Rent to own Homes in Alabama
Though Alabama wasn't an official state until 1819, it already had a population of more than 125,000 residents at the time. It was nicknamed "The Cotton State" because it was in the heart of the cotton-producing region, and it is still the fifth-highest cotton-producing state in the nation. Alabama grew quickly as the railroads and industry brought an influx of people to the state. By 1860, more than one million people were living in Alabama. In 1861, Alabama left the Union and became an independent state. Shortly thereafter, it joined the Confederates, who made Montgomery its capital, thus earning the state the nickname "the Heart of Dixie."
Over the years, Alabama ended up on the wrong side of history with the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, but it's now a pleasant state with more than 4.9 million residents. If you like warm weather and open space, you'll love Alabama. And you'll love talking to the locals-Alabama's southern accent was voted the most attractive accent in the nation in a survey of 2,000 men and women. As a bonus, the state's housing prices are very much on the low end. So come check out some of Alabama's rent-to-own homes, and enjoy the relaxed southern environment while you're here.
More Alabama Property Resources
Rent to own Homes in Cities Near Alabama
Neighborhoods in Alabama
No neighborhoods foundAverage Cost of Living in Alabama
If you're looking for affordable, you came to the right place. The overall cost of living in Alabama is 17.7% lower than the U.S. average, and cities like Birmingham Montgomery are 8.2% and 6.5% below the state's average. Mobile is just a shade lower than average for Alabama, and Huntsville is 3.7% higher. Most municipalities throughout the state have living costs that are well below the national average.
Average Home Prices in Alabama
You'll find an abundance of low-priced rent-to-own homes in Alabama. While some cities or towns have expensive housing, the median cost of a home in the state is $129,300, or slightly more than $100,000 below the national average of $231,200. The average price of a house in Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, and Huntsville ranges from $65,500 to $153,200. These prices are unusually low for established, fully-functioning cities.
Alabama Statistics
If you're interested in Alabama rent-to-own homes, don't forget to consider important factors in addition to monthly living costs, such as average commute, taxes, crime rates, etc. The following are some common Alabama statistics compared to the U.S. national average.
| Alabama Averages | National Averages | |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Commute | 24.6 minutes | 26.4 minutes |
| Violent Crime | 28.6 | 22.7 |
| Property Crime | 43.0 | 35.4 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 3.9% |
| Income Tax Rate | 5.0% | 4.6% |
| Air Quality | 48 | 58 |
| Water Quality | 76 | 55 |
| Median Household Income | $43,511 | $53,482 |
| Median Property Taxes | $570 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $160/month | $112/month |
| Monthly Rent | $770 | $1,470 |
| Median Home Cost | $129,300 | $231,200 |
| Median Home Age | 35 years | 40 years |
Popular Alabama Cities
Montgomery is currently the capital of Alabama. After choosing four other cities to serve as its headquarters, the state finally settled on Montgomery in 1846 because of its central location. With a population of nearly 200,000, it is the third-most populous municipality in the state. Primary industries in the city include defense and education, with a strong presence in agriculture and processing. Events such as the Alabama Shakespeare Festival provide a cultural atmosphere in the city, while neighborhoods like the Old Cloverdale Historic District display its southern heritage.
Huntsville became the first capital of Alabama in 1819, but it lost its title the following year. Currently, the city is on the winning side. Its population of 200,574, an 11.2% increase since 2010, puts it ahead of Montgomery as the second-most populous municipality in Alabama. The city's 209 square miles make it the largest by area. Huntsville is called "the Rocket City" because of its early involvement in creating space shuttles, and the city houses NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, which attracts high-end employees to Huntsville.
Birmingham, the most populous city in Alabama, has 209,403 residents and encompasses 146 miles. It was founded in 1871 near two rail lines and quickly earned its nickname, "the Magic City," because of its explosive population growth. Birmingham's major industries include steel, financial services, and telecommunications. The city has a very affordable housing market considering what it offers its residents. Art, culture, open space, employment, and indoor and outdoor live music are all in abundance in Birmingham.
Popular Amenities and Attractions in Alabama
Alabama has warm temperatures for most of the year, with averages ranging between 28°F and 93°F. The state provides plenty of outdoor activity through its network of parks, including Gulf State Park which encompasses 6,500 acres along the Gulf of Mexico. The park has 27 miles of trails, three freshwater lakes, 2.5 miles of beaches, fishing, and campgrounds, lakeside cabins, and cottages for people who want to spend the night.
Alabama honors our men and women in service by maintaining the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Visitors can check out the USS Alabama battleship and the USS Drum submarine. Both vessels sailed the seas during WWII to protect our nation, and the legacy of their voyages is relayed through educational tours and school field trips. The park also offers overnight stays to give guests a better feel of life in the Navy. The Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion has over 28 aircraft that took to the skies during WWII and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and Army One, a retired helicopter used to transport the president. Visitors can learn all about the people who flew these planes and their missions.
The summers might get hot in the Heart of Dixie, but the people are nice and welcoming-even their southern twang is pleasant. Housing and living costs are low in Alabama, and there's plenty of open space for more residents to enjoy.