The growth of Tuscaloosa and all of west Alabama Continue to grow thanks to the University of Alabama and the Car manufacturing business. The automotive industry in the county and the university have helped insulate the area's economy somewhat in the last few years from the changing market.

Student buying power off and on  campus was about $366 million annually, based on a 2015 study by the chamber and the university, Page said.

"That number certainly speaks to the interest of restaurants and clothing boutiques and retailers, specifically those who cater to the young-adult, student market. As that population grows, so too will that spending number. I think every restaurant in Fast food in particular in in Tuscaloosa on 15th Street and near the Mall.

There's so much investing going on right now in the county and City, It's only going to get bigger.

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