[mimpdaddy]

Like I said before, I dont think you have your facts right. Huntsville having 5 murders in 1 year is totally incorrect. I currently live in huntsville and it had 21 murders this year. If you take in account that mobile is a larger city there is not a big difference.Prichard is not Mobile, its a city in itself. If someone wants to live in Huntsville thats fine, but all im saying is it does not matter where live you can get touched.Enjoy your life, because you can be in Huntsville and be miserable. When I graduate school im going to Mobile and enjoy the food, water, and festivals and leave all the squares up here in Huntsville.

[Keeper]

To be correct, there were 5 murders in H'ville for the year 2002.

Both cities have a lot to offer, it is all in what you are looking for, for you and your son. Come down for a visit.

[mimpdaddy]

Keeper you are right and im sorry for arguing over something stupid like this.It depends on what the person likes.

[downtowndoll]

With the horrible weather this weekend, I'll take Mobile and it's great,warm weather anyday!

[Sailaway50]

We are also looking for a quieter style of living, more cost reasonable, and love the Southern vibe. Believe it or not, both my children (six years apart but went to the same school...yes, "up North"....) went to Space Camp in Huntsville, and had nothing but great things to say about the area...loved the scenery and the people; they both commented about how much nicer everyone was than "up here"..

That said, what are the colleges or universities located around Huntsville.....I know about U of A in Birmingham, of course....are there others nearer to Huntsville? I'd checked into Mobile but was concerned about hurricanes (should I be?); my impression also was that Huntsville was more reasonable $$ wise....but I could be wrong. I saw a previouso post about being on the "eastern" shore of Mobile, and I'd also heard that...

Thanks....

[kevin_1975]

I've lived here since 1999 and do not let the thoughts of a hurricane scare me. If we are told to leave, we pack some clothes and our pets and leave. Our parents are only 70 miles inland, so I guess I grew up use to the threats. Look at it as a day or days off work!

I prefer living in Mobile as opposed to the eastern shore. You are much closer to the main things as far as shopping and museums go.

[Southlander]

Newspaper article on Huntsville murder rate:
al.com: Everything Alabama

[southernnaturelover]

I lived in Mobile for a few years and liked it okay. I really prefer the far west side of Mobile, that's where the newer growth is occurring. You can buy a nice home in a newer subdivision for $175k+. Like others have said, the public schools are not great and some are downright dangerous, but there are plenty of good private schools. If you're willing to drive a little, Saraland is a nice little town north of Mobile that is also growing lately. Spanish Fort and Daphne are also very nice communities with lots of "northern transplants", but are a little pricier ($250k+). Definitely avoid Prichard, that's where 90% of the crime in the area happens.

[Sailaway50]

I really appreciate all this info.....I do think that the idea of saving $$ on a home in a nice, but maybe more "rural" area -- or even a town with a longer drive "in"... where the schools are not that great....and putting that money into a private school to finish up high school, is not a bad idea.

We live in a city and the schools are hideous, so we had to go private.....but still are not "saving" anything by living here, quite the contrary.....our property taxes go so others can attend the (ridiculous) schools and get the ESL and other services they need (don't get me started).

That said, these sound like great areas. I'm getting the idea that Mobile and surroundings have quite a bit to offer.....I had seen some older homes on the internet, and they said they were in "old Mobile". Any input on that? I know here in the city, you can have a beautiful area just surrounded by awful neighborhood....what exactly is meant by "Old Mobile"? The ho mes on the 'net were these beautiful looking VERY old (early 20th century and older) brick homes....and unbelievably priced for the room...

[southernnaturelover]

"Old Mobile" is probably referring to the area around Government Street, some refer to it as "Midtown". It is exactly as you described, fine looking homes with manicured lawns surrounded by ghettos. Some people are attempting to revive some of these areas, but it is risky. There are some very nice homes along Old Shell Road, but very expensive. The best areas in my opinion are along the south end of Hillcrest Road, and Grelot Road. Knollwood Drive is also a nice area.