Huntsville Apartments and Rentals

A small city located in the valley of northern Alabama, Huntsville is known as being a high-tech community that has 19th-century roots with a 21st-century heart. Those with a penchant for space travel who are seeking Huntsville apartments for rent already know how attractive the city is for workers in the aeronautical sector who still want a family-focused atmosphere. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Huntsville's population was 180,105, a great size for those who want the amenities of a city without all of the hustle and bustle.

Huntsville was named after Revolutionary War hero John Hunt in 1805. Hunt settled into the land that local Native Americans called "Ah-la-bama." The valley that Hunt discovered seemed like a great place for a city and many others agreed, as the growth rate of Huntsville quickly took off, with the city becoming the state's first capital in 1819. However, the Civil War and Reconstruction took a devastating economic toll on the trailblazing pioneers who built up the farming town, and Huntsville was forced to reinvent itself. Textile mills sprouted up across the city, and Huntsville began to rebuild.

Industry declined again during the Great Depression, but the United States' entry into World War II gave Huntsville its launch. After an arsenal was built to produce chemical artillery shells, former textile workers began to make detailed weaponry. During its peak, there were 20,000 people in Huntsville involved in war production, creating a boom for the city. In 1958, an Army team turned missile development into a space vehicle research center called NASA. Now known as "The Rocket City," Huntsville has been attracting scientists and astronauts to the region ever since.

Seeing as Huntsville has molded itself into a city known for space research, there are several institutes of technology located within the area, including branches from both Georgia and Florida. Perhaps the most accredited is The University of Alabama at Huntsville, whose collaborative efforts with NASA have produced advanced engineering and technological commercialization programs. Because it is a popular university, students looking for apartments for rent in Huntsville may want to begin their search in early to mid-summer to make sure they find the perfect pad.

It goes without saying that space engineering and technological manufacturing are the largest sectors for work. According to the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, the city's largest employers are the U.S. Army's Redstone Arsenal and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Toyota also have manufacturing bases within the city.

Huntsville enjoys a low cost of living index of 84.4, more than 15 percent less that the U.S. national average. With the median household income at nearly $50,000 per year, Huntsville is a great place to raise a family affordably. The median gross rent in 2009 was $664 per month, a very low cost for a city of its size.

Huntsville enjoys warm weather throughout most of the year, so it is no surprise that many locals enjoy the government-protected areas of outdoor space within the Tennessee River Valley located in and around Huntsville. With many parks, greenways, stables and nature preserves, there are plenty of natural spaces to enjoy.

What sets Huntsville apart from other cities in the South is the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Events at the center include frequent lunches with NASA astronauts. Tours are also available for adults and children. This center is a great way to learn about Huntsville's history and how they plan to launch into the future.

To find a Huntsville apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.