Best Places to Live in Alabama

Whether you're moving closer to family or looking for a change of scenery, Alabama is a great destination. This sunny state borders Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida, and its residents enjoy beautiful coasts, delicious food, and live music festivals. The best cities in Alabama offer something for everyone.

Birmingham

Birmingham is the cultural heart of Alabama. Home to theaters, concert halls, art museums, and countless festivals, the city offers many of the benefits of urban life without the high prices. Anyone who loves nature will enjoy hiking in Red Mountain Park. Some of the more popular venues in Birmingham include the Lyric Theatre and the Alabama Theatre. Each August, the Sidewalk Film Festival provides residents with the ability to view the latest independent films.

Huntsville

Huntsville is the most populous city in Alabama and is the fastest-growing metro area in the state. Today, Huntsville offers great schools and a wide range of dining and shopping options for residents to enjoy. While the downtown area is the most popular spot in Huntsville, a spacious arts center and several craft breweries are available to the west. Huntsville is home to 60 parks within the city limits, including the 428-acre John Hunt Park.

Montgomery

Montgomery is a historical destination that's the birthplace of the civil rights movement. The capital city of Alabama was once home to F. Scott Fitzgerald, Hank Williams, and Nat "King" Cole. Today, the city has a bustling arts scene and an energetic downtown area. The top museums in the area include the Rosa Parks Museum, The Civil Rights Memorial Center, and The Hank Williams Museum. Montgomery is around two hours away from Atlanta, GA, and a three-hour drive from the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

Mobile

Mobile is a peaceful waterfront metro destination that provides residents with the best place in Alabama to enjoy Mardi Gras. This city offers many spots for recreation, which include lakes and streams for fishing. Hunters enjoy spending time around the Mobile Delta. If you buy a home in Mobile, you'll be just an hour's drive from several Gulf Coast beaches.

The most popular cultural attractions in the area include several history and art museums as well as the sprawling Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Venues for opera, theater performances, and ballet are also available. Consider visiting the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum or Battleship Memorial Park for more unique experiences.

Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa is a picturesque city that's home to the Alabama Crimson Tide as well as the Alabama Museum of Natural History. The city's rich culture and history are also shown in the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. Residents have access to great destinations for hiking, boating, and picnicking. Over the years, the city has built a reputation for being dog-friendly. In fact, more than 45 restaurants in the area welcome dogs. Some of the nearby suburbs to consider living in include Lake Crest, Patton Place, and Riverview.

Benefits of a home security system and home automation in Alabama

A security system can be one of your best investments when buying a new home in Alabama. Even if you live in the safest neighborhood, a security and home automation system gives you peace of mind that your family is safe.

• Monitors your home: Among the best aspects of obtaining a home security system is that it provides you with constant monitoring even when you're away. The system triggers alarms when detecting everything from a fire or carbon monoxide leak to a natural disaster. And with a Vivint system, our monitoring team will check in with you and send emergency responders right away if needed. Without a security system in place, these incidents may surprise you.
• Helps save energy: Home automation gives you full access to your home appliances, lighting systems, and thermostat, which helps you save energy. When you leave your home, you're able to turn the lights off or change the thermostat temperature remotely. These systems usually provide energy-saver settings that help you reduce your monthly energy bill.
• Accommodates remote access: An automation system gives you smart control over many aspects of your home. Along with controlling the lights and air conditioning system, you'll receive live alerts from your phone, and you can remotely arm or disarm your home security system. Any security camera footage from your property is viewable from your phone no matter where you are. Even when you're not home, remote access allows you to indicate that someone's at home by turning the lights on at a specific time.
• Protects home from intruders: The top reason to obtain a home security system is that it protects your home and loved ones from intruders. Position alarms around your windows and entryways to ensure that the system detects any potential intruders. Even something as small as a doorbell camera keeps intruders at bay.
• Adds convenience: Installing a home security and automation system in your home adds to the convenience of your home. Along with full remote control, you benefit from knowing that you don't need to implement your own security solutions. Smart thermostats allow for full control of your HVAC unit. Smart door locks boost your home security and keep you safe throughout the day.

Home security system FAQs

Below are the answers to the questions that our customers routinely have about security systems and the benefits they deliver.

How many security sensors do I need?

It's possible to install too many security systems in your home. The answer to this question depends on the layout of your home and how large your home is. If you don't have enough motion sensors to cover every area, blind spots are likely. When there are too many sensors, false alarms are common and you’ve spent money on extra sensors you don’t need. The cost of the security system also increases with more sensors. Focus on areas throughout your home that hold valuable possessions and receive high amounts of foot traffic.

At Vivint, we know that every home is unique. Our Smart Home Pros can meet with you, assess your home, and recommend the right amount of sensors for your home. We’ll remove the guesswork so you can focus on what matters most to you.

What types of security cameras do you need?

Security camera systems consist of several different types of cameras that help improve your home security. For instance, a doorbell camera tells you when you have a package and if someone is at the door. Indoor cameras capture footage of any motion in your home. These cameras also have two-way audio. Outdoor cameras are effective because of their ability to detect possible intruders and scare them away. Installing all three camera types allows you to enhance security and monitor every area of your home.

Enhance the safety of your home with Vivint

Regardless of where you choose to live in Alabama, protect your home and family with a security or home automation system. These systems provide you with ample security, convenience, safety, and peace of mind. Call us today at 855.822.1220 to learn more about home security in Alabama.