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Located in the USA's lower southern tier Alabama is known as the "Heart of Dixie" which remains the state's unofficial nickname.

It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. The state was 22nd admitted to the Union in 1819, but seceded from the union in 1861 during the Civil War. Alabama was later readmitted to the union in 1868.

Following World War II, Alabama turned from an agricultural economy to more modern industry and is today heavily invested in manufacturing, mining, hi-tech, aerospace, health care, banking and education.

Today, with some of the lowest property taxes in the US, Alabama also ranks high in afffordable housing. Average sale prices for homes are about 28 percent less than the national average. Salary scales are also lower compared to the rest of the country although better opportunities still exist within the state for those looking for higher paying careers in the health, IT, and education fields.

Quality-of-life statistics for Alabama

Cost of living in Alabama: Average sale prices for homes are approximately 28 percent less than the national average. Electric rates in Alabama are also considerably lower than the national average, and among the lowest in the Southeast.

Albama property taxes : The Tax Foundation - Alabama's Tax Climate - per capita collection of $367, lowest property taxes in the U.S.

Alabama personal income taxes: Alabama levies a 2, 4, or 5 percent personal income tax, depending upon the amount earned and filing status. Taxpayers are not allowed to deduct their federal income tax from their Alabama state tax, but can deduct federal Social Security and Medicare taxes. Alabama's income tax on poor working families is among the nation's very highest. Alabama is the only state that levies income tax on a family of four with income as low as $4,600, or barely one-quarter of the federal poverty line.

Alabama housing & real estate overview: also see Zillow - Alabama Real Estate
Home ownership rate : 72.5%
Average home price: $285,000
Average travel time to work : 24 minutes

Alabama schools : Although with a reputation as having some of the worst outcomes of any K-12 education system in the US, Alabama schools vary widely depending on how they are managed and the tax base in which they are located. Overall, schools in the bigger cities and surrounding suburbs tend to perform better than those located in rural, poorer areas. Also see Alabama State Department of Education

Alabama weather: As throughout the rest of the South, Alabama climate conditions include summers that are hot and humid and winters that are cool and mild. Alabama has a long growing season, with plentiful amounts of rain throughout the year. Driest month: October; wettest month: March.

Alabama crime rates : see Alabama Crime Statistics

also see -> Alabama eviction laws | Alabama taxes | Alabama travel