2008 BRAC Update For Huntsville, Alabama

By Mike Manosky

By the time the relocations set forth during the Base Realignment and Closures (BRAC) of 2005 are complete in the year 2011, approximately 4,700 new people will have moved to Huntsville, Alabama due to job transfers. Many of these people and positions will come from the northern Virginia area. Some of them will come from Georgia. Alabama will also see its first four-star command thanks to BRAC. As for 2008, the Tennessee Valley BRAC Commission states that the 2nd Recruiting Brigade facility should be completed in time to house the 2nd Recruiting Brigade that will relocate this year. That will put roughly 700 transfers at the U. S. Army Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama this year.

Along with these changes, numerous support positions may also be created. What can everyone expect as they begin the process of moving to Alabama? And what does Huntsville have to offer that workers didn’t have before?

Huntsville Real Estate

The 2007 Coldwell Banker® Home Price Comparison named Huntsville real estate the most affordable residential real estate market in Alabama. When looking at a 2,200 square-foot house with four bedrooms and two and a half baths, the average cost for Huntsville was $212,183. A similar house in Atlanta, Georgia showed a price of $324,000. Find that same house in Alexandria, Virginia and the price skyrockets to $771,500. In other words, if BRAC has you relocating to Huntsville, real estate prices will be an enormous benefit when transferring from Georgia or Virginia.

Cost of Living

A cost of living comparison from CNNMoney.com shows that an annual income of $120,000 in Washington DC is equivalent to approximately $78,000 a year in Huntsville. To state it another way, relocation from the DC/northern Virginia area to Huntsville is almost like getting a 50% pay increase. The comparison states that in Huntsville groceries were 14% less, utilities were 29% less, transportation was 7% less and healthcare was 18% less than in Washington. While not as large a difference, a $120,000 annual salary in Atlanta would equate to $113,000 in Huntsville. Groceries were 3.9% less, utilities 4.1% less, transportation 3.6% less and healthcare 12.4% less in Huntsville than in Atlanta.

Taxes

Alabama has some of the lowest income tax rates in the nation. You’ll also find very low property tax rates in this area. A home valued at $100,000 in Huntsville would have a property tax bill of less than $600. Not true in Georgia or Virginia. Another item to consider is that retired military and civil service income is exempt from personal income tax in Alabama, making this state an ideal place for those planning to retire from military vocations soon.

Entertainment

Not only is Huntsville an economical place to live, it’s also an entertaining one. Golf and boating are popular sports thanks to an average temperature in the upper 80s during summer and low 30s during winter. Outdoor activities are an option most of the year.

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra has provided magnificent concerts and award-winning educational programs for over 50 years.

At the newly opened Bridge Street Town Center you’ll find upscale shops as well as familiar favorites. Gondola rides, paddleboats, fine dining, and movies make this a place you have to see to believe.

You can’t talk about Huntsville, however, without mentioning the U. S. Space and Rocket Center. See actual moon rocks, the Apollo 16 command module and more. Adults and children alike will enjoy the center as well as the space camps it offers.

If you're headed to Huntsville due to BRAC relocations, you won’t be disappointed. With its low cost of living and great resources, Huntsville is an awesome place to call home.

Mike Manosky has over 16-years experience serving the needs of those who wish to buy Huntsville real estate. If you're thinking of moving to Huntsville, real estate listings that match your criteria can be sent to you immediately. Contact Mike today to get started. http://www.movetohuntsville.com. © 2008, All Rights Reserved