Reviewed by: Lacey Muenstermann
Ultimate Huntsville newcomers checklist: your guide to setting up utilities, updating your address + more
Reading time: 5 minutes
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You’re new to Huntsville—now what? If you’re looking for a checklist of how to get settled in the Rocket City, this guide is for you.
We’ve outlined how and where to take care of all the adult things required when moving to a new city.
Huntsville Newcomer Checklist
1. Set up your utilities with Huntsville Utilities
When you’re ready to set up your electricity, natural gas and water, Huntsville Utilities makes it as easy as possible. Set up an account through their online portal and conveniently get all your utilities through one service.
- How: Contact Huntsville Utilities online or by phone (be sure to cancel your previous service!)
- Where: Huntsville Utilities website or 256-535-1200
Huntsville Utilities makes it their mission to teach customers how to spend LESS money on utilities. Here are a few benefits of using Huntsville Utilities:
- Money-saving: Huntsville Utilities is cheaper than Alabama Power.
- Convenient: All your utilities (electricity, natural gas, water + trash pickup) are on ONE bill
- Madison County water billed separately
- Easy to pay: Their online payment system and payment plans make it easy to pay your bills.
- Accessible: Online support + Spanish translation services help make getting service accessible for more Huntsville residents.
Give them a follow on Instagram or Facebook for helpful utilities tips that will save you time and money.
2. Change your address
Make sure your mail finds its way to you:
- How: U.S. Postal Service (Tip: you may also want to contact your account holders individually as well)
- Where: USPS website
3. Update your drivers license
Did you know you have 30 days to update your drivers license after you move?
Make sure your personal identification is up-to-date:
- How: Fill out the Alabama Change of Address Form and bring your current license, plus another form of identification just in case
- Where: At one of these Madison County locations
4. Update your vehicle registry
You also have 30 days to update your license plate + vehicle registry once moving to/within Alabama.
- How: Bring your title, previous registration and proof of insurance
- Where: At one of these Madison County locations
Tip: Get the Huntsville Rocket or AL Arts themed vanity plate
While you’re getting your new “44” license plate, splurge a little to support local foundations and drive in style (plus, you’ll blend in with the locals).
- How: Apply for your custom tag online
- Where: Alabama Department of Revenue license plate renewal website
Look out for these two Alabama-themed custom tags:
- “Support the Arts” Alabama Arts Tag featuring artwork of a bottle tree painted by Birmingham artist Bethany Hill
- Supports the Alabama State Council on the Arts which promotes art education and programs in AL
- Get this tag for $55
- “Dare to Explore” Alabama Space Tag featuring the Space Launch System, moon and Mars with a red ribbon resembling the NASA logo
- Supports the the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Education Foundation
- Get this tag for $55 (Application Deadline: December 15, 2024)
5. Register to vote
Make sure your voter registration is up-to-date for the local and state levels:
- How: Register online
- Where: Alabama Secretary of State website
- More Info: How to vote in a local election
6. Sign your kids up for school
If you have kids, here’s how you’ll enroll them in their new school:
- How: Determine which school district you are in (see this map)
- Where: Set up appointment with your school’s registrar
Huntsville has several youth activities and programs. Here are just a few fun and educational kids activities in Huntsville:
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center | Space Camp, play areas, programs + more
- Huntsville Botanical Garden | Programs that inspire discovery of the natural world including gardening and plant lessons
- Huntsville Museum of Art | Hands-on art classes + workshops
- Early Works Children’s Museum | Interactive history + STEM lessons + exhibits
7. Set up your internet
Internet—maybe the most important? Jokes aside, make sure your new home is connected properly:
- How: Choose internet provider in your area
8. Follow Hville Blast
Stay in the know of what’s happening in Huntsville! We regularly post guides and news to keep you in the loop.
Here are some guides to help you start getting to know your new home:
- Huntsville newcomer guide: Huntsville by the numbers plus info on the food, music + art scenes
- Our favorite places we ate this month: our team’s favorite meals (with links to past months)
- Where to make new friends in Huntsville: spots + activities that will help you build community
- Places to go on friend dates: fun experiences to do with others
Hville Blast and Huntsville Utilities welcome you to the Rocket City!
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