Alabama has plenty to be proud of, and its communities are getting noticed. In fact, the city of Hoover earned the No. 6 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Places to Live list, while Daphne also landed among the nation’s top 50. 

The recognition is nice, but Alabama's appeal goes beyond a spot on a best-places list. People are choosing to put down roots here. According to the Alabama Association of REALTORS®’ (AAR) 2025 Annual Report, the state’s population grew by 30,033 people in 2025, driven largely by domestic migration, with 23,358 people moving in from other states. United Van Lines’ Annual Movers Study also ranked Alabama ninth nationally for inbound migration. 

So, what exactly is drawing people in? From attainable homeownership and diverse communities to economic opportunities and an appealing quality of life, there are plenty of reasons to appreciate what Alabama brings to the table. As we head into the Thanksgiving season, it’s worth looking at some of the things that make the state something to be thankful for. 

While affordability remains a challenge for many Americans, Alabama's housing market continues to offer opportunities for first-time buyers, growing families, and those looking to make a move without stretching their budgets quite as far. According to AAR’s September 2026 market report, the state's median home sales price was $275,333, well below the national median of $417,500. 

The affordability advantage extends to renters, too. According to U.S. News & World Report, the median monthly rent in Hoover, in the Birmingham metro area, is $1,145, while Daphne, on the Gulf Coast, comes in at $1,156. Both are more than $500 below the national average of $1,667. For newcomers across the state, lower rents can make it easier to save toward a down payment and eventually move into homeownership. 

A healthy job market is a big part of what keeps housing within reach, and Alabama’s has been a bright spot. According to AAR’s 2025 Annual Report, the state had some of the lowest unemployment rates in the country last year, ending 2025 at 2.7% in November and December. That was the fifth lowest in the nation and 1.7 percentage points below the national rate of 4.4%. Labor force participation also reached 58% from April through June, the highest level in a decade.

Alabama added approximately 10,900 jobs in 2025, led by Leisure & Hospitality (6,600), Education and Health Services (5,600), and Construction (3,400). Recent reports show the gains continuing, with preliminary data indicating the state added 5,900 jobs in August 2026. With more than 2.2 million jobs statewide, Alabama offers workers and families a solid foundation for putting down roots.

In addition to Hoover and Daphne, U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Places" rankings recognized 11 other Alabama cities, including Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Auburn, Tuscaloosa, and Birmingham. Together, these places showcase the variety of living options Alabama has to offer, from bustling cities and growing suburbs to charming small towns, vibrant college communities, and calming coastal destinations. 

Even within a single county, the variety can be striking. According to Business Alabama, Baldwin County, where Daphne is located, is made up of 14 municipalities that offer everything from bayside living and farmland to colleges, medical centers, and beaches. Three of its communities—Fairhope, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores—have also been named to Southern Living’s list of the best beach towns in the South. This range of choices can be found throughout Alabama, giving buyers plenty of opportunities to find a place that matches their lifestyle and feels like home.

In our humble opinion, Alabama offers a quality of life that's hard to beat, starting with a cost of living that's roughly 12% below the national average. But affordability is just one part of the equation. The state also offers plenty of opportunities, amenities, and experiences that make it an appealing place to call home.

For families, that includes a variety of educational options, from a strong K-12 foundation to more than 20 four-year universities (including seven research universities) and 24 community and technical colleges.

Outdoor recreation is another big part of Alabama's appeal. With mountains, forests, lakes, and miles of Gulf Coast beaches, residents have plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, whether exploring a hiking trail, spending a day on the water, or playing a round of golf.

And there's plenty to enjoy beyond the great outdoors, too. Alabama has a growing food and entertainment scene, with award-winning restaurants, cultural festivals, museums and galleries, live music, and plenty of college sports.

As you can see, Alabama has plenty to be proud of. From the opportunities it offers to the places and experiences that make it special, there are many reasons people are choosing to call the Heart of Dixie home. And as we celebrate Thanksgiving, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate all that makes this state such a wonderful place to live.