Located within Mississippi Territory, Huntsville was first founded in 1805, becoming an officially recognized town in 1811. Indigenous people lived here for thousands of years, and it was Muskogee-speaking tribes who first came across the early explorers and traders from Europe. Around 1300, the Chickasaw came east and settled in the area with the Choctaw settling to the west. Further east, the Iroquoian-speaking Cherokee, came from the Great Lakes. However, European settlers and traders brought new infectious and fatal diseases the tribes had no immunity against. The city continued to grow on the hills north of the Tennessee River, with textile mills established in the late nineteenth century. Much of the city’s growth occurred after World War II. Following the war, research was carried out on rockets for space exploration at the Redstone Arsenal (now the center for R&D, testing and engineering, and procurement for Army aviation and missile defense). This brought in NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, the United States Army Aviation, and Missile Command to Redstone, followed by the operational support headquarters for the FBI. Huntsville was designated as "America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2010” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which has to be a big plus for those buying condos in Huntsville.

Alabama's top paid tourist attraction, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and the world's largest space museum, is located in Huntsville. This is a place that is the absolute epitome of what STEM is all about.

Huntsville also offers plenty of opportunities to explore culture and history, including the U.S. Veteran's Memorial Museum, the hands-on Earlyworks Museum Complex aimed at the younger generation, the North Alabama Railroad Museum, and the Weeden House Museum and Garden.

There is also nature on show in the Huntsville Botanical Garden, described as “a true nature oasis” located in the heart of the city. As well as displays and trails in the abundant gardens, you’ll find annual botanical displays and seasonal festivals, as well as educational programs for everyone. The bird trail, garden railway, vegetable, and Four Seasons gardens are all very popular with residents and tourists alike.

This center houses the Nation’s largest open-air butterfly house, and you’ll find many waterfalls and ponds with incredible vegetation and wildlife to see.

For those who like to shop, Huntsville offers everything from locally-owned boutiques and specialty stores to national brands with everything in between, not forgetting one-of-a-kind makers markets. You'll also find several shopping centers and antique emporiums throughout the city. Perfect for the Huntsville condo owner.

You’ll also find that there is a terrific social scene in Huntsville, with a great variety of big facilities in an otherwise seemingly small community environment. Enjoy live music at Stovehouse, multiple entertainment options at MidCity, and thriving, yet otherwise very picturesque Downtown Huntsville square, with all it has to offer. Huntsville provides quiet lounges and bars, as well as energetic dance clubs. There has also been a craft beer revolution, with numerous breweries and brewpubs emerging, many featuring live music, and of course, high-quality drinks that reflect this beverage revolution.

Harmony Park Safari is a nature preserve, home to endangered and exotic animals, making it a unique experience with its beautiful waterfalls and antique buildings. You can tour in your own vehicle, keeping an eye out for alligators, buffalo, camels, rams, and zebras all that live there.