The cold lasts between November and February, with January being the coldest month bottoming out at 39°F.
Does it snow in Montgomery, Alabama?
No, or very very rarely. Measurable snow only appears about once every three years, which is a stark difference from the 28-inch average of snow in the United States.
Is it a good time to buy a house in Montgomery, Alabama?
Yes. Montgomery’s real estate is affordable compared to the rest of the country. The median cost of a home in Montgomery is only 110,000 USD, compared to the 160,000 USD of statewide median prices. Buying property now is a great investment, especially with the trend of price increases in recent years.