ALABAMA From the Heart TEXAS

The “Heart of Dixie” is home to an abundance of cultural history, natural beauty, and fantastic places to live. In the far north, Madison is gaining popularity, thanks to an influx of IT and aerospace manufacturing jobs. This comes as no surprise, since the area is home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The nearby Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, 35,000 acres of protected land along the Tennessee River, offers a more terrestrial escape from daily life.

For those looking to be closer to the action, Vestavia Hills and Homewood are two idyllic suburbs just outside Birmingham, the state’s largest city. Fishing and boating enthusiasts will love Spanish Fort and Daphne, situated in the far south on Mobile Bay.

The cost of living in Alabama is over 15% below the national average, and the median home value is $142,700, with an effective real estate tax rate of 0.41%. The highest income tax bracket is set at 5% for income over $3k (individual) or $6k (joint status).

Dream Big, Live Big

Encompassing 268,596 square miles, the Lone Star state is the largest state in the lower 48. And, Texas has NO state income tax and a low cost of living. Gulf Coast shores, verdant bayous, rugged deserts and mountains, and powerful rivers have shaped this geographic jewel. Deep in the Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend National Park is arguably the most famous natural site in Texas, with the Rio Grande carving through vertical walls of limestone. Don’t miss the stunning Guadalupe Mountains National Park, near the border with New Mexico. For a change of scene, the Padres Island National Seashore, on the outskirts of Corpus Christi, is a sanctuary for birds, turtles, and beach goers alike.

But Texas’ major cities are so rich, you might never want to leave. Houston is one of the few American cities that has permanent, professional companies in all of the major performing arts: ballet, opera, orchestra, and theater. Austin has become an “it” spot over the last few years; its live music scene, BBQ pit masters, swimming holes, and vibrant city life have attracted people from all walks of life to the state capital. In Dallas, museums, gardens, and a large urban arts district keep tourists and long-term residents entertained and inspired. San Antonio is most famous for its beautiful River Walk, but those in the know also visit the trendy Pearl District with world-class cuisine and boutique shopping.