Firstly why Tuscaloosa, Alabama?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Tuscaloosa
• State: Alabama
• Population: 101,329 people
• Tuscaloosa’s quick summary would be Home to the University of Alabama’s legendary football program and Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 4,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 3,000 annually
• Net Migration: 1000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 700
• Number of Homeless people: 400

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to the University of Alabama which draws students and university-related industries

Perk #1: Tuscaloosa Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 57%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $49,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Tuscaloosa is $65,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $16000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Tuscaloosa’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 84 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,376
• Property Tax %: 0.98%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Tuscaloosa
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Tuscaloosa, Northport, Vance, Holt, and probably could include Brookwood
• Avg. Age of Homes in Tuscaloosa: 60 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Tuscaloosa’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Tuscaloosa are  Education, Healthcare, and Retail
• Tuscaloosa Job Scene: moderate job market driven by education and manufacturing
• The General Tech Scene: emerging tech ecosystem, notable tech initiatives driven by the University of Alabama ,
• Tuscaloosa Resident’s pay $900 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Tuscaloosa: 4%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 50 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 7

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Tuscaloosa

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $95 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-20/I-59 provides access from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham and New Orleans
• Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic backups near the University
• Transportation Score: 34 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Tuscaloosa: 100,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Tuscaloosa: revenue.alabama.gov/division/motor-vehicle/
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 55 of 100
• Local Airport: Tuscaloosa National

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Tuscaloosa’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Tuscaloosa is best described as experiences hot humid summers with temperatures reaching into the 90s and mild winters with occasional cold spells
• Winter Weather in Tuscaloosa i’d describe as mild with some rain
• Spring Weather in Tuscaloosa can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Tuscaloosa are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Tuscaloosa is usually mild and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 80 days in summer
• Days in a row in Tuscaloosa below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 56 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality with some air quality alerts
• Tuscaloosa Winter Air air quality generally acceptable but can vary with pollution events

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Tuscaloosa Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Tuscaloosa 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Tuscaloosas’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Tuscaloosa Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Tuscaloosa Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Tuscaloosa only Doctors is about 70
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Tuscaloosa only Police Officers is about 240
• Crime Rate Index: 28/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Tuscaloosa’s Monthly utility bill average is $140
• Tuscaloosa’s Monthly Gym Membership: $37
• Tuscaloosa’s Water Quality Score: 73

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Tuscaloosa

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: home to a major university with a lively college town atmosphere
• You might enjoy University of Alabama theater performances
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Tuscaloosa  has a spirited bar scene catering to the college crowd with plenty of sports bars and live music events

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Tuscaloosa

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features classic Southern dishes and a variety of casual dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 100 scattered around Tuscaloosa
• The Popular Sports Team is Alabama Crimson Tide
• Top Level Political Climate in Tuscaloosa can be described as moderate with strong influences from the university community
• Tuscaloosa’s Longer standing religious establishment is Kingwood Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Tuscaloosa Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Tuscaloosa has 85 Parks?
• Riverwalk Park is Tuscaloosa’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Tuscaloosa Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Kayaking, fishing, and hiking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Tuscaloosa Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Tuscaloosa can be described as steady college-town vibe with a youthful atmosphere
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Tuscaloosa fishing on the river attending sports events camping in the area
• The Cities people commute to from Tuscaloosa are Birmingham 93 miles away Montgomery 92 miles away Huntsville 114 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Tuscaloosa or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic backups near the University. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Tuscaloosa’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Tuscaloosa is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Tuscaloosa are Birmingham 93 miles away Montgomery 92 miles away Huntsville 114 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 28 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Tuscaloosa has 0 days in a row below freezing and 80 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Tuscaloosa people have an average (positive or negative) $16000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   400 homeless people living in Tuscaloosa. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general moderate with strong influences from the university community could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Tuscaloosa.

Retiree & Senior Life in Tuscaloosa

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for tax breaks designed to assist retirement income
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Tuscaloosa
• Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation provides recreational programs and activities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Tuscaloosa, Alabama?

If Tuscaloosa, Alabama ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Tuscaloosa, Alabama, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!