Tuscaloosa, AL Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Tuscaloosa, AL: What You Need to Know

Tuscaloosa is the seat of Tuscaloosa County in west-central Alabama. The city boasts of one of the most successful football teams in NCAA history – University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide.

Schools and Higher Education

University of Alabama (UA) was established in 1831 as the state’s flagship university. It has 38,390 students across 12 schools and colleges, and it offers 70 undergraduate and 120 graduate programs. There are 40 other colleges within 100 miles of the city. In primary and secondary education, there are 23 public schools in the city serving 10,575 students. Rocky Quarry Elementary School and Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools (elementary and middle) are among the top-ranked schools.

Weather and Climate

There’s no snow in Tuscaloosa, but it can still be wet, with about 53 inches of rain per year versus the U.S. average of 38 inches. Tornadoes are increasingly common in the southeast United States, including Alabama. On April 27, 2011, a monstrous tornado traveled from eastern Mississippi to northeast Georgia, devastating Alabama the most.

The Local Sports Scene 

Tuscaloosa is sometimes called the City of Champions, thanks to UA’s Crimson Tide football team, which has won the NCAA championship 15 times. But it’s not just football. The Crimson Tide competes in basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, gymnastics, rowing, cross country, golf, and track and field. The university has amassed 26 NCAA championships and more than 100 conference championships.

The Cost of Living in Tuscaloosa

Living in a place like Tuscaloosa (population: 101,129) is easier on the budget. The city’s cost of living rate and housing costs are 4.2% and 23.8% lower than the national average, respectively. Although food cost is 5.7% higher than the national average, you’ll be able to save on taxes. Alabama has low income tax and sales tax. It collects 2% to 5% in income tax and 4% to 11.50% in sales tax. Tuscaloosa’s median gross rent is $843.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Life primarily revolves around UA in this college town, where 53% of city residents rent. Locals enjoy a safe environment with plenty of entertainment and outdoor recreation. Be forewarned about traffic jams during game days. People who want to be close to the campus but not too close love Northport, located on the north side of the Black Warrior River across from downtown Tuscaloosa. It offers access to all the amenities and events but there’s less traffic. If you don’t mind the commute, Coaling offers the best of country living plus it has great schools.