Huntsville, Alabama

[aukevin]

Re: Huntsville, Alabama

They hold the Senior Bowl in Huntsville, right?

That's Mobile.

I've lived in Huntsville for about 7 years now and I like it pretty good. For what I want, Huntsville offers it. The jobs here (given the new administration doesn't make too many cuts) are right up my alley with what I went to school for, and there is plenty of stuff for me to do on the weekends or whatever. I have no kids so I can't tell you anything about the schools. The city is big enough that there are plenty of schools around, you could do some research and figure out which is the best one.

As for entertainment and stuff, I get what I need out of the city. There are Huntsville Stars baseball games (AA for the Brewers) and there is a hockey league. There's lots of hiking trails around the area to spend time on. I like to go caving and there are lots of caves to explore around here. They've got all the main restaraunt chains that you find in this part of the country.

I couldn't tell you about the swingers life here LOL, I must not hang out on that side of town. As for the interracial couple thing, I don't really know what challenges they face as I am the same race as my wife. I have worked with two white guys with black wives and I've not run into anyone with a prejudice against them. As for the politics in the region, I would say there are mainly of the conservative republican side mainly because of the work environment around here.

My parents are from a town in Alabama that only has a couple redlights in it, Huntsville is definitely not like that. It definitely smaller than Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile, and I like that aspect of it a lot. The traffic isn't too bad here and the roads are paved and everything!

[luv_mist]

Re: Huntsville, Alabama

The racial conflicts are minimum if that. Nice college town. I was down there for college in 2000-2004. They have a pretty good school system if you know where to look. What type of sports are you into? I will say that they have at least one good event a month at the Von Braun Center which is solid. Also, the restaurants are pretty nice. Exploring the city and its surroundings gets you good experiences.

I say take a trip down there and just go around exploring for a couple of days if you have the time and money. Very diverse city for the size it is honestly. Lot of churches down there also. The cost of living is great. It's kind of a melting pot for college kids from all over the world too because of UAH, Oakwood College, and Alabama A&M. Definitely check it out to see if it's your speed. By the way, do you have boys or girls? What are they into? One thing that's great is that their movie theatre stays open later than anyone I've seen in Chicago. Great times down there.......

[GoToledo]

Re: Huntsville, Alabama

Thanks to everyone for the replies. My wife and I don't have kids yet, but plan to start trying in the fall. I am just thinking ahead hen asking about schools. The city sounds nice and I hope I get to visit. i will definitely take some of the suggestions from here for restaurants, I love barbecue.

[p_rushing]

Re: Huntsville, Alabama

No, it's not a problem. In the deep country, you might run into some pricks, but in the three cities in Alabama that I've lived in, no one cares who you are with, and two of those cities are those 3 stoplight towns that were mentioned earlier.

Honestly I don't think race is that much of an issue in the south either. The south has the nicest people you will ever meet. Some of the old timers may not "approve", but they still will treat you with respect and kindness. If you act politely, people treat you the same way, if you act rude like you're from one of the 3 big cities, they most likely will act the same, doesn't matter what your race is.

[chilli311]

Re: Huntsville, Alabama

Honestly I don't think race is that much of an issue in the south either. The south has the nicest people you will ever meet. Some of the old timers may not "approve", but they still will treat you with respect and kindness. If you act politely, people treat you the same way, if you act rude like you're from one of the 3 big cities, they most likely will act the same, doesn't matter what your race is.

Agreed. The race issue is still alive in some very small places, but it's not like it was back in the 60's. As a kid, I saw some stuff, but that was 20 years ago.

[Pokes]

Re: Huntsville, Alabama

I dunno about Huntsville, AL but I'd advise steering clear of Huntsville, TX. :P

[ipitythafool25]

Re: Huntsville, Alabama

very nice city, it's not to big nor to small.. I have a few friends that live there... which reminds me that I need to visit them as I haven't seen them in over a year

but to echo AuburnAlum... amazing BBQ

[GoToledo]

Re: Huntsville, Alabama

Agreed. The race issue is still alive in some very small places, but it's not like it was back in the 60's. As a kid, I saw some stuff, but that was 20 years ago.

This is good to hear. Thanks for weighing in on that issue.

[edaddy]

Re: Huntsville, Alabama

All depends on the type of person you are. If you grew up in a major city, then you will be bored as hell in Huntsville. Also this one of the few spots in Alabama that tolerate interracial dating or interracial marriages.

Keep in mind this is the SOUTH and Alabama is country as all get out. So don't be expecting to see a lot of the stores you see in the north down there. They won't have it. And pretty much will only have one of a certain type of a store there.

Like they will have Best Buy, but then that would be the only big name electronic store there. Rent and housing period is VERY Cheap in Alabama.

Compared to where I live now, paying a tad bit over a $1,000 a month for a house. Where as down there in Alabama, their houses are $450.

Whatever you do please do not listen to this poster as he really is way off base. I went to school in North Alabama and after graduation lived in Huntsville for a couple of years.I also have many friends there and visit quite frequently. It is a booming city and is becoming very progressive. There are plent of thiongs to do in Huntsville and they are building more and more evryday because of the BRAC incentive which basically moved defens jobs from the North to Huntsville. The part about Best Buy is laughable to me as they have the same high end electronic stores as most major cities. They also have the same restaurants, entertainment venues etc as most major cities. It is an hour away from Nashville and a hour away from Birmingham. The cost of living is good and they are one of the few areas in Alabama that pay good salaries.Of course you have your racist people but thats everywhere..I seet the same racial thing here in NY.If I had tyo move there I would move to Madison which is a suburb of Huntsvilee ...excellent place