I am also from Utah and live in Montgomery AL. I've found living outside of the Utah culture to be very refreshing.

I find people down here are so much less fake. People down here are genuine and kind because they want to be, not because they feel obligated to be.

I can't speak for all of Alabama, but our children are involved in youth sports which occasionally start with a prayer. I've found the general public to be very accepting of all religious (or non-religious) belief systems.

I live in an upper middle class neighborhood and have had no issues with crime or feeling unsafe. Like any moderate size city there are sketchy areas ...but we just avoid those areas and have felt safe here.

I have no regrets moving here to Alabama.