Planning on moving to Tuscaloosa for a job? Or does it just seem like an up-and-coming but affordable place where you could raise a family? Of course, you're looking at real estate, and hopefully, you're delightfully surprised at how it's possible to own a nice home in Tuscaloosa without having to give up eating. But there are other reasons to move to this dynamic Southern city in addition to Tuscaloosa homes for sale.

Our real estate agents have some suggestions for those considering moving here or anyone who has just moved here and would like to know our area better. Let's take a look.

1. Alabama Museum of Natural History. Smith Hall,427 Sixth Ave., The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
   The Alabama Museum of Natural History is a real jewel when it comes to visitation in Tuscaloosa. More than 110 years old, the museum features the state's natural history through exhibitions, collections, and teaching and research programs. It also offers camps, expeditions, and special programs that help participants learn about and experience the natural history through the state's many rivers and trails. Some of the most interesting exhibitions are: Creatures of the Cretaceous; Hodges Meteorite; and the 60-foot-long skeleton of an Eocene-epoch whale.
   
   
2. Children's Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa. CHOM. 2213 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa
   The Children's Hands-on Museum of Tuscaloosa is a great place for kids to learn to explore, create, and discover. The idea is to learn through play. The exhibits show kids how. Children are encouraged to touch, feel, and play their way through the museum. Besides exhibits, there are birthday party spaces, activities and daily programs, holiday celebrations, curriculum-specific field trips and events for various age groups of children.
   
   
3. Paul W. Bryant Museum. 300 Paul W. Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa
   It's not surprising that you'd find a sports museum in a place like Tuscaloosa, which, as you will soon learn, is simply sports-mad, especially when it comes to the Crimson Tide — the University of Alabama's legendary football team. But the Paul W. Bryant Museum is not just about football; it's devoted to educating and inspiring the world about the accomplishments of UA collegiate athletes. There is the Paul W. Bryant Library, which contains an extensive collection of archival information on UA sports, plus displays, exhibits, artifacts and memorabilia regarding the history of University of Alabama Football.
   
   
4. Tuscaloosa Riverwalk.
   Tuscaloosa Riverwalk is a great place to take your friends and visitors. Walk along the picturesque Black Warrior River and enjoy the changing leaves in fall, the springtime burst of color, or anytime. Currently running 4.5 miles, it's being expanded. Take advantage of the benches, gazebos, and shade trees. There's also a playground near the Public Library and a splash pad at the Bama Bell dock. The trail is well-lighted with street lamps, and some areas are dog friendly.
   
   
5. Historic Tuscaloosa. (205) 758-2238 or email info@historictuscaloosa.org
   Historic Tuscaloosa works to preserve key features of Tuscaloosa's past. Currently, the group operates five properties: the Old Tavern; the Battle-Friedman House; the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion; the McGuire Strickland House; and the Murphy African-American Museum.
   
   
6. The Arts Council. PARA Building, 614 Greensboro Avenue Tuscaloosa
   The Arts Council is the umbrella organization for 50 cultural and arts organizations offering educational programs. The Arts Council also oversees the Bama Theatre and the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. Consult the calendar of events to see what's going on.

These venues will get you started on your Tuscaloosa experience. Our real estate staff can make more suggestions or answer your real estate questions. Contact us today.