Is Alabama a Good Place to Live? Pros and Cons of Living in Alabama
Alabama is located in the southern part of the US. The state is also called the Heart of Dixie or the Cotton State. The state has some of the most elaborate inland waterways in Northern America. The capital city of Alabama is Montgomery but there are larger and more populated cities in the state like Huntsville. The state’s economy was primarily dependent on agriculture but is now diversified with other industries like manufacturing, finance, technology and aerospace. Alabama’s cities are a great option for any expat seeking to live in America.
Is Alabama a good place to live? Alabama enjoys great weather all year round. The state has great natural beauty including inland waterways and forests. The cost of living in Alabama is low and so are real estate prices. There are several highly rated colleges in the state and employment opportunities are plenty.
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Alabama is a state of friendly people and closely-knit rural communities. The sunny hot weather provides a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities but it will take a while to get used to it if you are from a cold part of the country. The state’s tragic past of racial bigotry has long since passed and the population is quite diverse. You will pay lower taxes in Alabama than in most other states. The crime rate is low and the state is a great place to raise a family. The pace of life in Alabama is slow except in a few cities.
In this article you will find out:
How To Become An Expat
Is Alabama a good place to live?
Alabama is a state with a high degree of inequality. You will find pockets of opulence and pockets of poverty scattered across the state. There are a lot of neighborhoods in Alabama and you can find great suburbs in which to settle down. If the neighborhoods are ranked based on cleanliness, crime rate, population density, education levels and cost of living, the best neighborhoods in Alabama are Madison, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Auburn, Medowbrook, Indian Springs Village, Fairhope, Helena, Huntsville, Alabaster, Brook Highland, Pelham and Calera. The worst neighborhoods are Bessemer, Prichard, Anniston, Atmore, Talladega, Tarrant, Gadsden, Lanett, Clanton and Opp.
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Alabama is one of the most dangerous states in the country. A study by 24/7 Wall Street in 2017 ranked Alabama as the 8th most dangerous state in the US. The overall crime rate in Alabama is 35 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime is especially prevalent in the state at stands at a rate of 5.24 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. Property crime makes up the bulk of crime in Alabama. There are about 30 property crimes per 1,000 residents in Alabama. However, Alabama does have a crime per square mile that is lower than the national average. Insurances for your valuables is advised.
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Despite all these, there are still some best cities to live in Alabama.
Public primary and secondary education in Alabama is managed by the Alabama State Board of Education. The board runs 1,496 schools with 744,637 students. The state also has 14 public universities, 17 private, undergraduate and graduate universities and several two-year community colleges. There are law schools, medical schools, dental schools, pharmacy schools, veterinary colleges and they are all overseen by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. The most prominent tertiary education institution in the state is the University of Alabama with a student population of about 40,000 students. Several universities in Alabama have received accolades for being in the top 100 schools in the country.
Alabama is home to several commercial airports the main ones among them being Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, Huntsville International Airport, Dothan Regional Airport, Mobiles Regional Airport, and Muscle Shoals–Northwest Alabama Regional Airport. As for rail transport, the Amtrak rail system passes through Anniston, and Tuscaloosa. Alabama is served by six main interstate highways. There are also several US highways passing through Alabama. Alabama has four toll roads namely Tuscaloosa Bypass, Emerald Mountain Expressway and Beach Express. Alabama also has several ports with the Port of Mobiles the largest among them and the only seawater port. Other ports are Port of Florence, Port of Decatur, Port of Guntersville, Port of Tuscaloosa and the Port of Montgomery.
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There are many venues for social activities in Alabama. College football is especially popular in Alabama. The University of Alabama and Auburn games are attended by tens of thousands of fans. There are also professional minor league teams in the state. The Talladega Superspeedway motorsports complex holds Nascar racing events and is one of the largest stadiums in the world. The city has forests where you can go hiking.
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Pros and cons of living in Alabama
Pros
- You will enjoy great food in Alabama including fresh seafood and incredible barbecue.
- You can enjoy over 60 miles of pristine sandy beaches along the Gulf coast whenever you feel like it.
- You will be living in college football heaven. College football is like a religion in Alabama.
- Alabama has many festivals all year round. The citizens of Alabama really know how to have fun at festivals.
- There are over 30 breweries in the state. You will find beer everywhere you turn which most Americans will enjoy.
- The weather is almost always sunny in Alabama. You can sunbathe all year round and partake in many outdoor activities.
- Alabama has deep musical roots. When you live in Alabama you will experience great music regardless of your taste.
- There are plenty of employment opportunities in Alabama. With the right qualifications, you are almost assured of employment.
- Housing costs in Alabama are really low. You can find great housing for prices you will not find elsewhere in the country.
- Alabama is very sparsely populated. You will rarely have to deal with big crowds except during college football season.
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Cons
- Some neighborhoods in Alabama are infamous for cockroach infestation. You had better get used to living with cockroaches.
- Sundays in Alabama are stay at home days. Almost zero businesses are open on Sunday in Alabama.
- Some counties in Alabama have completely banned the sale of alcohol. You may have to search far to find a drink in these places.
- Alabama citizens are quite quirky. You will have to get used to insults that sound like sincere expressions in Alabama.
- Sometimes the weather in Alabama can be erratic. A heavy downpour in the morning can be followed by humid heat in the afternoon.
- The state authorities in Alabama are some of the most corrupt in the country. Hence, there is an inefficient distribution of public services.
- The public schools in Alabama really need some work. Education is not a state priority so a family with young children will have problems.
- There are high poverty rates in Alabama.
- Expect to meet more obese people in Alabama than you are regularly used to.
- Alabama citizens, especially in rural areas, are very socially conservative.
Is Alabama a good place to work?
Alabama has an unemployment rate of about 5% which is equal to the national average. The average annual salary in Alabama is $39,180 which is higher than the national average annual salary of $31,000. The average annual salary ranks 37th out of the 50 American states. The state of Alabama has no official minimum wage rate hence the minimum federal wage rate of $7.25 is implemented in the state.
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Alabama has a very high poverty rate. In 2018, Alabama received credit for having the sixth-highest poverty rate among states in the country. A tour of Alabama will reveal some of the harshest living conditions you will ever see.
The Alabama economy was dependent on agriculture to a significant degree up to the Second World War. The economy has since been well diversified. In fact, as of 2006, agriculture was only 1% of the state’s GDP. Alabama has the 27th largest state economy in the US. Alabama had a GDP of $204 billion as of 2016.
A lot of people in Alabama are employed in management positions. Based on the number of people employed, the largest industries in Alabama are transportation and logistics, production, business and finance, computing and IT, architecture and engineering, physical and social sciences, community and social services, legal services, educational services, art and design, media, healthcare, security, hospitality, personal care and services and farming, fishing and forestry.
Pertaining to individual employers, the largest employers in the state of Alabama include Redstone Arsenal, University of Alabama, Maxwell Air Force Base, State of Alabama, Mobile County Public School System, Anniston Army Depot, AT&T, Auburn University, Baptist Medical Center South, Birmingham City Schools, City of Birmingham, DCH Health System, Huntsville City Schools, Huntsville Hospital System and Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.
Is Alabama a good place to buy a house?
Alabama is one of the best places in the country for an expat to buy a house. Alabama has one of the highest homeownership rates in the nation with 71.9%. Most of the homes owned are through mortgages. Are you planning on moving to Alabama? Alabama has great mortgage rates hence the high rate of homeownership. The average price of a house in Alabama is $131,200. The average rent in Alabama is $750.
Despite the low prices, you are encouraged to acquire home insurance if you purchase property in Alabama. Insurance applies whether you are buying a house to live in or to rent out.
The best neighborhoods in Alabama are Madison, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Auburn, Medowbrook, Indian Springs Village, Fairhope, Helena, Huntsville, Alabaster, Brook Highland, Pelham and Calera. The worst neighborhoods are Bessemer, Prichard, Anniston, Atmore, Talladega, Tarrant, Gadsden, Lanett, Clanton and Opp.
The average price of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Alabama is $650 per month, of renting a two-bedroom apartment in Alabama is $775 per month, of renting a three-bedroom apartment in Alabama is $940, of renting a four-bedroom apartment in Alabama is $1,260, of renting a five-bedroom apartment in Alabama is $1,430.
The mean price of a one-bedroom house in Alabama is $116,500. The mean price of a two bedroom house in Alabama is $148,700. The mean price of a three-bedroom price in Alabama is $179,250. The mean price of a four-bedroom house in Alabama is $216,320. The mean price of a five-bedroom house in Alabama is $245,000.
Is Alabama a good place to retire?
Alabama deserves credit as a great place to retire for a plethora of reasons. One of the main reasons is the great weather. The sunny summers and mild winters attract many retirees to Alabama. Another reason is the low cost of living which helps retirees stretch their retirement funds.
Moreover, who would not want to retire and spend their days exploring over 60 miles of sandy beaches? Alabama also offers incredible tax breaks for seniors making it a great retirement location.
The best neighborhoods in Alabama are Madison, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Auburn, Medowbrook, Indian Springs Village, Fairhope, Helena, Huntsville, Alabaster, Brook Highland, Pelham and Calera. The worst neighborhoods are Bessemer, Prichard, Anniston, Atmore, Talladega, Tarrant, Gadsden, Lanett, Clanton and Opp.
Most retirees prefer to rent their property in Alabama. It does not make sense to take out a 30-year mortgage if you are 65 years old. Retirement properties are equally priced to other properties.
The average price of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Alabama is $710 per month, renting a two-bedroom apartment in Alabama is $850 per month, of renting a three-bedroom apartment in Alabama is $1000, of renting a four-bedroom apartment in Alabama is $1,330, of renting a five-bedroom apartment in Alabama is $1,510.
The average price of a one-bedroom house in Alabama is $123,200, of a two-bedroom house in Alabama is $152,500, of a three-bedroom price in Alabama is $185,400, of a four-bedroom house in Alabama is $226,200 and of a five-bedroom house in Alabama is $251,100.
Is Alabama a good place to visit?
Alabama has great attractions and landmarks which attracts thousands of tourists to the state. The places you must see when visiting Alabama include:
Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island lies off the coast of Mobile and is the first piece of land that birds see when they migrate north from South America. There are several bird sanctuaries on the island.
The island offers visitors stunning sunsets, breathtaking beaches and pristine patches of grassland. A day on Dauphin Island is sure to relieve some stress.
Noccalula Falls Park
Noccalula Falls Park is a scene of great beauty. The falls are over 90 feet high and due to the sunny Alabama weather always have a rainbow.
The falls are famous for their tragic romantic history. Visitors can camp, play at the petting zoo or go hiking.
Cheaha State Park
Visiting Cheaha State Park and climbing Cheaha Mountain to the highest point in Alabama is quite an experience. The park is located inside Talladega National Forest.
The park offers visitors lengthy hiking trails, ATV trails and other trails. You can camp in the park and enjoy a meal in a beautiful outdoor setting of your choice.
FAQs
Is the state of Alabama a good place to live? ›
Known to be a state with rich history, culture, natural beauty, and southern hospitality, Alabama is a great place to live for many various reasons. If you want somewhere with low income and property taxes, low cost of living, and beautiful weather, then Alabama may be a good place for you to live and raise a family.
Is moving to Alabama a good idea? ›The state's housing market and rental market are below the national average in terms of costs. If you'd like to live in a state where unemployment rates are lower than the national average, with more sunny days throughout the year, and with a shorter commuting time, moving to Alabama is right for you.
Are taxes high in Alabama? ›Alabama is a state with relatively low income tax and effective property tax rates. The state sales tax of 4% is also low, but local rates can more than double what you pay in sales tax in some cities.
Why are people moving to Alabama? ›When the price of living is low, you can expect to pay much less on food, taxes, real estate and housing expenses. Over time, the added savings can make a home in Alabama a practical purchase. Yet another reason the population is growing in Alabama are the gorgeous snow-white beaches and the warm weather.
What are the biggest health problems in Alabama? ›AL Leading Causes of Death, 2016 | Deaths | U.S. Rate** |
---|---|---|
1. Heart Disease | 12,832 | 165.5 |
2. Cancer | 10,419 | 155.8 |
3. Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases | 3,326 | 40.6 |
4. Stroke | 2,967 | 37.3 |
Alabama is a safe state, filled with striking scenery and historic charm. This incredibly affordable state allows retirees to invest in their lifestyle without stretching their budget. An Alabama retirement means getting to live in a little piece of heaven on the Gulf Coast.
What kind of natural disasters happen in Alabama? ›Many types of natural disasters can occur in Alabama including tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and thunderstorms.
Where is the safest place to live in Alabama? ›- Helena.
- Mountain Brook.
- Pleasant Grove.
- Vestavia Hills.
- Moody.
- Pelham.
- Daphne.
- Alabaster.
Due to its moderate climate and location in the country, housing, food, and most of the living expenses are some of the lowest in the United States. This southern state is one of the country's most affordable places to live.
What part of Alabama has the best climate? ›...
These 12 Cities In Alabama Have The Best Weather In The Entire...
- Tillmans Corner. ...
- Fairhope. ...
- Prichard. ...
- Ozark. ...
- Auburn. wikipedia. ...
- Millbrook. wikimedia commons. ...
- Prattville. wikipedia. ...
- Phenix City.
What do I need to know before going to Alabama? ›
- Wear your best on Sundays. ...
- Be ready for three square meals a day. ...
- Age comes before beauty. ...
- We're all about family, all the time. ...
- Mind your Mouth (and your Manners) ...
- Hunting season is the best season. ...
- We have a nice porch for a reason. ...
- We will deep fry almost anything.
Are people moving in or out? Alabama was one of 23 states and the District of Colombia in the continental United States that saw more people move in than moved out in 2021, according to North American Moving Services.
Does Alabama get snow? ›On average, Huntsville accumulates 1.77 inches of snowfall per year, while Birmingham and Montgomery collect less than an inch of snow per year. "Annual averages for snow in Alabama are light, ranging from 4.7" at Valley Head to 0.4" in Mobile (though most years see zero there)," notes a 2010 Alabama Climate Report.
At what age do you stop paying state taxes in Alabama? ›If you are over 65 years of age, or permanent and totally disabled (regardless of age), or blind (regardless of age), you are exempt from the state portion of property tax. County taxes may still be due. Please contact your local taxing official to claim your homestead exemption.
How much tax is taken out of paycheck in Alabama? ›...
Income Tax Brackets.
Single Filers | |
---|---|
Alabama Taxable Income | Rate |
$0 - $500 | 2.00% |
$500 - $3,000 | 4.00% |
$3,000+ | 5.00% |
Alabama fully exempts Social Security retirement benefits from income taxes. Retirees who own a home in Alabama benefit from some of the lowest property tax rates in the country. On the other hand, sales taxes in Alabama rank as the fifth-highest in the U.S.
Where are people moving to Alabama coming from? ›Some 14.8% of Alabama's new residents from other states came from Florida, followed by 14.4% from Georgia and 9.5% from Tennessee. All three states are Republican-dominated. Texas sent more people than any other state not bordering Alabama, constituting 8% of new Alabama residents from other states.
What is Alabama people known for? ›What Is Alabama Known For? Alabama is known for its Southern hospitality, its history of civil rights struggles, and as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. It is also a large producer of two commodities in the United States and is a significant home to space discovery.
Does Alabama have a high cost of living? ›The cost of living in Alabama is 12% lower than the national average. Housing is 30% lower than the national average, while utilities are 1% higher. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 5% lower than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs 5% lower.
Is Alabama healthcare good? ›The analysis found that Alabama, Arkansas and Delaware have the worst healthcare systems.
Does Alabama have good healthcare? ›
Overall, Alabama ranked as the worst state for health care based on spending and the availability and use of hospitals, primary care doctors, dentists and mental health providers. Alabama also ranked low in health care spending and had fewer dentists and mental health providers per capita compared with Tennessee.
Is there good healthcare in Alabama? ›Alabama has more than 116 hospitals. Four meet high U.S. News standards and are ranked in the state. U.S. News also rates hospitals in the Birmingham metro area. The number 1 hospital in Alabama is University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital.
What is the #1 retirement state? ›The top five states to retire to in 2023 are Ohio, Iowa, Minnesota, Florida, and Nebraska. Midwestern states scored well in our ranking for affordability, healthcare, and safety, leading to five Midwestern states being in the top 10.
What is the nicest town to live in in Alabama? ›- Huntsville. Located in northern Alabama near the Tennessee River, Huntsville often makes national “best cities” lists for its rich mix of Southern hospitality and high-tech industries. ...
- Madison. ...
- Birmingham. ...
- Vestavia Hills. ...
- Trussville. ...
- Montgomery. ...
- Mobile. ...
- Fairhope.
Maine topped The Motley Fool's list of best U.S. states to retire, with high marks for quality of life, safety, and health care cost and quality. The state has the highest percentage of residents over age 65, so retirees can find like-minded neighbors who enjoy the outdoors, natural beauty, and reliable health care.
Do tornadoes go through Alabama? ›Since 1996, Alabama has averaged 56 tornadoes each year, according to data from the NWS. [6] "Alabama Tornadoes by Year 1950–2021." Accessed June 09, 2022.
Do floods happen in Alabama? ›Flooding is Alabama's second-most common natural hazard, occurring on average every 12 days. Alabama receives about 56 inches of rainfall annually, creating a high risk of riverine and flash flooding with coastal counties (such as Mobile and Baldwin) susceptible to storm surge from tropical storms and hurricanes.
What is the number one city to live in Alabama? ›Montgomery
Alabama's capital city lands as the best place to live in the state. Montgomery features plenty of activities and attractions, ranging from a zoo, museums, and riverside parks.
Cullman, a city of nearly 16,000 and county seat of Cullman County, is Alabama's safest city. The city scores a 0.72 on the Safety Index due to its low crime rates and excellent police force. Following at #2 is Vestavia Hills, a lush, fast growing suburb of large city Birmingham.
What is the most common crime in Alabama? ›Larceny-theft is the most common property crime in Alabama, making up 71% of all property crime—matching the US proportion of larceny-thefts. Burglary makes up 19% of all property crime in Alabama, compared to 16% nationwide.
Is it cheaper to live in Tennessee or Alabama? ›
The data found Alabama's Average Cost of Living Index, 88.1, was the fourth lowest of any state. With an Average Cost of Living Index of 90.2, Tennessee landed at #10 on the list.
Are property taxes cheap in Alabama? ›Alabama is the second-lowest state for property taxes, only beaten by Hawaii. The effective property tax rate–the amount paid in taxes compared to property values–was 0.41%, for an average of $587. Based on 2021 data, Shelby County residents paid the highest average property taxes, at $905.
What state has the most affordable houses to buy? ›No. 1 cheapest state to buy a house in 2022: Iowa
Iowa came in at the top of the list with the lowest average median household income it takes to be able to afford a house. The largest housing markets in the Midwestern state include Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids.
- Little River Canyon. ...
- Sipsey Wilderness. ...
- Red Mountain and Park. ...
- Noccalula Falls. ...
- Walls of Jericho Trail. ...
- Bankhead National Forest. ...
- Cahaba River. ...
- White Cliffs of Epes.
Alabama's generally warm, humid climate results from its mid-latitude location and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. This location also produces the often-turbulent weather patterns that regularly bring tornadoes and hurricanes to the state.
Are Alabama summers hot? ›Summers in Alabama are among the hottest in the United States, with high temperatures averaging over 90 °F (32 °C) throughout the summer in many parts of the state. In the extreme south, summer's heat is tempered slightly by winds from the Gulf of Mexico which often blow inland by up to 10–15 miles.
What taxes do you pay in Alabama? ›Alabama has a 6.50 percent corporate income tax rate. Alabama has a 4.00 percent state sales tax rate, a max local sales tax rate of 7.50 percent, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 9.25 percent. Alabama's tax system ranks 41st overall on our 2023 State Business Tax Climate Index.
Is it cheaper to live in Georgia or Alabama? ›Cost of living
Georgia has an overall score of 93.4, about 10% more than Alabama's 84.1. So, on average, living in Alabama is more affordable than living in Georgia, even though you may spend more on healthcare. Notably, Alabama's population is half of Georgia's, which may explain why living here is cheaper.
Alabama is rich in rural cultural traditions. Storytelling in particular has attracted the attention of folklore specialists, and quilt making is also a highly developed art. Sacred music, in the form of gospel ensembles and shape-note, or “fa-so-la,” singing, remains a vital part of Alabama's cultural life.
Which state are most people leaving? ›1. California. 2021 saw a net loss of over 101 thousand households in California despite a mostly pleasant climate and robust tech industry. Rising housing costs, rising taxes and politics seem to be driving many people to look for opportunities elsewhere.
What state are most people moving to right now? ›
And secondly, they are also states where housing is more affordable and available than in parts of the country that lost residents. The states that attracted the most new residents in 2022 are Florida, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina, followed by other states in the South and West.
Where are people moving to the most? ›Florida (318,855), Texas (230,961), and the Carolinas – North Carolina (99,796) and South Carolina (84,030) – were the states with the most net domestic migration gains in 2022. Positive net domestic migration and positive net international migration significantly boosted population growth in these areas.
Has it ever snowed on Christmas in Alabama? ›Christmas day 2010 was a white Christmas for many around the Anniston area. Measurable snow was reported at numerous locations around the Anniston area, including 1.0" at the airport. Anniston has reported a total of three trace snowfall events in 1993, 1989, and 1970 on December 25th.
What is the coldest month in Alabama? ›Average Temperature in Alabama
The cold season lasts for 3.3 months, from December 4 to March 14, with an average daily high temperature below 40°F. The coldest month of the year in Alabama is January, with an average low of 20°F and high of 32°F.
Alabama is known for its barbecue, like many southern states, and even has it's own unique White BBQ Sauce. But it's also well-known for many other southern and soul food favorites like Fried Green Tomatoes, Classic Southern Smothered Pork Chops, Collard Greens, Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, and Tomato Pie.
What is the best place in Alabama to live? ›Montgomery
Alabama's capital city lands as the best place to live in the state. Montgomery features plenty of activities and attractions, ranging from a zoo, museums, and riverside parks. This moderately liberal city played an important role during the Civil Rights Movement.
▲ Overall Rank | State | Opportunities |
---|---|---|
1 | Wyoming | 1 |
2 | Vermont | 12 |
3 | South Dakota | 2 |
4 | New Hampshire | 13 |
- #1. Washington.
- #2. Minnesota.
- #3. Utah.
- #4. New Hampshire.
- #5. Idaho.
...
- New Jersey.
- Hawaii.
- Connecticut.
- Alaska.
- Illinois.
If you are over 65 years of age, or permanent and totally disabled (regardless of age), or blind (regardless of age), you are exempt from the state portion of property tax.
Can you retire on $3,000 a month? ›
If you have a low living cost and can supplement your income with a part-time job or a generous pension, then retiring on $3,000 a month is certainly possible.
How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›Who is eligible for Social Security bonus? For every year that you delay claiming past full retirement age, your monthly benefits will get an 8% “bonus.” That amounts to a whopping 24% if you wait to file until age 70.
Do you pay taxes on groceries in Alabama? ›Alabama is one of just three states to tax groceries at the full state sales tax rate, which currently sits at 4%. Coupled with county and city sales taxes, Alabamians can pay as much as an 11% tax on groceries.
What is the car sales tax in Alabama? ›The state sales tax on “automotive vehicles” is 2 percent of the gross proceeds of the sale. In addition to light duty vehicles, an “automotive vehicle” also includes a truck, truck trailer, or house trailer; motorcycle; certain boats; and other items.