Moving to Huntsville for Redstone Arsenal

The Redstone Rocket, the installation's newspaper, puts the workforce at about 45,500 people: about 740 military, 27,300 government civilians and 17,000 contractors, on 38,162 acres. You'll feel that at the gates during rush hour, so it pays to plan your commute before you pick a house.

Just outside the fence is Cummings Research Park, which lists 3,843 acres, about 26,000 employees and 300+ companies.

Two federal moves are adding to the Arsenal now. The FBI is building two campuses on Redstone, and U.S. Space Command is moving its headquarters here from Colorado. If either one is bringing you to Huntsville, read our page on FBI and Space Command relocation.

Gate 9 on Rideout Road is the main gate, open 24/7. The Visitor Control Center is on the way to Gate 9 and is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on federal holidays. If you don't have a DoD ID, you'll go there to apply for an access badge, which includes a background check. Contractors who need access for more than 30 days need a government sponsor.

The other gates keep shorter hours. Here's what the Redstone Arsenal access control page listed on October 14, 2026:

Gate 9 - Rideout Road: Open 24/7

Gate 1 - Martin Road East: Opens 5:30 a.m., outbound only 1:30 to 9 p.m., Mon to Fri

Gate 3 - Redstone Road: 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., outbound only 1:30 to 9 p.m., Mon to Fri

Gate 7 - Martin Road West: 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., outbound only 1:30 to 9 p.m., Mon to Fri

Gate 8 - Goss Road: 1:45 to 9 p.m. Mon to Fri; 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sat and Sun

Gate 10 - Patton Road: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mon to Fri

Gates 1, 3, 7 and 10 are closed on federal holidays. Gate hours change, so check the official Redstone page before your first day.

The Housing Services Office is at the One Stop, Building 3494 on Honest John Road, (256) 876-6666. It's open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closes for lunch from noon to 12:30. They help military and DoD civilian personnel with off-post rentals and sales, and they also handle BAH setup and a rental partnership program. Military OneSource asks all incoming military personnel to report to them before arranging off-post housing.

On-post housing is run by Redstone Communities, Building 302 on Hughes Drive, (256) 400-5940. Active-duty members get priority, and newcomers can join the waiting list once they receive orders. Temporary lodging is at the IHG Army Hotel Candlewood Suites on post.

If you're military or a DoD civilian, our PCS to Redstone Arsenal guide goes step by step.

There's no single "Redstone neighborhood." People come in from every direction, and a short drive through stoplights at 7 a.m. can take longer than a longer one on open road. Drive your route at the hour you'll actually commute, and check which gates are open at that time, before you sign anything.

On the west side, the Town Madison interchange on I-565 opened in March 2025, and Madison's mayor said it helps with getting to and from Gate 7.

South and southwest Huntsville sit closest to the gates, with established streets and older homes. See our Huntsville area page.

Madison is just west of the Arsenal and has its own school system, Madison City Schools. A Madison mailing address doesn't always mean Madison City Schools, so confirm any address with the district. See our Madison area page.

North Madison County (Meridianville, Hazel Green and northeast Huntsville) has new construction communities and larger homesites, with a longer drive to the gates. See Meridianville and Hazel Green.

Athens, in Limestone County, grew 34.6 percent from April 2020 to July 2025, according to Census estimates.

Leaning toward a new build? Start with New Construction Near Redstone Arsenal.

Your school district depends on your address, not your mailing city. The three public districts around the Arsenal are:

Huntsville City Schools: 256-428-6800

Madison City Schools: 256-464-8370

Madison County Schools: 256-852-2557

Under Alabama law (Ala. Code § 16-28-4), a child who is 5 on or before September 1, or the date school begins in the district, is entitled to start public kindergarten. Ask your district about its exact cutoff and underage enrollment rules. Alabama is a member of the Military Interstate Children's Compact, which covers school transitions for military-connected students. Redstone's School Liaison Officer, in Building 3443 on Honest John Road, helps parents with school questions at (256) 842-9642. Call the district to confirm zoning for any address you're considering.

Driver's license. The Madison County Tax Assessor's office quotes Alabama law: new residents have 30 days after establishing residence to get an Alabama driver's license.

Homestead exemption. In Madison County, the home must be your primary residence on October 1, and the deadline to apply is December 31.

Property taxes. Alabama property taxes are due October 1 and become delinquent after December 31. If you close in the fall, ask how taxes were prorated at closing.

Many relocating buyers only get one house-hunting trip. Getting pre-approved before you come down helps. Send us your short list early, and we can help you check school zones and HOA rules. If you can't make the trip, ask us about video tours.

Do I need a pass to get on post? Yes, unless you have a DoD ID. Non-DoD visitors apply at the Visitor Control Center near Gate 9, which includes a background check.

Can I rent first? Yes. Some people rent while they learn the area, and the Housing Services Office runs a rental partnership program for military and DoD civilians. We work with renters too.

Our preferred lender is Logan Hoffman of Novus Home Mortgage (NMLS #1771803), 256-585-5984. You're free to choose any lender you like. Our preferred title partner is Foundation Title & Escrow, 3501 Memorial Parkway SW, Suite 400, Huntsville, 256-776-7704. You're free to choose any title company or closing attorney.

Rather talk? Call 256.993.5800, or visit us at 103 Oakwood Ave NW, Huntsville, AL 35811.