Huntsville, Alabama
An Award-Winning Place To Live and Work
by Mike Manosky

Real estate markets in and around Huntsville are booming, businesses are thriving, communities are growing and achievements are being made. It’s showing, too. Every month (sometimes multiple times per month) Huntsville, Alabama is honored with yet another award. These are not obscure presentations by organizations nobody has ever heard of. These are prestigious recognitions from magazines such as Forbes, Inc. and Entrepreneur.

Top 10 Green City, Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville was named one of the Top 10 Green Cities in the U.S. by the Green Guide. Because of our energy-efficiency, our less polluting practices and our healthy living spaces, we were recognized with this prestigious honor.

Huntsville: One of America’s 50 Hottest Cities

The year started with Expansion Magazine naming Huntsville as one of America’s 50 Hottest Cities. Expansion reports, “The consultants, whose identities remain confidential, were asked to list their top city choices for relocating and expanding manufacturing companies, taking into consideration such factors as the business climate, work force quality, operating costs, incentive programs, and the ease of working with local political and economic development officials.” Positioned at #22, you’ll find Huntsville. Real estate development and market conditions are likely to also play an important role in Expansion’s decisions because cost of living and the current condition of the real estate market is so closely related.

Huntsville Recognized As A “Best Place” To Raise A Family or Operate A Business

May brought about three outstanding awards for Huntsville. “Best Place to Raise A Family” from Sperling’s Best Places was granted to Huntsville. Real estate, cost of living, schools and other factors contributed to Huntsville receiving this honor.

In addition, both Inc. and Forbes magazines awarded Huntsville with recognition as one of the Country’s Hottest Midsize Cities and one of the nation’s Leading Cities for Business and Career. Because of Huntsville’s attractiveness to national and international science, manufacturing and other businesses, and because of Huntsville’s real estate market, schools, crime rate and other factors, we were recognized as a superlative city.

Best Value for Salaries and Cost of Living and Military Community of Excellence

The summer also brought additional awards to be proud of. The first was Salary.com who named Huntsville as a Best Value for Salaries and Cost of Living this past June. The following August, Expansion Magazine, in a special issue, named Huntsville a “Military Community of Excellence.” Considering the onslaught of new civilian and military personnel brought in by the Base Realignment and Closures (BRAC), Huntsville should take great pride in the fact that she is not only keeping pace, but thriving.

Entrepreneurs Love Huntsville

September came with the announcement that Huntsville was named a Top Entrepreneur Hot Spot by Entrepreneur magazine. No surprise, considering everything you’ve read about our town thus far.

Huntsville has been an outstanding town for years. However, as of late, she has truly grown into her own. As more businesses and military and civilian families move into our area, the prosperity is sure to continue. Dedicated to education, family and community, Huntsville will certainly remain an award-winning city for decades to come.

Area City Information:

Monrovia - Harvest Area – Monrovia is an attractive area attached to and is just north of Madison and Highway 72 West. Home prices range from $75K to $750K and home sites tend to be a little larger. It is conveniently located to many major shopping outlets like Home Depot, Lowes, SuperTarget, Publix, Wal-Mart and Kohl’s to name a few. It is a bedroom community to Huntsville located closely to Research Park, Madison Square Mall and Redstone Arsenal.

Madison – Madison is a wonderful city touching the western boundary of Huntsville. It is home to an excellent school system. It is conveniently located to Research Park, Madison Square Mall and Redstone Arsenal making it a popular choice for area residents and those relocating to the area. It has well over 40 different subdivisions with every possible home style and amenities ranging from $80K to $750K

NE Madison County/New Market – Huntsville and the surrounding areas are all growing. This area is quite popular. It is a perfect location right by the beginning of Interstate I-565 and Highway 72 east. It is has many new schools in the area like Mt. Carmel Elementary and Riverton Middle School. There are many new homes being built in the area with a wide variety of choices. Prices range from $90K to $350K. Along with the convenience of the Interstate many major grocery chains like Kroger and Winn Dixie are right there. Travel a few miles down Winchester Road and you’ll be in New Market. It is little farther out, but a great place to be if you want to be in the country but not to far from the city.

Hampton Cove – www.HamptonCove.com Located on the eastern side of Huntsville, AL, real estate offerings in Hampton Cove boast three Robert Trent Jones golf trails, 28 lakes, numerous parks, 20 miles of continuous sidewalks, and a total of 16 large, planned communities with spacious home sites. This “neighborly” area is close to both the historic downtown district and modern conveniences. It has its own neighborhood elementary and middle schools. In addition there are many neighborhoods directly around Hampton Cove and many more are being constructed today. It is a popular choice for families, singles, and retirees. Home prices range from $120K to $1M.

Harvest/Toney –  The Harvest/Toney areas are just north and east of the Monrovia area. This area is also a popular choice for many families who want to be close to Research Park, Madison Square Mall and Redstone Arsenal. There are many major roads that service this area. This is an excellent area to find an acre or two or more if that is what you desire.

Owens Cross Roads/New Hope – This area is located in the southeastern portion of Madison County. It is halfway between Huntsville and the beautiful Lake Guntersville area. You can find a wide variety of home choices here from a single family home to a sprawling farm on 10 or more acres. Home prices are in the $60K to $200K range.

Meridianville/Hazel Green – Meridianville is the first city north of Huntsville on the way up Highway 231 to Tennessee. It has several grocery stores, restaurants and modern conveniences. It is only approx. 5 miles north of Huntsville. It is also home to 2 golf courses Colonial Golf Course and Fox Run Golf Course. Hazel Green is a few more miles up the road. This area is very popular option for families wanting to be a little farther away from the city. Home prices range from 50K to 300K.