Alabama has lowest property tax rates in the country (thanks to well-connected timber owners and ALFA). Sales tax runs 8-9% in most counties. State income tax about 5% of taxable income. No personal property ad-volorem tax. Insurance rates reasonable and energy costs are low. Housing is varied, based on area and city, but cheaper than anywhere in California. Land is very diverse - mountains to gulf. Retirees seem to like lake areas, university towns, and military towns. Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is championship level with good price. Shakespeare Festival in M'tmy considered among the nation's best. For comedic entertainment, take in the dilly-dallys on Goat Hill between branches of government. Close to Atlanta, and from Atlanta, you can go anywhere. B'ham Airport good and much less crowded than Hartsfield. But, hush! It's a secret!
B'ham Airport goodUm.
Smallest, most 'average' airport I have ever seen.
Rochester is a smaller town with a better airport.
However, there are many good points to Birmingham.
The airport ain't it, but there are many good points. Inexpensive, good pay can be found, traffic reasonable, good shopping, very pretty terrain, decent and friendly people, racial strife at a minimum compared to Northeastern and Midwestern communities.
But don't stress the airport as a draw. :o)