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Living in Florence, AL: What to Know Before You Move

If your first idea of Florence is the Italian city, you need to bring it closer to home. But, you're not entirely mistaken; Florence was founded in 1818 and named after Florence, Italy.


Located right in the northwest corner of Alabama, along the banks of the Tennessee River, Florence is part of a culturally rich region known as The Shoals.


The city blends deep Southern roots with a progressive heartbeat.


It’s the birthplace of W.C. Handy and the stomping ground of musical legends like Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones — both recorded at the iconic FAME Studios just across the river.


But before you toss your bags in a truck and dial up some local movers, let’s look at what living in Florence, AL, is really like.

How Affordable is Florence, Alabama?

Florence, AL, is one of those cities where only insiders know the benefits of living in it.


One of the biggest reasons people move to Florence is affordability. According to the national data, the cost of living in Florence is 16% lower than the national average.


That means you will need approximately $2,100 per month to live comfortably here as a single person. Suppose you have a family, and your budget increases to about $2,760 monthly.


Fortunately, you won’t be paying a lot for a decent home here. Housing costs are about 35% more affordable compared to the national average, and you won’t be hard-pressed to find a nice one-room apartment renting for as low as $900 monthly.


  • Average House Rent: $1,050

  • Median Home Value: $215,000


As for groceries and utilities, these are all comfortably below the U.S. average. So, if you are a young professional starting your career in this city, a budget-conscious family, or even a retiree, Florence is a good fit for your pockets. 


Expense Category

Compared to the National Average

Housing

35% lower

Utilities

10% lower

Food

5% lower

Healthcare

19% higher

Transportation

11% lower


Earning Your Keep: Jobs and the Economy in Florence, AL

While it's true Florence is a small city with a population of less than 50,000, only about half of these residents are in the city's active workforce.


The implication is a less competitive job environment with perhaps not-so-competitive salaries, either. 


For instance, the median household income is lower than the national average. While Florence, AL, isn’t Silicon Valley, it’s not asleep either. 


Florence’s economy is anchored by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail. It’s quite stable enough and growing steadily with new investments continuing to pop up thanks to The Shoals' reputation for skilled labor and quality of life.


  • Population: 42,437
  • Median Household Income: $50,396
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
  • Poverty Rate: 19.3%


You will find large employers like North Alabama Medical Center, the University of North Alabama (UNA), Constellium, and Southwire offering solid opportunities.


Note:

Life here is great for remote workers, and you can ask just about any moving company in Florence who some of their most recent clients are.


With fiber internet becoming increasingly widespread, and coworking spaces like The Generator in downtown Florence, living in Florence, AL has never beeneasiery to stay connected and productive.


Transportation Options

Speaking about remote jobs, there are many on-site options in Florence.


For these jobs, you'll need to own a car for an easier commute. Practically everyone in Florence, AL, drives themselves around the city. 


Good that the roadways are mostly smooth and traffic congestion is minimal. You will only complain if you're accustomed to 8-lane interstates. Still, commutes are short, averaging about 15.4 minutes, a 6.6-minute difference less than the U.S. average.


There’s also the Florence-Lauderdale Port and the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport. It works well for small regional flights.


Note:

The Shoals Trolley System is also a low-cost local option, but it’s limited in coverage and time.


Weather and Natural Disasters

Florence has four distinct seasons!


  • Winters are mild, with very little snow (a dusting of snow or two).
  • Summers can get steamy, especially in July when the temperature peaks at 90°F with high humidity.


However, while the four seasons are wonderful, they also have their pros and cons to living in Florence. There is usually a lot of rain, around 58 inches annually, but it also means there’s a risk of a tornado.


Northern Alabama is in Dixie Alley, and while Florence isn’t on high alert year-round, tornado warnings are part of life. Having a weather app and knowing where to shelter are just part of being prepared. 


Overall, the frequency of natural disasters is moderate compared to coastal or mountainous areas.


The Average Seasonal Temperature in Florence, AL:


Winter — 46°F

Fall — 61°F

Spring — 62°F

Summer — 78°F


Schools and Education

Florence is an education-focused town. The Florence City Schools district is rated among the top 30% in Alabama.


Interestingly, while the public schools in Florence are better than most public school districts in Alabama, they rank average compared to all U.S. school districts.


It implies that if you plan on living in Florence, AL, and studying here as well, you should research the schools and school district well before enrolling.


Still… There are respected private and religious-based schools like Mars Hill Bible School and Shoals Christian School that you can explore.


Some of the top schools here include:


  • Central Elementary School
  • Underwood Elementary School
  • Kilby Laboratory School
  • Forest Hills School
  • Florence High School
  • Weeden Elementary School
  • Harlan Elementary School

Culture, Diversity, and The Shoals Magic

Florence has deep Southern traditions, but don’t expect a one-note tune here. Thanks to the university, the arts community, and its global music industry connections, the city is progressive and inclusive.


From W.C. Handy to contemporary indie bands, music is in Florence’s DNA. The Handy Music Festival, First Fridays, Shoals Theatre performances, and art shows along Court Street keep the vibe alive year-round.


When planning a move to Florence, what should you know about diversity? 


You should know that the Florence community is:


71% White,

17% Black residents,

6% Hispanic residents,

<1% Asian residents,

and international residents. 


Looking for outdoor fun? Rivers, hiking trails, and state parks surround you. Some of the best places to visit while living in Florence, AL, include:


  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Rosenbaum House
  • Indian Mound & Museum
  • Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall
  • McFarland Park and Wilson Dam for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching.

Crime Rate

Safer than many Alabama cities, Florence ranks among the top 10% of all U.S. cities. No town is without crime, and in Florence, there is more property crime than there is violent crime.


Violent crime is relatively rare, and neighborhoods like Cloverdale, Forest Hills, Killen, and areas near UNA are known for being particularly safe and community-focused.


So, if you're looking for the best place to live in Florence, consider those areas.


per 1,000 Residents

Florence Median

Alabama Median

National Median

Violent Crime

5.0

4.04

4.0

Property Crime

24.08

16.99

19.0

Conclusion: Where the River, Rhythm & You Meet

Florence, AL, is a place where the cost of living makes sense, jobs are accessible, art and music thrive, and the weather is mostly nice.


Although you will need a car, keep an eye on the sky during storm season, and perhaps, take some time getting used to the slower-paced life. 


But in exchange, you get a soulful experience, riverside sunsets, deep community roots, and an affordable lifestyle while living in Florence, AL.

author

Chris Bates



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