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 Huntsville/Madison County: Newcomer Information

Area Maps


Day Care

Child Day Care Centers

Schools

K-12 Schools

Area public and private schools have a long tradition of excellence. The Huntsville/Madison County community has shown a strong commitment to the needs of a diverse student population combining an outstanding core curriculum with advanced learning opportunities and innovative magnet schools to help students develop their talents. Advance Placement courses in English, math, science, computer science, foreign language, social studies and art allow students to earn college credits. Magnet school programs enable students to focus on international social studies, language, Space Science, engineering or creative and performing arts. The Space Science curriculum was developed with the assistance of NASA's Marshall Space Center. The Creative and Performing Arts magnet has received many awards for its programs in visual arts, vocal music, creative writing, dance, drama, photography/video, and technical theater production.

Private Schools

Many independent or religiously-affiliated private schools are located in the Huntsville/Madison County area. Private schools give parents the option of selecting an educational institution with a smaller student-teacher ratio, traditional or alternative curriculum offerings, and other specialty programs. Many of the schools administer standardized testing programs, which measure the effectiveness of instruction and the selected curriculum. Private school administrators are invited to join the Huntsville-Madison Private Schools Association, a professional group that meets monthly to coordinate and support the initiatives of private school instruction. Detailed information on private schools in the Huntsville/Madison County community can be found on:

Institutions of Higher Education

Area colleges and universities offer a diverse selection of science, engineering, business and liberal arts degrees through the doctorate level as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities. Area schools have been recognized nationally for excellence in technology and business with the University of Alabama in Huntsville ranking as one of America’s 100 Best Buys. In total, more than 20,000 students are enrolled in area higher education.

4-Year Universities

Secondary Training

Housing/Real Estate
Area Homes

The Huntsville/Madison County community has a wide variety of housing options to meet the unique needs of almost any family or individual. With a healthy and growing economy, the Huntsville area housing market has kept a steady pace of new homes and developments for many years. Due to a low cost of living, housing prices in the Huntsville market are 22% below the national average. Home prices range from just under $100,000 - $130,000 for starter homes and first-time homebuyers to $250,000 for a typical 3-bedroom brick home. High end custom homes are also available with numerous planned developments including lakes, walking trails, mountain views and other amenities. Downtown historic districts include 1920’s-era cottages as well as antebellum homes. More secluded settings are also available in outlying communities within the county, including mini-farms and stable areas for horses.

New Home Comparison

Price of a 2,400 square foot living area new house; 8,000 square foot lot; urban area with all utilities.

Purchase Price
Monthly Mortgage Payment
Huntsville Metro Area
$240,388
$1,118
Washington DC Metro Area
$655,657
$3,044

Source: American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association (ACCRA) Cost of Living Index, 3rd Quarter 2005.

Home Listings

Useful Link

Apartments & Condominiums

The Huntsville area apartment market has also grown in recent years as the economy continues to grow. A wide variety of options exist and are available on a short or long-term basis. Complexes include lakes, walking trails, indoor and outdoor fitness as well as many other amenities. The average rental rate for a 950 square foot 2-bedroom apartment is $555 per month. More than 850 new apartments units are currently under construction. Condominium and townhouse living is also available in the Huntsville area. New or renovated downtown mid-rise condominiums provide scenic views, while executive townhouse communities provide maintenance-free living. Options existing in a wide price range for singles and families to retirement age.

Apartment Comparison

Monthly rent for a two bedroom, unfurnished, excluding all utilities except water 11/2 or 2 baths, 950 square foot apartment:

Monthly Rent
Huntsville Metro Area
$615
Washington DC Metro Area
$1,680
% Difference
173%

Source: American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association (ACCRA) Cost of Living Index, 3rd Quarter 2005.

Apartment Listings

Taxes
Taxes in Huntsville/Madison County are generally low and/or competitive with other areas. Alabama has a personal income tax ranging between 2% - 5% of personal income. Alabama is one of a few states that allows the deduction of federal income tax from state tax liability, effectively reducing the amount of taxes paid. Property taxes are among the lowest in the nation. Tax is paid on 10% of assessed market value. For example, a $100,000 home in the city of Huntsville would be assessed at $10,000. The tax rate of $58/$1,000 of assessed value would then be applied for a total tax of $580/year. Sales tax throughout Madison County is 8%.
Personal Income Tax
State of Alabama: 2-5% of annual personal income
Local: None
Personal Property Tax
City of Huntsville: 58.0 mils (tax on a $100,000 home = $580/year)
City of Madison: 57.5 mils (tax on a $100,000 home = $575/year)
Madison County: 36.5 mils (tax on a $100,000 home = $365/year)
Sales Tax (State & Local Total)
Huntsville City Limits; Gurley, Madison, New Hope, Owens Cross Roads 8%
Triana 7.5%
Outside of any of the above, includes Redstone Arsenal 5.5%

Utilities
Establishing new home utility service is not difficult. Huntsville Utilities is a one stop service center for residents inside the city of Huntsville. Sewer service is provided by the City of Huntsville. For residents in Madison County outside of the city limits, water is provided by the Madison County Water Department. A variety of options exist for home phone, cable television and internet providers. Cell phone service is also provided by most major carriers.

Utilities

Home Phone/Cable/Internet

License & Registration
Whether registering your driver’s license or registering to vote, Huntsville & Madison County will provide a one-stop service for residents affected by BRAC relocation. This helpful center will allow you to complete many needed tasks in one convenient location to help make relocating smooth and easy. The following contacts provide more detailed information on individual license and registration offices:
  • Auto Registration
    Madison County Courthouse, License Commissioner Office
    256/532-3310
    100 Northside Square, Huntsville, AL
  • Driver’s License
    Madison County License Department
    256/539-0681
    1115-A Church Street, Huntsville, AL
    www.co.madison.al.us/about/org/CoDepts/LicenseDept/

  • Voter Registration
    Madison County Courthouse
    www.co.madison.al.us/voter/register.shtml
    100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL
  • Madison County Animal Control Department
    256/532-1519
  • Huntsville Animal Control
    256/883-3788
  • Greater Huntsville Humane Society
    256/881-8081


Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County
225 Church Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Phone: (256) 535-2000 | Toll Free: (866) 854-7551 | Fax: (256) 535-2015 | ltraylor@hsvchamber.org
All Rights Reserved

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