I had the privilege of being born and raised in north Alabama.  Now, as a husband, father of two, and U.S. Congressman, I continue to value what the area has to offer and know it is one of the best places in the world to live and raise a family.  Being a congressman with small children, we also have a home in Arlington, Virginia and, therefore, have the constant opportunity to compare the two.  My family and I enjoy our time in Arlington and northern Virginia, but I am constantly reminded how great it is to live in Alabama and why we call Alabama home.  As you contemplate a move to north Alabama, please consider our perspective.   

You will find few places with north Alabama’s mix of low cost of living and high quality of life.  Bankrate.com reports that, when moving from Arlington, Virginia to north Alabama, it costs 38% less for a family to maintain the same standard of living.  A home that costs $674,968 in Arlington, Virginia, would only cost $219,900 in Huntsville, Alabama- and less in the surrounding areas.  That is at least a $455,068 difference.  Your dollar just goes farther in north Alabama and you will not have to sacrifice your standard of living or your access to quality education, jobs, housing, shopping, or entertainment.

I was educated in Alabama’s public school system and have great confidence in our schools’ ability to educate our children and prepare them for a successful future.  Statistics presented by the Alabama State Department of Education confirm that our students are performing very well and show an upward trend in almost every category.  With test scores continually above the national average and the highest graduation requirements in the United States, the Alabama public school system is providing our children with the tools they need to accomplish great things. 

Alabama also offers the best of the great outdoors.  You can enjoy hiking in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains or the pristine Bankhead National Forest.  You can also enjoy boating on the beautiful lakes that stretch across north Alabama.  Lake Guntersville is only a short drive east of Huntsville and Smith Lake, also close by, has over 500 miles of shoreline.  North Alabama offers easy access to golfing on the world-famous Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and the many other golf courses in area.  Which ever activity you choose, you are sure to enjoy this aspect of our state.  I can personally tell you that less traffic and ease of travel will impress you as you take advantage of all that Alabama has to offer.   

If you are considering moving to our area, please take a close look at all the amazing things that north Alabama has to offer you and your family.  I encourage you to come down for a visit and witness firsthand the hospitality of our area and the warmth and safety of our Alabama communities.  In Alabama, family values are truly put into practice.   

If you are already planning the move, let me take this opportunity to welcome you and reassure you that you made a good decision.   

It is an honor to represent north Alabama in Washington D.C.  If I can be of assistance to you throughout this process please feel free to contact me.