[bees*knees]

Of the small towns around here, Sylacauga is the best place to go. The City School system versus the Talladega County System is great! Of course, I have my children in the city system, but have heard that County (BB Comer) is just as nice. The difference is in the funding. Our city school system tries to stay abreast of newer technology and works hard to offer it to our students. One concern I have is that the town, and the schools are "cliquey". If you are the type of person that feels comfortable with yourself and your values, then this will not bother you. This was not a problem to me growing up 30 years ago. I guess it is now, to the youngsters. I have one child in Nichols Lawson Middle School. The elementary schools just changed over last year to Indian Valley being the K-2 school,and Pinecrest is the intermediary school grades 3-5.
We just recently bought a house. We were living in a 3Br/1Ba townhouse, at the Oaks Apartments, but I won't recommend them to you. They have recently been taken over by new unprofessional management and things are not great. We paid $450, and paid our own Utilities (Sylacauga has its own Utility Co - Water, Electric, Gas paid to them). There was a laundry room on site. House market is depressed all over the country. My experience is that Sylacauga housing is overpriced, but if you have time and know what you want something will open up in your price range and preferred area of town.
Sylacauga is trying to bring more business to the area; entertainment is limited, but if you don't mind a trip to Bham, then there you go. A new Movie complex will be built by next spring with 6 theaters. We're still hoping someone will open a bowling alley. The town parks were just recently renovated with a skateboard park added, and a BMX bike track in the works. The Sylacauga Parks and Recs is under good management and is offering new things to us all the time. The city pool is covered in the winter, so that swim team can continue through those months.
Crime? Cults? No problems here after dark that I know of. I don't have experience with that, don't have any numbers to give you. With the closing of Avondale, local economy took a hit, and I expect some families are really hurting. When the economy declines, crime rises.
My advice to you: Get involved in a church - network socially within the church. Check out the town library - the ladies that run it are a wealth of information and kindness. Pick up a copy of the Trader's Helper at the Piggly Wiggly to see the rent/house prices.
Best of Luck. Check out Alabama Moms Forum for other local opinions.

[divephantom19]

As a lifelong resident....My house here is a very nice, newer home. For the same price in B'ham, I'd be in the ghetto, no joke. We have a murder here every few years. I recall 4 in my 44 years. You can have all the traffic, crime, and stress in B'ham.

I can go to Inverness in about 40 mins. and have Starbucks, Bookstores, tons of shopping, restaurants, etc.
School system is excellent, I'm another Class of '82 grad. So far, thank God, no violent crimes or shootings in our schools, but anything can happen anywhere nowadays.

I use common sense when going out alone or after dark, and I've never had a problem. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, and it is growing. Very nice restaurant downtown, the Marble City Grill.

[bamasace]

moved away when I was younger, moved back and I wont move again! no place id rather live and raise kids (one 8 year old BB comer, good school)

[marmac]

not very far from Lake Martin and the state park

[marmac]

Sylacauga got national publicity ( about 10 years ago ) when a gay guy tried to hit on a straight guy in a Sylacauga bar and was found murdered.

It was an isolated incident, but a national show ( I believe it was 20/20) headed to Sylacauga and interviewed people about it.

If it wasn't that the murdered guy was gay, it would not have garnered national attention.

That isolated incident wouldn't change my mind if I were planning to move there.

[BacktoBama]

We live in Childersburg, which is about 8 miles from Sylacauga on the way to Birmingham. My husband and I moved here from Atlanta about 7 years ago. We absolutely love it here. We can be in Greystone/Inverness area of Birmingham in 20 minutes, where you will find anything you need that can't be found locally. I don't have school age children so I don't have input on the schools, but I can tell you the people here are quite friendly and welcoming to newcomers.
Where are you coming from? If you're coming from a large city this may be a bit of a culture shock, but we found it to be a welcome change. Good luck to you in your new home!