Huntsville, AL

The largest city in northern Alabama, Huntsville originally consisted of a single cabin, built in 1805. Today, Huntsville is a thriving metropolis that is home to numerous flourishing industries and highly successful Fortune 500 companies. Huntsville is home to more than 170,000 residents, with the its greater metropolitan area housing roughly 395,000.

Named by many renowned publications as one of the best places to live and work in America, Huntsville is also recognized as one of the nation's greenest cities.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The Huntsville area economy is continuing to grow at a steady pace fueled by quality jobs in high value-added industries. Gains in technology employment helped the Huntsville metro add nearly half of the state of Alabama's total net jobs since 2000.

Population and labor force growth have outpaced the rest of Alabama and the U.S. as a whole. The Huntsville community's relatively small size and its ability to attract workers from throughout the nation as well as the surrounding region has been critical to the area's success.

The leading employer of Huntsville residents is the United States Government. The U.S. Army Redstone Arsenal employs more than 14,000 people. Other major Huntsville employers include the Boeing Corporation and NASA and The Marshall Space Flight Center.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Huntsville is located in northern Alabama near the Tennessee border. There are three distinct, historically significant neighborhoods in Huntsville, each denoted by a logo on their respective street signs:

• Five Points is in the northeast part of Huntsville and is named for five streets that come to a point in the center of the city. It is Huntsville's youngest Historical Preservation District, established in 1999. The area is unique in that it gives a visual representation of the evolution of housing styles from the 1890s through the 1960s. Five Points is Huntsville's most progressive walking neighborhood, dotted with hip boutiques, galleries, coffee shops and cafes.
• Old Town is adjacent to Five Points and was given its Historical District status in 1974. Old Town features predominantly Victorian homes. Old Town's developers included Leroy Pope and Samuel Adams. Old Town comprises approximately 262 homes, including 125 Victorians, 44 Colonial/Greek Revivals and 72 Arts and Crafts, Federal, Art Deco and Spanish styles. The area's first residents were merchants and tradesmen, and the majority of the district's homes were built between 1870 and 1930. Today the demography of Old Town runs the gamut from young singles to families to retirees. The district sponsors a walking tour each autumn.
• Twickenham is the largest and oldest of the three districts, with homes dating from 1814. Leroy Pope, the "Father of Huntsville," was an early settler who owned much of what is now downtown Huntsville. Before the name was changed to Huntsville, for John Hunt, Leroy Pope named the town Twickenham, after the English home of Alexander Pope. The boundaries of Twickenham are Randolph Ave. on the north, California St. on the east, Lowe Ave. on the south and Franklin St. on the west.

FAMILY FUN

There is no shortage of things to do and see in Huntsville. Whether individuals want a day to relax or one filled with educational fun, they have plenty of attractions to choose from:

• Huntsville Botanical Garden: Visitors are free to roam through this 112-acre garden to check out aquatic gardens, beautiful perennials, meadows, and paths. This is an ideal afternoon getaway for the nature lover.

• Harmony Park Safari: This spot is a great place for families to check out animals. It is home to a number of exotic animals including zebras, buffalo, camels, ostriches, alligators, and rams.

• U.S. Space and Rocket Center: Visitors can learn about outer space and the history of space exploration through a variety of educational and interactive exhibits. The museum houses hundreds of space-related artifacts and includes space travel simulators. It is also home to Space Camp.

• Alabama Constitution Village: This popular spot commemorates the location where the Alabama constitution was written. It offers a great way to experience history first-hand. Fully-reconstructed Federal-style buildings, workers dressed in period clothing, and spinning wheels all make for a memorable and authentic experience.

• Southern Adventures: This amusement park is perfect for a day of carefree family fun. Visitors can enjoy mini-golf, a water park, thrilling rides, a rock climbing wall, a café, and an arcade. The park is open year-round.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Those who love the theater, musical performances, and dance will feel right at home in Huntsville. With numerous local productions and associations, there is almost always an exciting new show to take in. Local organizations that cater to arts and culture aficionados include:

• Theatre Huntsville: Featuring an eclectic selection of plays, this non-profit group has brought the works of Shakespeare, Agatha Christie, and other renowned playwrights and authors to life on stage.
• Huntsville Symphony Orchestra: The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra is the oldest continuously-operating professional orchestra in Alabama and is recognized as one of the top performing arts groups in the region. This talented group of musicians puts on classical and pop performances to appeal to a wide variety of tastes. Big names like Yo-Yo Ma and Art Garfunkel have performed with the group in the past.
• Huntsville Community Chorus Association: Founded in 1946, the Huntsville Community Chorus is known for its outstanding musical theater and choral performances.
• Community Ballet Association: This group features several different performances every year, and attending the Nutcracker during the holiday season is a Christmas tradition for many Huntsville residents.
• The Dance Company: The perfect place for dance enthusiasts of all ages, the Dance Company offers instruction in forms such as tap, jazz, and ballet for both beginners and experts.

EDUCATION

For its size, Huntsville boasts a very impressive selection of universities and colleges, including:

• The University of Alabama in Huntsville
• Alabama A&M University
• Oakwood University
• J.F. Drake State Technical College

Other higher education institutions, including Columbia College, Virginia College, and the Georgia Institute of Technology, have extensions located in Huntsville.

EVENTS

Regardless of the time of year, something exciting is almost always happening in Huntsville. Local events appeal to people of all interests and tastes. A few regular events that take place in this Alabama locale include:

• Big Spring Jam: Tens of thousands flock to this music festival, Huntsville's biggest of the year. Attendees can expect to hear rock, rhythm and blues, jazz, and country tunes during this three-day event.
• Annual NEACA Craft Shows: Held at the Von Braun Center in March, September, and December, his event features almost every type of craft imaginable.
• Black Arts Festival: Designed to showcase the talent of African Americans living in Huntsville and across the United States, this festival presents visitors with artwork and entertainment free of charge.
• Galaxy of Lights: Held at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens during the month of December, this annual event gets guests into the Christmas spirit. Animated holiday displays and lights transform this popular summertime attraction into a winter wonderland.

SPORTS TEAMS

Aside from numerous recreational and amateur sporting groups, Huntsville is also home to three professional teams:

• Tennessee Valley Vipers: A member of the AF2, the Arena Football League's minor league, the Vipers play their home games in Huntsville's Von Braun Center Arena.
• Huntsville Stars: Affiliated with the Milwaukee Brewers, this AA Minor League Baseball team receives a lot of support from local residents.
• Huntsville Havoc: Hockey fans cheer for the Huntsville Havoc, a member of the Southern Professional Hockey League, at the Von Braun Center.