Already the largest city in Alabama, Huntsville continues to grow and expand, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Thanks to a booming economy, stunning surrounding nature, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene, people are flocking to this charming Southern city.
Successful Economy
Huntsville boasts a booming economy enjoyed by local residents. Supported by a wide variety of industries and anchored by its aerospace and engineering community, the Rocket City’s economy continues to grow, outpacing the U.S. in employment growth and ranked as a top performing economy by Moody’s Analytics. In addition, a recent report by Card Rates for Economically Resilient Metros ranked Huntsville the No. 1 economically resilient city in the U.S. based on a variety of economic factors such as low poverty and low unemployment rates.
In 1949, Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal became the home of the Army Rocket and Missile Center. The following year, Huntsville became home base for Wernher von Braun’s German rocket team following a move from Fort Bliss, Texas. These two developments would set up Huntsville to become the Rocket City we know it as today – a booming aerospace and engineering hub.
Today, Redstone Arsenal is the largest employer in the area, employing roughly 45,000 individuals. Manufacturing and research and development are key players in the economy, with companies such as Boeing, Amazon, PPG, Blue Origin, and Polaris having a large presence in the area. Along with jobs in the technology space, there are many opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, tourism, and more.
Part of Huntsville’s commercial advantage is its location. Industrial transportation is set up for success with Huntsville’s proximity to other major cities – Atlanta, Chattanooga, Memphis, Nashville, and Birmingham are all accessible by car within three hours, along with easy access to rail and flight transportation as well. This appeals to businesses along with Huntsville residents, who can take quick trips to desirable cities for getaways.
Stunning Nature
There’s no doubt about it – Huntsville is a beautiful place to live and visit. Nestled between the Appalachian Mountains and the Tennessee River Valley, residents and tourists enjoy the beautiful nature the area has to offer. Within the city, there are 73 miles of trails and greenways, with plans to continue expanding. Huntsville is home to more than 60 public parks, several recreation areas, and two nature preserves. The Huntsville Botanical Garden features 118 acres of stunning floral and greenery exhibits, a butterfly house, educational spots to learn about flora and fauna, and more.
Nearby Monte Sano State Park offers camping, trails, playgrounds, and more, and Lake Guntersville State Park, about an hour south of the city, has stunning lake views and trails along with a lodge and 18-hole championship golf course.
Arts and Entertainment
While Rocket City may be known for their space exploration roots, the city also supports a thriving arts and entertainment community that locals enjoy. Located in West Huntsville, Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment is the largest privately owned arts facility in the nation. Once a textile mill, the building now houses 153 working studios for over 300 artists and makers, seven galleries, a theatre, community garden, and performance venues. Located in Big Spring International Park is the world class Huntsville Museum of Art, containing 14 galleries including permanent and rotating exhibits.
The city is also home to five Arts and Entertainment Districts, supporting a flourishing performance art scene. Music venues and theatres including the Von Braun Center, the Orion Amphitheatre, and Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center host concerts, plays and musicals, stand-up comedy, and other events throughout the year.
Outside of economic advantages and exciting culture, Huntsville also offers a great food and drink scene, with award-winning and nationally recognized restaurants, breweries, and distilleries that range from casual to fine dining.
Thanks to its booming economy, beautiful surroundings, and exciting culture, Huntsville will continue to attract residents to the area in the years to come.
Kristen Dee, BS, MA, Summa Cum Laude
Kristen Dee is a graduate of Winthrop University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in integrated marketing communications, with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude and IMC Student of the Year. Following Winthrop, Kristen earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Wake Forest University. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor, Kristen successfully fulfilled roles involving internal corporate communications. Today, Kristen leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
