While I am not in Alabama, I live in neighboring Georgia and I DO hate the heat and humidity but I love the scenery that we have and I like the mild Winter and 4 seasons. Granted Spring is "Summer Jr." but it's still wonderful. Fall is excellent in the South. Leaves changing colors in the Smokies is a near religious experience.
It's not all bubblegum and gumdrops though. There are still plenty of A-HOLES down here but I reckon they're just the people that move here from elsewhere, lol!
In reality, jerks are everywhere but there really is Southern Hospitality, I just don't see it as much as I used to. Ironically enough, my Wife and Daughter took a trip to Bob's home state of Ohio, in the Columbus area, and LOVED it! She said people were very nice and she loved the town. She said she was amazed at the lack of hills, mostly flat land and no suburbs. She said it's just land, lots of land and then BOOM! You're in the big city, lol.
Back on track, good luck with the move should you make it. I think you'll enjoy the new start in a beautiful part of the country. I am biased of course