Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa is located on the Black Warrior River in west central Alabama. The population is about 94,000. The summers in Tuscaloosa are warm and humid with temps in the 90s. The winters are very mild with temps in the 50s and snowfall rare. Tuscaloosa is a very beautiful city surrounded by magnificent natural surroundings. It is very progressive and there is a wealth of things to do and see there. Home to the University of Alabama as well as two other prestigious colleges, the city is youthful, well-educated and vibrant. If you are considering moving to Tuscaloosa, you will surely find a wonderful home there.
Economy:
The median household income in Tuscaloosa is lower than that of the state. The cost of living is significantly lower than the national average. The unemployment rate in Tuscaloosa is currently 7.3 percent. In 2009, the city was rated as one of the '50 best places to launch a small business' by Fortune Small Business. The economy is diverse there, with businesses that include manufacturing, government, health, education and retail. One significant business in Tuscaloosa is the Mercedes-Benz US International assembly plant. Other manufacturing and industrial businesses located there include BF Goodrich, JVC America, Nucor Steel and the Westervelt Company.
History:
The area was originally home to the Choctaw and the Creek Indian tribes. The first known European settler was Thomas York who came to the area in 1816. Late in that year, several families had made the place home. Lots were laid out and auctioned in 1821. In 1852, Tuscaloosa was chosen to be the state capital, but that was moved to Montgomery in 1846. In 1831 the University of Alabama was established. The city's population declined after the loss of the capital status, but the addition of the Bryce State Hospital for the Insane increased the population once again. The city has continued to grow ever since.
Tourism
The Alabama Museum of Natural History is the premiere place for the natural history of the area from the age of dinosaurs to present time. The Westervelt Warner Museum of American Art features 40 years of collecting art by famous American artists. The Paul Bryant Museum, named after famous coach ‘Bear' Bryant of U of A Crimson Tide football features exhibits about the history of football. There is a Moundville Archaeological Site just 15 miles out of town that is the site of a mound-building society from the 11th century. Tuscaloosa is home to a large variety of performing arts. In March, the Sakura Festival honors Tuscaloosa's sister city in Japan with events about the Japanese Culture. In March there is the Druid Arts Festival with music and art in the downtown area. In October, the Kentuck Festival of the Arts is a celebration of folk art.