Moving to Huntsville for the military or defense work? Start here.

Last fact-checked October 24, 2026. Independent guide, not affiliated with the U.S. government. Disclaimer.

Rocket City Move is a free, independent relocation guide for people moving to Huntsville, Alabama, for military, defense, and federal work. That includes U.S. Space Command families coming from Colorado Springs, service members PCSing to Redstone Arsenal, people leaving the military who want to settle in North Alabama, and DoD civilians and contractors.

Illustration of a rocket rising over a stylized Huntsville skyline with a road leading from mountains to the Tennessee Valley

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Every fact on this site links to an official or primary source, and each page lists when it was last checked. If a number could not be verified, we say so.

Who this guide is for

Space Command transfers

U.S. Space Command headquarters is moving from Colorado Springs to Redstone Arsenal in phases.^[1]

Colorado Springs → Huntsville move guide

Transitioning service members

Alabama does not tax military retirement pay.^[2] Find out what else matters when you settle here after service.

Leaving the military? Moving to Huntsville

Redstone PCS, civilians and contractors

Learn gate hours, how to get on post, and your first-week logistics.

Redstone Arsenal visitor access & gates

What's inside

Moving from Colorado Springs to Huntsville: timeline, the drive, climate, taxes, plus Alabama license and registration deadlines.
Transitioning out of the military to Huntsville: retirement-pay taxes, veteran benefits, the job market, SkillBridge/TAP, and VA care.
Huntsville vs. Colorado Springs cost of living using federal Regional Price Parity data.
Best places to live near Redstone Arsenal: Madison, South Huntsville, Athens, Harvest, Hampton Cove, Decatur, and how each relates to the gates.
Huntsville-area school districts, with links to the official Alabama report cards.
Redstone Arsenal gates, visitor passes and first-week logistics.
The printable Huntsville Move Checklist: every step from before orders to your first 90 days.
Your first 90 days in Huntsville: a checklist.
Space Command's move to Huntsville: the timeline and news.

Frequently asked questions

Is Rocket City Move affiliated with the military or Redstone Arsenal?

No. We are an independent informational site. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Defense, the Army, U.S. Space Command, or Redstone Arsenal. For official guidance, use the installation's own pages and your relocation office.^[3,4]

Do you recommend real estate agents or sell referrals?

No. We are not a real estate brokerage. We do not refer people to agents, take referral fees, or sell leads. Alabama law requires a license to help buy, sell, or rent real estate for a fee.^[5]

Where should a family moving to Redstone Arsenal start?

Contact the Redstone Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program as soon as you have orders. Military OneSource recommends contacting your installation relocation program as early as possible.^[4,6]

Sources

Facts on this page were checked against these sources on October 24, 2026. Rules, hours and figures change, so confirm with the official source before you act.