Alabama Retirement

Alabama is bordered to the north by Tennessee, to the south by Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, to the east by Georgia and to the west by Mississippi.   In 1819, Alabama became the 22nd state and in 1861 it joined the Confederacy.  The oldest town, Mobile, was founded by French settlers.

The climate is typically warm and humid and the state usually has some of the warmest summers in the country.  This appeals to many northern retirees.  Golf, beach resorts and sport-fishing are popular year round.  Other attractions include civil rights movement landmarks, Civil War sites (the Confederacy’s first capitol was in Montgomery, now the state capitol) and the Tuskegee Institute.

Alabama has strong state resources for retirees, beginning with the Alabama Department of Senior Services.  Here seniors can find information about senior housing, emergency services, foster grandparent programs, outreach programs, health screenings, employment services and much more.  Most cities and/or town also have senior resources, as do most counties.

Although Alabama does not attract as many relocating retirees as do Texas, Florida and Arizona, more and more baby boomers are realizing that the state’s low cost of living, very mild climate and affordable housing are just what they are looking for in a retirement spot.

The state’s economy is heavily based on steel production, although agriculture, areospace and tourism have taken on more importance during the last few years.

Alabama Stats:

Population, year 2009 estimate – 4,708,708

Population, percent change, April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2009 – 5.9%

Persons 65 years old and over, percent, year 2009 – 13.8%

Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin, percent, year 2009 – 3.2%

White persons not Hispanic, percent, year 2009 -68%

High school graduates, percent of persons age 25+, year 2000 – 75.3%

Bachelor’s degree or higher, pct of persons age 25+, year 2000 – 19%

Median household income, year 2008 – $42,586

Social Security Taxed? No

Source: U.S. Census Bureau