HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Work is underway to build thousands of homes and apartment units in Huntsville.
The rapid growth in the Rocket City has ramped up construction. However, are we on track to keep up with the growth?
This past Tuesday, Huntsville’s Planning Commission approved more than 1,000 apartment units in different stages.
However, builders say the pace for construction hasn’t changed much since last quarter.
Builders say they need 5,000 new homes each year to keep up with demand.
Huntsville Madison County Builders Association Executive Director Barry Oxley said in 2020 4,000 homes were built.
In 2021, the number remains about the same.
“The lack of supplies more than anything right now because it’s taking longer to get stuff, and most houses that could’ve been built in seven or eight months are taking at least 12 months right now. Sometimes, a little longer than that,” said Oxley.
In the City of Huntsville’s 2021 Development Review, close to 4,200 family residential units were sold in Huntsville city limits last year, according to the North Alabama Multiple Listing Service.
The report reveals it’s a 3.7 percent decrease compared to 2020; however, Huntsville’s not the only place people are moving to.
“People are moving and looking at homes toward Limestone County. Some of that’s annexed in the city of Huntsville. Some of it is not. We see people go South of Arab, and to Guntersville and building homes there and just commuting,” said Oxley.
“COVID, what it’s done, it’s grown a lot of the larger companies that some of the workforce and stay at home,” added Oxley.