Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) —  The "Rocket City"  now has fast ways to transport to the beach. With direct flights starting on May 21, and the Expressway opening a new bridge, Huntsville residents are beach bound.

Located at the northern edge of Alabama, the City of Huntsville has been experiencing tremendous growth in population and average income. The most recent census reported that the Huntsville metropolitan area has an estimated 542,000 residents. The growth of it's business is focused on technology, NASA, United States Space Command and the new FBI training facility.

On the southern edge of Alabama, white sands and emerald waters await. The perfect getaway location for a weekend or to buy a vacation home. Huntsville is fast becoming a large economic engine for the Alabama Beaches.

According to Huntsville news outlet 256 Today, Huntsville International Airport will launch nonstop service to Gulf Shores International Airport through Allegiant Air, making it Alabama’s only intra-state commercial nonstop route. The flight cuts the traditional drive to the Alabama Gulf Coast to under 60 minutes, with one-way fares starting at $39.

After World War Two the Huntsville region saw growth due to the Redstone Arsenal and the environment of the Appalachian mountains. Many of those engineers were founders in others area businesses and the industry growth began it's "skyrocketing" rise.

The beaches of Gulf Shores can now host their new found friends from the other side of the Alabama. The question is; do rocket scientist cheer "Roll Tide" or "War Eagle".