[mountain_time_Blues]

How's NE Alabama? Like Talledega, Calhoun, and Cherokee counties? What's the economy like there? The heat and southerners don't bother me as I'm a native Noth Carolinian.(a dying breed) Deffinitley not a yankee! Would you recomend that area or are there better areas of Alabama? Education system not really a concern.(yet) And is there affordable rural, semi-rural housing in these areas with job oppertunity. And crime. Is it bad there?

Thanks for reading!
MTB

[IDVague]

As a native of NE Alabama, Jackson Co. in particular, I'm biased a bit. I don't live there now, but I hope to move back into the area in the next few years. I can't say I'd recommend Jackson Co., because it might not be what you are looking for. It has several nice SMALL communities, if you don't mind driving for shopping, entertainment, etc. If you are in a larger metro area now, you may be used to a 30-45 drive to get to these things anyway, even if they are in the same city. My way of looking at it is that 45 minutes to get to a destination is the same regardless, so it isn't a big deal. My next Alabama home may be in Marshall County, or DeKalb, possibly on Sand Mtn., because I'll be looking to get away from the larger size town to a smaller one. I hope this helps you, and if you have specific questions please ask or email:
idvague@gmail.com

[mountain_time_Blues]

Ya thanks for the info. Jackson county would seem nice as it's located right next to Dade county GA, where my grandparents used to live, and it would seem like it would be similar. What is the economy like in this part of Alabama? And in Dekalb, would you recomend Fort Payne or Rainsville area? Thanks again

[IDVague]

Jackson Co.'s economy is better than in some of the recent past, but it is still limited by lack of industry. It depends on your field, but the jobs range from very well paying to poor with not a lot in between. The cost of housing and cost of living in general are fairly low, however. In DeKalb, I would personally prefer Rainsville over Ft.Payne, but it is purely a personal choice. The proximity of these communities to one another and to Huntsville and Birmingham make them attractive to me. It is nice to live near enough to a larger city that it is not a big deal to travel there on short notice, yet not have to deal with its everyday hassles. One other thing, if you like the outdoors, NE Alabama is a great place to call home. Hunters and fishermen will never be at a loss for places to enjoy their hobbies and without much travel time.

[mountain_time_Blues]

Thank you for the helpful info! It certainly helps with other research into this area. Thanks again.