[snowboar]

I am considering a position that will be in Montgomery and I really don't know much about the city. Can anyone point me to information about the various neighborhoods? I would like to buy a home but want to make sure I am in a nice and safe area where other young people live. Ideas would be very welcome !!!!

[MullinsCurve]

Well, a lot depends on your situation such as where you will work, children, income, etc.

I strongly doubt you will want to live in the city. Go across the river to Prattville, Wetumpka, Millbrook, Deatsville, Elmore, Holtville, Coosada, or the Redland area. If a city is what you are wanting the first two (especially Prattville, pop >31,000) will do as the others are far more rural. Millbrook, Deatsville, Elmore and Coosada all sorta run together and are across the interstate from Prattville. Holtville is up near Lake Jordan and Redland is a large rural area on the other side of Wetumpka from the others and you can pick your colors, as the areas there are Blue Ridge, Redland and Emerald Mountain. All are within easy driving to North half of the city.

If you are insistent on living in Montgomery, go my son, go east, past Bell Road.

[alabamafam]

Snowboar,

I live in Pike Road, AL, it's in the eastern part of Montgomery county and really only mins from east Montgomery--our neighborhood is called Lochshire. Depending on where you're working this area may be a great location. My wife and I consider ourselves young (late 30's/early 40's) and I would say the majority of the folks living in Lochshire are around the same age--with younger couples and older couples sprinkled throughout. We love our neighborhood---great neighbors, spacious lots and homes and it's safe. We're minutes from East Montgomery and the best shopping and best restaruants this area has is within 5 or 10 mins. I'm in the Air Force and work at Maxwell AFB, my commute is about 17 miles and takes me about 20 mins. I hope you enjoy the area, we're leaving for another assignment in a few months and I'm sure we'll miss the area. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have; I'm not orginally from Montgomery, but I've been assigned here twice in the 15 years I've been in the Air Force so I know a bit about the city. Prattville, Millbrook and Wetumka are nice---not as many of the amenities as East Montgomery but definitely good neighborhoods.

Below are a few tidbits that may interest you....

As for things to do for someone in their 20's/30's, there are a number of good restaurants here, you can get white linen tablecloths or blue plate specials. For the bar scene I would suggest: La Jolla, Nobles, Mission House, but there are others so I would suggest checking them out to get a feel for what you like--there are a number of great venues for live music as well.
For a great dining experience I would suggest the Olive Room, Vintage Year and Garrett's, they are some of my favorites---they can be pricey (3 course dinner for 2 can cost near $100 bucks--with wine). You also have a number of Chili's, Applebee's and Bonefish and other restaruants like that to choose from.

Things to do in the city: Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Alabama Shakspeare Festival---great places to visit for art and to see plays. The Rosa Parks Musuem is downtown and it's excellent. I don't get to do as much outdoor stuff as I would like, but there's great golf courses here and sports such as football is huge here.

After living in 5 different places (soon to be 6) I've come to the conclusion that it's what you make it. So, come and enjoy yourself

I listed a few websites that may help you out as well with info about the city...

Take Care,
Welcome to the City of Montgomery

Montgomery Convention and Visitor Bureau

Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
Montgomery Living Magazine

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[p3t3r.griffin]

It really depends on where you are coming from. If you are moving here from a metro such as D.C. or Atlanta or NYC, and are accustomed to hour to 1.5 hour commutes each way, then you will be in heaven. If you live in the city, and avoid the traffic from 7:30 - 8:30 every morning, you can probably make it to work anywhere in Montgomery from anywhere you happen to live in probably 15 - 20 minutes. If you happen to get stuck in the rush *hour* you may have to deal with a 30 - 35 minute commute. Yes, Montgomery rush hour traffic really does last only 1 hour.

Neighborhoods with quicker turnover and nicer houses are County Downs, Fox Hollow, and anything out near Eastchase, Wynlakes, Halcyon, and Arrowhead (although Arrowhead is a little dated now).

If you're looking for a good budget home that will be guaranteed to sell quickly in a few years, you can't really beat Forest Hills. The houses are older, but a good value if you can live without brand new construction.

If you want a 30 - 35 commute, and in return a nice quiet lot with a bigger home for a moderate price, where you can actually see the stars AND sleep through the night free from noise, move to Deatsville. They have over-built just a hair, so if you can wait it out for about 3 - 5 years, it will become a sellers market again. And if you're into boating, you only have to drive 20 minutes to the nearest lake, or 1 hour to the bigger lake.

Pike Road has alot of land and the same commute times, and bigger houses for the money.

If you prefer a very small city setting to rural housing, move to Millbrook or Prattville instead.

But don't expect a booming nightlife, it just doesn't exist here. Montgomery is not a metro, no matter how much it or its people want you to believe. I have lived here all 24 years of my life, aside from the 4 I spent at college.

[snowboar]

Thanks for the info folks. I would be moving there from Tampa, FL. Federal government job. I am re-single (LOL - recently divorced) and would like to be in an area with young couples/singles in their 30's.

I probably would rent for a year until I explored the area a bit. Plus in my job, I could get transferred and with the real estate market what it is, I am not real excited about not being able to sell something.

[MullinsCurve]

will you be working on one of the air bases or downtown?

[charleybma]

If you are young and single, do not fear living in the City. The midtown area, Old Cloverdale near Huntingdon College, is full of like types whether you rent or buy. You can walk to many fun places and you're near most all jobs in the area.

[cavale]

I suggest you rent in Tampa and commute to Montgomery.

[Dabrasco]

Originally Posted by snowboar

I am considering a position that will be in Montgomery and I really don't know much about the city. Can anyone point me to information about the various neighborhoods? I would like to buy a home but want to make sure I am in a nice and safe area where other young people live. Ideas would be very welcome !!!!

Neighborhoods suggested in Montgomery... Dalraida, Bellhurst, County Downs, Fox Hollow, Forest Hills, and anything around Auburn University Montgomery and East of it. Surrounding cities are also good choices.

[blezzed18]

Hello Alabamafam... I am new to this blog thing, but, I have been trying to find out information about AL. I just found out my fiance is getthing orders to Maxwell and we are leaving in about 2 mths. A little worried since I have been living in TX pretty much my whole life. Trying to figure out the best place to live. Since you are AF (and so is he) what would you suggest? WE have dogs so I would want a privacy fence and lots of trees in the backyard. Any help? Thanks...