Destination Alabama

This section will answer many of your questions regarding the life science industry in Alabama, the state's economy, tax structure and cost of living, education, transportation, climate, recreational opportunities, history and more.

If after using this resource you have specific questions or suggestions, please e-mail us at Info@InfoResource.org and we will respond as quickly as we can to your inquiry or suggestion.

Industry Overview | Economy/Cost of Living | Education
Recreation & Entertainment | Transportation | Geography & Climate
History | Suggested Reading List

The Yellowhammer State, with a legacy of the Old South and the promise of the New South; this is Alabama, positioned for a promising future.

Industry Snapshot

Alabama shows great promise in its flourishing biotechnology and life science industry. The state provides strong resources to help foster its growth in this sector, with seven research universities, numerous biotechnology companies, and other benefits.

Economy/Cost of Living

Over 4.5 million people call Alabama home, making Alabama the 23rd most populous of the United States. The largest cities and towns in the Yellowhammer State are Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Dothan, Decatur, Auburn, and Gadsden.

Education

Alabama offers students a broad range of educational opportunities throughout the state. School-aged children may be taught in public, private, or home schools. Higher education institutions exist in the form of public and private universities and colleges, and community colleges.

Recreation & Entertainment

Alabama contains a broad range of attractions and pursuits within its borders, whether urban, cultural, or outdoor.

Transportation

Alabama's strategic location in the Deep South, and along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, provides the state with numerous transportation options for commuters and travelers. Over 74,000 miles of paved roads innervate Alabama.

Geography & Climate

Alabama is located in the Southern region of the United States and ranks as the 30th largest state in total area by covering 52,423 square miles. Alabama is bordered to the north by Tennessee, to the east by Georgia, to the west by Mississippi, and to the south by Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.

History

The land that is now called Alabama was once inhabited by a moundbuilding culture. Over time, other native peoples called the area their home, such as the Creeks, Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw tribes. It was this landscape that the first Spanish explorers to the New World encountered, under Cabeza de vaca around 1528, and followed by Hernando De Soto in 1540.

Suggested Reading List

A list of select guides and reference books about Alabama.