[Bravo35223]

Originally Posted by SammieS

Hi,

Since you wrote that you haven't worked in 2 years, I'm not sure how you plan to rent, etc. in Alabama. If you are counting on social services in Alabama to help with your situation, you are better staying in New York. New York has much more liberal social services than Alabama.
I'm originally from New York so I am familiar with the social services system there.
Also, coming from western New York, I'm not sure the economies would be much different for you here than there.
I'm not trying to dissuade you from moving to Alabama, just cautioning you to check out everything before you make any move.

Being an (almost) lifelong Alabamian...........and a "consumer" of public health services here- I would agree.

Alabama's strengths:

1) Strong economy
2) Low unemployment
3) Low rate of taxation
4) Summary: IF you have a middle-class income and health insurance....its a great place to live and work.

Alabama's primary weakness:

1) Low level of provision of social services....

I can tell you this as a parent of an autistic child....it's not going to compare to NY State.

NOW if you are employable and can get Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, then the situation is different....Get a good job in Alabama FIRST and then pursue the rest.............Otherwise stay where you are....

The good news is........if you have a skill that is needed here - the jobs are going begging. From an economic standpoint, Alabama's biggest problem is a Labor Shortage.

IF you have good employment skills, look around first. YOu very well may find what you want/need....THEN....consider the move. It could be great or not.............

[OldOzarkLady]

They do have Medicaid there?

[Keeper]

AL has medicaid and you can buy supplemental ins to go with it.

[sassyfur98]

I am in southern Alabama on the coast in Daphne, and I have lived in Fairhope.
FYI the summers are very, very hot and HUMID!! You can plan on it from June through October for sure. The winters are beautiful, as is the spring and fall. I believe we are cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter here along the coast. It really has it's own climate. The beaches are beautiful, although full of hotels which I dont like.
The school systems in the Eastern Shore area are good. They have a uniform policy for all students...navy blue or Khaki pants and Navy blue or white polo shirts. Winter coats and such also have to be uniform compliant.
My biggest complaint about this area is with every hurricane, the cost of living increases dramatically. Also, the development here is out of control. Everyone is now calling Baldwin county Baldwin City. Everything is running together.
I grew up in Wisconsin, and would never go back. (tried once, lasted less than a year)
You will not find nicer, better people anywhere. Everyone says hello. Your neighbors come and introduce themselves when you move into the neighborhood. There absolutely is nothing like southern hospitality.
Although I worked with special needs kids in Wisconsin, I know nothing about the programs here.
Good luck to ya.
Saundra

[sassyfur98]

Alabama has medicaid for children, not adults unless you are very, very, very poor. They do have reduced fee clinics,, but they leave something to be desired in regards to care. I find the medical care here in southern Al. is quite a bit behind the times. I hear northern Alabama is more on top of things medically speaking.

[Keeper]

I am not sure about medicare for anyone other than senior citizens but that is available to all seniors.

[JeSuisUnOiseau.]

Check out Spanish Fort/Daphne Alabama. Near the coast, extremely low crime rate, and to be simply honest, it is a more educated area of Alabama. I went to Spanish Fort elementary/middle school, and it was a very good school. I then went to Daphne High School, also a good public school. I hear that the new Spanish Fort High School is very nice also. Great people, not too small, and there it is only a few miles from booming Mobile, Alabama.