We’re Number 1!  Huntsville Alabama was recently designated the best place to live in the United States by US World News & World Report.  MedCo was founded in Huntsville 28 years ago and we’re proud of our home city and its residents!

Known as “The Rocket City”, Huntsville has rapidly changed from a sleepy southern town that in the 1950’s gave birth to NASA, to one of the nation’s most high-tech areas. Just five years ago Huntsville was left out of the top 25 best places to live but today sits at the top of the list.  Currently ranking at #16 as the fastest growing city in the US, it’s no wonder that Huntsville has become the largest city in Alabama. How did we get here? When some people think of Alabama, they think of southern country living with fields and a simple way of life. Being a melting pot, Huntsville has welcomed people from across the country and across the world. People have continued to move to our city for family, friends, work, culture and lifestyle.

Huntsville, nestled between the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain chain and the Tennessee River is home to 3 universities, performing arts including a symphony and several theatrical groups, a minor league hockey team, a Double A baseball team and much more. Multiple festivals are hosted annually.  The city also highlights outdoor activities involving the river and the mountains.  Watersports, multiple areas with hiking and bike trails including Monte Sano state park, out numerous outdoor festivals and concerts. There is something for everyone year around in Huntsville!

 

What has changed in the past 5 years?

City leaders have worked hard to attract new industry and grow the existing high-tech workforce. The continued influence of NASA and the Department of Defense adds thousands of jobs each year. Jobs, coupled with lower-than-average cost of living and desirable public and private education continues to draw a steady flow of new residents.  While jobs attract new residents, Huntsville leaders have created a lifestyle where anyone would be happy to stay!

2018 brought America’s Pastime back by announcing a brand-new stadium along with a new Double A minor team. Rallying the community together, everyone was given the opportunity to vote for the team’s new name. Being undefeated during their first season, the Rocket City Trash Pandas have already made an impact in the community!  A staple of the community is the Huntsville Havoc hockey team providing many months of family fun.  Home ice is the in Von Braun Center which is a multi-purpose civic center serving the city in a myriad of ways.

City leaders recognized early that providing a vibrant light life was essential to draw and retain young professionals.  Huntsville has numerous entertainment districts where the younger generation and the young at heart can enjoy a craft cocktail or a night on the town. The most notable area is the revitalized downtown Huntsville which has transformed into the largest entertainment district providing seemingly unlimited food and beverage choices while enjoying live entertainment. With many existing locally breweries and more on the way Huntsville has crafted their own craft beer trail manifesting in its yearly brew festival. Of course, Huntsville features a wide assortment of culinary offerings from eclectic gastro pubs to five-star dining featuring chefs from around the world.

If music is more of your scene, the city offers 2 newly opened venues. Most recently Huntsville opened its newly completed Orion Amphitheater. Orion is one of the hottest venues in the southeast with early appearances by Dave Matthews, Kenney Chesney, Widespread Panic, Chris Stapleton, The Black Crowes, and Luke Bryan. Many well-known artists are flocking to the new venue. The Mars Music Hall, located downtown, features a more intimate atmosphere with many up and comping artists performing there.  For years the Von Braun Center has served as a major music venue and continues to draw big names. To round the Huntsville music scene out there are hundreds of restaurants and bars who feature nightly or weekly live entertainment.

 

Coming Soon to Huntsville

Huntsville has already come a long way but is not looking to slow down in the foreseeable future.  While more and more businesses continue to locate in Huntsville, entertainment options are continuing to grow as well. Today Huntsville offers several venues for families including multiple museums.  EarlyWorks museum focuses on the younger residents and early childhood learning.

Lions, tigers and bears, North Alabama Zoological Society has announced their plans to build a zoo and aquarium. This allows everyone in Huntsville and the surrounding areas a chance to enjoy a zoo without having to travel miles away and in most cases, out of state.

 

What does the future look like?

In a town known for rockets, the sky is the limit!  City leaders continue to do an excellent job in growing our city and planning for the infrastructure needed to support our growing city.  While no one knows exactly what the future holds, Huntsville is looking to keep progressing and to continue providing a lifestyle like no other. With entertainment in full swing, new restaurants opening around every corner, and housing popping up all across North Alabama, the city is welcoming anyone and everyone to experience what most of us already know.  What used to be a small-town city, is quickly growing into a thriving metropolitan area; a melting pot of people from all over the world. Huntsville once shot for the moon and hit it!  That same progressive attitude is what makes Huntsville such a great city and makes MedCo proud to be a part of such a thriving community.  Congratulations Huntsville…you’re number 1!