According to older residents attending a town hall meeting in north Huntsville last week, real estate agents used to steer people moving to the city – especially white families – away from that part of town.

As a result, the northern part of the city lagged behind other parts of town in terms of residential and commercial growth, they said.

That narrative is changing, according to city of Huntsville and North Alabama Multiple Listing Service data. More than 700 homes in District 1 received certificates of occupancy in 2022, a 98% jump from 2021.

More than 1,000 housing units were issued building permits last year, a 51.4% increase from 2021.

“All the way down to Terry Heights, we are seeing home development,” District 1 City Councilman Devyn Keith said during the town hall. “People are moving here and calling it home.”