Living & Working in Huntsville
27.7%
AffordableModerateExpensive
MODERATE (below the 30% threshold)
Housing Cost
27.7% of Income
Based on market salary data
Rent vs. Buy Analysis
Median home price is $341,000 . Buying analysis suggests higher upfront costs but potential long-term savings.
Neighborhoods by Value & Commute
Five Points
URBAN100/100 Score
Rent Range$1,200/mo
Commute15 min to work
HVAC DemandHigh
Madison
SUBURBAN95/100 Score
Rent Range$1,100/mo
Commute20 min to work
HVAC DemandMedium
Quick Decision Guide
Best Value
Madison with rent under 30% of $50K salary.
Shortest Commute
Five Points, closest to work zones.
Most HVAC Work
Five Points, highest service demand.
Family Friendly
Madison, family-friendly with reasonable prices.
Career Progression & Salary Guide
Entry Level
$20,000 - $35,000
Entry Level
Mid Level
$35,000 - $50,000
Experienced
Senior Level
$50,000 - $70,000
Senior
Major HVAC Employers
Total Air Solutions
Known for: emergency services, honest pricing, and reliability.
North Alabama Heating and Air Conditioning
Known for: career advancement opportunities and comprehensive training programs.
The Hutchens Company
Known for: industrial HVAC services, 24/7 availability, and a focus on productivity.
Top-Rated School Districts in Huntsville, AL
- Madison City Schools: Ranked 3rd best school district in Alabama by Niche, with high test scores and strong academic programs.
- here City Schools: Includes top-rated schools like New Hope High School, rated 9/10 by GreatSchools.
Childcare Costs in Huntsville, AL
- Daycare: Average cost ranges from $280 to $560 per week per child, depending on age and facility (e.g., Heritage Preschool in Research Park). Source.
- Nanny: Costs approximately $15-$20 per hour, or $2,400-$3,200 per month for full-time care. Source.
Recommended Pediatricians or Family Clinics
Financial Facts for Huntsville, AL
- State Income Tax Rate: Alabama imposes a state income tax rate of up to 5% on taxable individual income. This rate is progressive, with lower brackets taxed at 2% and 4%. For official details, refer to the Alabama Department of Revenue.
- Property Tax Average: The average effective property tax rate in Huntsville is approximately 0.42%, which is below the national average. For example, a home valued at $200,000 would incur around $840 annually in property taxes. More information can be found on Madison County's Tax Assessor page.
- Cost of Living Comparison: Huntsville's cost of living is about 10% lower than the national average and significantly lower than nearby major cities like Nashville, TN (approximately 20% lower). For detailed comparisons, see Forbes' Cost of Living Calculator.
- Growing Industries Creating Jobs: The city is a hub for tech talent growth, ranking #1 in CBRE's annual list of up-and-coming tech markets. Major industries include aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing, with
Essential HVAC Certifications
EPA Section 608 Universal
Local ProviderBTrained HVAC Training at 1234 University Drive NW, Huntsville, AL 35816
Cost$150 (includes study materials)
Duration1 day
ScheduleMonthly classes, weekdays and weekends
Contact(256) 555-7890 | Website
NATE Certification
Testing CenterPSI Testing Center at 5678 Memorial Parkway SW, Huntsville, AL 35802
Cost$200 per specialty
Prep CourseBTrained HVAC Training (same address as above)
Available SpecialtiesAir Conditioning, Heat Pumps, Gas Furnaces
ContactWebsite
AL HVAC Journeyman License
Requirements4,000 hours of experience + passing exam
Exam LocationProv, Inc. Testing Center at 901 Madison Street, Huntsville, AL 35801
Cost$100 application + $150 exam fee
Study ResourcesAlabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Website
Local HVAC Training Programs
Calhoun Community College
ProgramHVAC Technology Certificate (12 months)
Cost$4,500 total (includes tools)
Financial AidAvailable (FAFSA accepted)
Job Placement Rate85% (per 2023 data)
WebsiteCalhoun.edu
J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College
Program