Living in Montgomery, I didn't realize how comfortable it could be at first!

I'm so grateful to be able to eat Korean food, attend Korean services, and spend time with Korean neighbors in Alabama.

Let me share some advantages I've experienced 😊

The biggest reason is that the Korean community is well-established.

There are about 10,000 Koreans in the metropolitan area.

There are over 15 Korean churches, 11 Korean restaurants, and a Korean market called Seoul Market.

Thanks to the Hyundai factory, the community has grown rapidly since 2002.

There are over 70 Korean parts companies operating along the I-85 corridor, so there is a steady demand for Korean engineers and management positions.

The cost of living is more than 10% lower than the national average. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom is around $894, and the median home price is relatively affordable.

Property taxes are also among the lowest in the country. You can live in a much larger and better home for the same budget compared to other major cities.

Education is a strong point with the magnet schools. LAMP High School ranks in the top 30 nationwide, and Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Elementary School is ranked number one in Alabama.

Since it's a magnet program, you can apply without worrying about the general school district based on your residence. Maxwell AFB is also an advantage for Koreans.

There are positions for Korean Air Force personnel, civil service jobs, and VA medical benefits. It's an ideal environment for military families.

Oh! I can't forget to mention that winters are really warm here. There's almost no snow, so you don't have to worry about winter driving.

Heating costs are low too. If you've experienced the harsh cold of Korean winters and the humidity of Korean summers, Montgomery winters feel like paradise.

The friendly culture of the South also helps Koreans settle in. The term Southern Hospitality exists for a reason.

Neighbors greet you first and there's a culture of helping each other.