Is Huntsville Still One of the Best Places to Live?

Huntsville’s recent drop in national rankings has raised questions about what’s really happening across the city and the region. While some see the shift as a sign of decline, the broader picture points to growth, economic strength, and a steady rise in quality of life. The expansion of entertainment, dining, and housing options has reshaped how people live and work here, even as traffic and home prices create new challenges. From changes in household income and commute times to the impact on surrounding communities like Decatur, there are clear reasons why Huntsville continues to draw attention as a place to put down roots.

Huntsville’s Ranking History: From #1 to #85

Let’s talk about something making waves in the Rocket City. Huntsville, Alabama, recently dropped to #85 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live rankings. Before you jump to conclusions, let’s look at the full story, because Huntsville is still thriving.

Over the past three years, Huntsville was ranked #1, #2, and #7 as the best place to live in America. This year, we came in at #85. That might sound like a dramatic fall, but let’s add some context. This year, U.S. News expanded the list from 150 cities to 850. That’s nearly six times the competition. Even Erika Giovanetti, their analyst, said that making the top 250 is a major accomplishment.

Why Huntsville Still Outperforms Other Cities

Huntsville is still performing incredibly well. We ranked #25 among medium-sized cities, and we were the largest city in that category. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs—our competition for Space Command and a previously top-ranked city—didn’t even make the list this year. None of the current top 10 cities were in the top 10 last year.

And check this out: Decatur, our neighbor, came in at #130, thanks in large part to job growth from Huntsville and more affordable housing in Decatur. That’s the ripple effect of Huntsville’s booming economy. We’re not just building a great city—we’re lifting the entire region of North Alabama.

What Goes Into the Rankings?

So how did they come up with all this data? The rankings weigh factors like median household income, commute times, and home values.

• Median Household Income: Huntsville’s continues to rise, currently over $74,000.
• Median Home Value: Higher due to demand, but still affordable compared to national averages.
• Commute Times: Slightly longer due to growth, but still manageable compared to other parts of the country.

Growth, Development, and Quality of Life

Huntsville’s quality of life continues to improve in so many ways. We’ve added world-class developments like MidCity with Topgolf, Dave & Buster’s, and a new amphitheater called The Orion. Town Madison brings in sports, shopping, and new dining options. Clift Farms, Hays Farm, and Providence are all thriving with places to live, shop, and relax.

Let’s not forget the explosion of new restaurants. We now have Chuck’s Fish, Flying Biscuit Cafe, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Stoney River Grille, Whit’s Frozen Custard, and a whole slew of new restaurants coming to the Providence area.

Even as we grow, the parts of Huntsville that made it special are still here. We have gorgeous hiking and biking trails on Monte Sano, kayaking on the Flint River, and nearby lakes like Lake Guntersville for fishing and beautiful Smith Lake for more recreational boating. There are quick road trips to Gulf Shores, 30A, and the mountains. We’re also centrally located to major cities like Nashville, Birmingham, Chattanooga, and Atlanta.

Challenges That Come With Growth

With growth comes growing pains. Commute times are up—more cars and more congestion are side effects of the city’s success. Home values are rising, which is great for sellers and more challenging for buyers. Click on the pinned link below if you’d like to find out your updated home value. There is also overbuilding of apartments and build-to-rent developments. Some people love the access, while others are concerned about too much construction.

At the end of the day, don’t let one ranking shake your view of Huntsville. We’re still building one of the best places to live, raise a family, and build a career in the country.

Why Huntsville Remains a Top Place to Live

If you’re thinking about making a move, come visit, explore our neighborhoods, and see for yourself why Huntsville is such a great place to live. Thinking of moving to Huntsville? Click on the pinned link below to schedule your free relocation consultation, because who you hire matters.