Montgomery is a steamy old Southern town with a strong legacy- first as the Confederate capital and later as a center of civil rights struggles in the mid–20th century. While some cities might shy away from this legacy, Montgomery honors it with considerable pride and dignity. It remains the state capital today, but offers only modest amenities for a capital its size. Economy and employment have been relatively strong, in keeping with the region.

Korean automaker Hyundai opened its only North American plant in the area in 2005 and is scheduled to grow to 300,000 vehicles per year. The area has good historical exhibits and museums celebrating its unique heritage, including a new Rosa Parks Library and Museum. There are a few other quality arts amenities and a Shakespeare festival. Downsides include crime, air service, and health resources, which are low by capital city standards. Crime rates are among the highest in the state.

This gently rolling area of Alabama has no significant topographic features and is a mix of open agricultural land and pine forest. The climate is humid subtropical with a strong influence from the Gulf of Mexico. Summers are warm, still, and humid with little change from day to day. Winter shifts between mild, moist, Gulf air and cool, continental, northern air. Temperature and precipitation are about average for the state.