With plenty of southern hospitality, beautiful scenery, and natural wonders, it is no wonder you are considering a move from New Jersey to Alabama. Alabama's low cost of living beckons to many out-of-state residents looking to move to a new state. As someone from New Jersey, you would have to adjust to the many differences between the two states, but with the right guide, you can make the transition as easy and stress-free as possible.
Alabama is known as the "Heart of Dixie." Previously, it was known as the "Cotton State," but the name seemed too generic. A more distinct name formed during a public relations campaign that the Alabama Chamber of Commerce promoted during the late 40s and early 50s. No matter where in Alabama you choose to move, you will find the Heart of Dixie a most welcoming state, though there are a few things you should know before you finalize your moving plans.
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As a resident of New Jersey, you have long suffered the high cost of living. One of Alabama’s biggest draws is that the cost of living is significantly less. Best Places ranks the state-by-state cost of living based on a national average of 100. New Jersey’s overall cost of living is 120.4, which is 20.4 higher than the U.S. average. Alabama, on the other hand, ranks 82.3, which is 17.7 lower than the national average. Cost of living factors in groceries, health, housing, and various other factors, all of which are far cheaper in Alabama compared to New Jersey.
Do you dream of purchasing a home, but struggle to do so while living in New Jersey? Now that you are considering a move to Alabama, homebuying could be in your near future. The median home cost in New Jersey is $329,300, whereas it is just $129,300 in Alabama. Because tax rates are also lower in Alabama, that means more money in your pocket that you can use to buy your future home. In fact, Alabama ranks 15 out of 50 among states with the lowest tax rate at 9.10%, which is 15.51% less than the national average. New Jersey, on the other hand, sits at 40 out of 50 with a tax rate of 12.62%, which is 17.15% higher than the national average.
Alabama is a great choice for anyone looking to find a job, particularly if you pursue computer science or healthcare fields. Some of the fastest-growing jobs in Alabama include:
Alabama’s overall unemployment rate is also better than that of New Jersey. As of October 2020, New Jersey’s unemployment rate was 8.2%, which is 1.3% higher than the national average. On the other hand, Alabama has an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is 1.1% less than the national average. Overall, Alabama has held a significantly lower unemployment rate throughout 2020 in comparison to New Jersey’s unemployment rate. Therefore, your chances of landing a job once you move to Alabama are good.
Alabama offers plenty of fun and entertaining things to do for any incoming residents. For instance, your inner rocket scientist may enjoy the fact that Huntsville, AL is home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, which highlights the history of the United States space program. In fact, it is the largest space museum throughout the whole world. If you are a NASCAR junkie, you will love the Talladega Superspeedway found in Lincoln.
Because Alabama’s terrain is so varied from the north to the south, you will experience all four seasons, though the summers tend to be hot and humid, while the winters are generally mild. You can trade-in your thick winter jacket for one that is a bit more lightweight, though you will still want to keep hold of your sweaters and fleece jackets when the weather does cool off. The state has a mixture of mountains, forests, and beaches, all of which offer varying climates. The beaches of the Gulf Coast will provide you with a subtropical feel, whereas mountainous terrain may feel quite a bit cooler.
Before making the move from New Jersey to Alabama, you’re going to have to prepare yourself to give up your favorite pizza, bagels, and those mouthwatering pork rolls and Italian hot dogs. Instead, you will have to get used to delicious home cooked-style southern cuisine, which tends to include BBQ pulled pork, fried catfish, shrimp and grits, deep-fried pickles, and fried catfish. If anything, your stomach will find the change in cuisine both comforting and fulfilling.
Once you move to Alabama, you will have 30 days to obtain a new license. The process of obtaining a license in your soon-to-be new home state is relatively easy and painless. There are no car inspections required, but just like anywhere else, you are required to provide proof of insurance. If you are over the age of 18, you will be able to obtain an unrestricted driver’s license in Alabama. All you need is to forms of documentation proving your identity, including one with a photograph, proof of address, and your social security number.
Before hitting the road to head to Alabama to set up residency, you will want to consider a few moving tips. The right moving tips can make all the difference between a nightmare and a dream come true.
First and foremost, you should consider the help of friendly and professional movers that are knowledgeable when it comes to moving from one state to another. The company you choose needs to have familiarity with the state of your choice. Make sure you ask about licensing and insurance. Insurance is particularly important for an out-of-state move. White Glove Moving can help you with your cross-country moving needs in a way that suits you best.
Before you decide to pack up everything you own, you should stop and consider if it is something you truly need. Do not be afraid to purge some of your belongings, including that old sweater in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn for years. By cutting back on your belongings, you will have less to worry about as you travel across state lines to your new home. Consider blending in with your new surroundings by purchasing some new décor for your home once you arrive in Alabama and getting rid of some of what you already have before you move.
Finally, before you finalize the details of your move before you head to your local post office to setup mail forwarding. The last thing you need is to miss out on an important piece of mail. The U.S. Postal Service makes mail forwarding quick and easy, ensuring that all your mail arrives at the correct address. Make sure you also update friends and family with your new address to ensure nothing personal arrives at your old address. With all the details in check, you will be ready to head off to your new home state in no time.
White Glove is proud to be the only Long-Distance mover in New Jersey & New York to offer, “Long-Distance Price Lock.”
This means the price we quote you before your move is always the price you pay after the move.
No hidden fees, no circumstantial costs, no nickel or diming you for things you didn’t agree to. That’s one of the ways we make your moving day a White Glove experience. Learn more about other commitments we make to our customers.
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