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What It's Like to Be an Alabamian

Alabama, appearing to "sit" on Florida's panhandle and sandwiched between Georgia on the east and Mississippi on the west, has a temperate climate thanks to its southern location and proximity to the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Alabama's land is known as the "Heart of Dixie," was a prominent player in the Civil War, sports the Appalachian Mountains in the northeast, contains several national parks, sits in the middle of the Bible Belt, and was home to the famed Helen Keller. All this combined makes Alabama land for sale a prized possession.

Early History

Alabama's name is taken from one of the many Native American tribes that once inhabited the area. Trade with tribes of the Northeast was made via the Ohio River starting around 1,000 BC and continued until contact was made with European explorers.

Throughout its early European settlement, Alabama was settled by the French, British, and the Spanish at varying times. In the early 19th century, its rich, fertile soil attracted settlers. At one time, it was known as the "Black Belt" because of the dark, fertile soil.

Alabama seceded from the Union in 1861 to join the Confederate States. Though few battles of the Civil War were fought on Alabama land, the state's contribution to the Confederate army was about 120,000 soldiers. At the end of the war, Alabama was readmitted to the Union in 1868.

Climate

Alabama's climate is often described as "temperate." The winters throughout most of the state are mild, though in the north, temperatures do dip below freezing overnight. Summers in most areas experience temperatures in the high 80's, while some cities will creep into the 90's on occasion.

The average annual temperature for the entire state is about 64 degrees Fahrenheit. As you move towards the Gulf of Mexico, temperatures tend to get warmer. South Alabama also experiences more thunderstorms than any other state on the Gulf Coast.

Northern Alabama, due to its flat plains, attract violent, long-lasting tornadoes. This area of Alabama is considered part of "Dixie Alley" (in distinction from the better known Tornado Alley) and produces more F5 (the most violent storm on the Fujita scale) tornadoes than any other area of the U.S.

Demographics

As of 2005, Alabama's population was around 4.5 million residents. Whites make up around 72 percent of the population, blacks 27 percent, while Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians and other Pacific Islanders make up a small minority.

Being in the middle of the Bible Belt, religion makes up a large part of the culture and community in Alabama. The majority of residents are able to easily name all four of the Christian Gospels. Despite the heavy religious influence, more than half the residents claim that they have a "full understanding" of their faith and therefore require no further instruction.

Alabama land for sale can be had for around $2,500 per acre, while an average home will set you back around $150,000. But depending on the area, average home prices can be as high as $500,000 or as low as $60,000.

About the Author

Remax Alabama (http://www.remax-alabama.com) is committed to finding the perfect piece of Alabama land for sale to suit your needs and make you happy. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

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