Killen, Al (Birmingham, Huntsville, Florence: purchase, good schools, subdivisions)

MsMuir · 08-23-2006, 08:06 PM

Hi All....Wondering if any of you kind souls can tell me anything about the area around Killen?

Also, would it be out of the question to live there, but commute to work in Huntsville?

Thanks so much for your time~

bamagirl924 · 08-24-2006, 07:35 PM

Killen is a lovely small town that is definitely growing. The city of Florence has pretty much expanded all the way to Killen, and there are several newer subdivisions in this area. There are good schools, proximity to the water (Shoal Creek, as well as the Tennessee River), and nice friendly people. There are a LOT of folks in Killen (Florence, too) who commute to Huntsville to work every day, so it is certainly not out of the question. It is probably about an hour's drive or less one way. Hope this helps!

MsMuir · 08-24-2006, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamagirl924

Killen is a lovely small town that is definitely growing. The city of Florence has pretty much expanded all the way to Killen, and there are several newer subdivisions in this area. There are good schools, proximity to the water (Shoal Creek, as well as the Tennessee River), and nice friendly people. There are a LOT of folks in Killen (Florence, too) who commute to Huntsville to work every day, so it is certainly not out of the question. It is probably about an hour's drive or less one way. Hope this helps!

Thanks so much for getting back to me! I was checking this area out on the web and it does look really nice. We like a more rural setting and Killen seems to fit the bill, but was thinking it might be too far out. Guess it isn't! Schools are not a problem for us, since the kiddos are grown and on their own now.

I'd like to ask one more question, if ya don't mind...
do you know if there are any organic food markets in that area? Whole Foods, or something of that nature?

Thanks for your time.....

bamagirl924 · 08-25-2006, 05:56 PM

I'm not aware of any specific organic food markets in this immediate area, such as the one you mentioned, but there is a good variety of supermarkets. I would imagine that Huntsville might have some, but can't say for sure. One other nice thing about this area, though, is that you are within a short drive of several larger metropolitan areas, such as Nashville, Birmingham, Memphis, and of course, Huntsville, without having to deal with the everyday hassles of living in a large city. Once again, I hope this is helpful, and would be glad to try and answer any more of your questions.

MsMuir · 08-25-2006, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamagirl924

I'm not aware of any specific organic food markets in this immediate area, such as the one you mentioned, but there is a good variety of supermarkets. I would imagine that Huntsville might have some, but can't say for sure. One other nice thing about this area, though, is that you are within a short drive of several larger metropolitan areas, such as Nashville, Birmingham, Memphis, and of course, Huntsville, without having to deal with the everyday hassles of living in a large city. Once again, I hope this is helpful, and would be glad to try and answer any more of your questions.

Thanks so much for your help. We will be coming to your area over the Christmas holidays, so I'll really get to look around then.

I really don't like living in metro areas...we've been lucky so far on that score...even in CA...we had 5 areas and loved it. Now in FL we only have a little over 1, but once again we're in a semi rural area...that's what we're looking for in AL....however having said that, we do need to live
within driving distance to a larger city...PetsMart, ya know! LOL! I did check Huntsville and found they do indeed have one..no luck with Whole Foods tho'.
But like you said, they might have some organic produce
in a market by another name.

Thanks again for taking your time to get back to me....really appreciate it. have a great weekend....

marysally · 08-26-2006, 07:46 AM

There is a new store coming in that is called Fresh Market. Not open yet but I have seen the sign so it is a definite reality. I believe it is the same concept as Whole Foods. It is in SE Huntsville -- I believe at the corner of Airport Rd and Whitesburg. Hope this helps. I have lived in Madison (adjoins Huntsville) for 8 years, and really like it. I think you will like Killen as well.

MsMuir · 08-26-2006, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marysally

There is a new store coming in that is called Fresh Market. Not open yet but I have seen the sign so it is a definite reality. I believe it is the same concept as Whole Foods. It is in SE Huntsville -- I believe at the corner of Airport Rd and Whitesburg. Hope this helps. I have lived in Madison (adjoins Huntsville) for 8 years, and really like it. I think you will like Killen as well.

Hi...YES, Fresh Market IS the same concept as Whole Foods! Thanks for the info...I'm happy to hear about that!
We were looking at the Madison area as well as Killen, and I do know it's closer to Huntsville , but Killen seems a little more rural, and it seems like it's possible to get a little more acreage in Killen than Madison. Am I correct in my assumptions?

Thanks again!

bamagirl924 · 08-27-2006, 06:23 AM

I feel pretty sure that acreage in Killen would be less expensive (and probably more plentiful) than in Madison. While we don't have a PetsMart in the Florence/Killen area, there is a Petco and a locally owned pet supermarket called Pet Depot. Hope you enjoy your visit to our little corner of the world, and let me know if I can help in any way.

marysally · 08-27-2006, 07:04 AM

Yes, acreage may still be available in Madison, but it would be too expensive for individuals to purchase since you would be competing with developers. Larger lots are available north of Madison (in Monrovia), but if you have school age children you should be aware that schools in that part of the county are facing overcrowding issues since so many people have moved into that area in the last 5 years. A lot of people looking for acreage are also looking in Tennessee, just across the state line.

MsMuir · 08-27-2006, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamagirl924

I feel pretty sure that acreage in Killen would be less expensive (and probably more plentiful) than in Madison. While we don't have a PetsMart in the Florence/Killen area, there is a Petco and a locally owned pet supermarket called Pet Depot. Hope you enjoy your visit to our little corner of the world, and let me know if I can help in any way.

Thanks, Bamagirl...might just take you up on your offer..
will let you know what we think when we get back from our trip! I did notice a PetsMart in Huntsville, but Petco
would be fine too. Also, I'll check on the Pet Depot.

Thanks again...