from the City of Huntsville
Department of Urban Development

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REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT CENTER

The City of Huntsville is the Regional Employment Center of North Alabama. Not only does Huntsville provide employment options for the 550,000 citizens within the MSA area, but the overall workforce is comprised of 14 Counties in Alabama and 4 in Southern Tennessee.

Due to the great transportation infrastructure within the Huntsville MSA, 110,000 regional commuters travel into the City each day for employment from these surrounding areas. Because of Huntsville’s presence as the Regional Employment Center, the day time population of the Huntsville MSA averages 750,000 daily.

BY THE NUMBERS

Huntsville enjoys several major employment centers throughout the City. Some of the largest employment centers within Huntsville include: Redstone Arsenal, NASA, Cummings Research Park, Jetplex Industrial Park, Chase Industrial Park, and the Downtown Business District.

CUMMINGS RESEARCH PARK

Cummings Research Park (CRP) is the second largest R&D Park in the United States, and the 4th largest in the world. CRP is a leading model for transforming research into business success. With a vibrant mixture of Fortune 500 companies, local and international high-tech enterprises, U.S. space and defense agencies, a thriving business incubator and competitive higher-education institutions, Cummings Research Park is the center of attention for research and technology.

Quick Facts:

• 370 Companies
• 3,843 Acres
• 9,000,000 sq. ft. – Corporate office space
• 35,000 employees
• 500 acres still to be developed

REDSTONE ARSENAL

Redstone Arsenal is a 38,000 acre federal research, development, test, and engineering center and is home to the Army’s missile, aviation, and missile defense programs, the Missile Defense Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and NATO’s MEADS program. Redstone is the principal location for Army materiel management, logistics, and foreign military sales. NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is also headquartered at Redstone.

Redstone Arsenal agencies and program offices currently employ more than 38,000 people who manage more than $50 Billion in annual federal budgets. Redstone is home to more than 60 different federal organizations and contractor operations.

ALABAMA’S GROWTH ENGINE

Huntsville is leading Alabama in shaping the future. From its continued growth in research and development, engineering, and bio-science sectors; to becoming one of the fastest growing locations in advanced manufacturing – Huntsville charters the path to success. New business sectors are also emerging within Huntsville’s economy in cyber-security, green energy, and geospatial.

Over the past 5 years, Huntsville has become one of the most diverse economies in the Southeast creating over 10,000 new jobs and $1.3 billion in new private investments. From creating new Research & Development Parks like Redstone Gateway, to new companies locating like Remington, Polaris, Curse, and General Electric – Huntsville is Alabama’s Growth Engine.

A REGIONAL DESTINATION

Huntsville, Alabama is the destination center for North Alabama in regards to shopping, dining, and family activities. The City of Huntsville is home to 3 of the top 10 attractions for the State of Alabama – Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville Botanical Gardens, and the Early Works Children’s Museum. The Space and Rocket Center is the State’s largest visitor attraction with an annual attendance of over 630,000 visitors.

The Von Braun Center (VBC) is the area’s only full-service civic center hosting concerts, plays, and numerous national conferences. Additionally, the Huntsville Museum of Art is the premier showcase for experiencing cultural arts. Lowe Mill, located in the heart of the City, is the largest Arts Center in the Southeastern United States boasting 120 studios and over 200 artists.

When it comes to shopping and dining, Huntsville leads the area with shopping options. Shopping destinations like Bridge Street Town Center, Parkway Place Mall, and Madison Square Mall provide consumers shopping opportunities unmatched anywhere else in Northern Alabama.

National Retailers find consumer confidence in Huntsville. For instance, Cabela’s choosing Huntsville for its first Alabama location, Whole Foods opening their 2nd Alabama store, and Belk constructing one of their first flagship stores.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Huntsville residents enjoy a favorable cost of living and vibrant quality of life options. The Huntsville community provides a strong atmosphere for social and recreational enjoyment for the entire family. Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the natural beauty of the area contains unlimited opportunities for hiking, biking, golfing, outdoor exploration and water sports on the Tennessee River.

From major concerts, Broadway and symphony performances, to Food Trucks and open-air markets – the Huntsville community provides a wonderful way of life.

Huntsville Hospital is a regional center for excellence in medical technology, providing state-of-the-art facilities for residents in North Alabama and south central Tennessee.

Home to minor league professional sporting teams, strong college athletics with the University of Alabama-Huntsville and Alabama A&M University, and youth sports, Huntsville continually plays hosts to the regions athletic events.

As with any growing metro area, diverse quality of life options are essential. Huntsville continues to see massive growth and redevelopment in the downtown core and has quickly become one of the nation’s fasting growing craft beer markets.