‘That snake won’t bite’ and more of the worst advice for living in Alabama

When it comes to moving to Alabama, there’s a lot of good advice you can follow.

This is not that though.

Instead, This is Alabama asked its Facebook followers what the worst advice you could give to someone moving to our state is, and the responses did not hold back. From the weather (“Nah, A/C’s not necessary.”) to the critters (“All snakes love to be pet!”) to the sports (“‘Go Vols!’ is a great way to make friends) and more, this is some of the worst — and most hilarious — advice you could ever give to someone moving to Alabama.

You can read some of the submissions below, and you can read all of them on the This is Alabama Facebook page.

If Meteorologist James Spann takes off his coat, all is not OK. (Ben Flanagan/al.com)

Related: Sugar in cornbread and snow in the forecast: 29 ways to scare an Alabamian

“If James Spann takes off his coat everything is ok go back to bed.” — Seth Williams

“Don’t hold the door open for anyone, just let it close on them or let them get it by themselves. When hosting only make unsweetened tea or warm unsweetened tea. It’s definitely a thing down here.” — Kristen Oliver Williams

“You can totally tent camp from July to August! You won’t need bug spray or anything.” — Riley Funk

“Go in a bar late and yell ‘Go Vols!” Most people around here love Tennessee football.” — Michael B Hargett

“Call Mobile ‘the city that thinks it’s New Orleans’. It’s a compliment!” — Jansen Bates

The Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association rolled its Mammoth Parade on Fat Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Mobile.

Best advice to Alabama transplants? Don’t knock Mobile’s Mardi Gras.Lawrence Specker | [email protected]

Related: 21 unspoken rules for living in Alabama: ‘Pick a team!’

“You really don’t have to follow the speed limit, after all it’s just a suggestion.” — Maresa Ledbetter

“We love to talk about hockey, but no one really cares about football.” — Lynne Bozeman

“Wear an Auburn shirt while hollering Roll Tide.” — Amanda Woodfin Reeves

“Turn after you pass the Dollar General.” — Mickey Hatfield

“Go ahead and pick up that snake, he won’t bite.” — Terry Clibrey Feist

The best everywhere  The top festivals in each of Alabama’s 67 counties

Yes, there are definitely snakes in Alabama. (Joe Songer). BN FTP

Related: Alabama group will relocate snakes for you

“Be sure to say, ‘That’s not how we did it where I came from’. Worse yet, be specific. For example, ‘That’s not how we did things in New Jersey.’” — Ginni Baggett Radford

“Don’t slow down at night in winter. The deer will get out of the way!” — Mikey Kilgore

“Highway 280 is best traveled at 5 p.m. Interstate 65 is the same, especially southbound.” — Blake Dimick

“Kudzu is great for your yard.” — Leslie Turner

“Order one grit because they are rather large. Two will definitely fill you up!” — Sheri Looney

The Waysider Tuscaloosa

Order plenty of grits. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Read more: 14 Alabama breakfast spots worth waking up early for

“‘Yeah, it’s totally fine to schedule your wedding during the Iron Bowl.‘” — Kevin Blackburn

“Don’t use turn signals or folks will know you’re not from around these here parts.” — Pete Bromley

“Summers here really aren’t that hot.” — Katie Kelly

“Take the ceiling fans out of your house.” — Vic Paschal

“August is the best month of the year for outdoor activity.” — Wes Moses