[Iceyhart27]

I'm considering relocating to Alabama from new York with my 3 children but need some information if possible...... I need information on cost in different areas....quiet living areas... schools for a high school student and an elementary student with special needs ...programs and help for disabled children.
Some explaination into special needs... My 7 yr old son has verbal apraxia (speech problem), ADHD- hyperactive/impulsive, High axientities, and a sleep disorder... with the possibility of bi-polar (still in evaluation process).
Any and all information and suggestions would be greatly appricated... thank you for taking the time to read my post....

Thanks,
Tori

[cpg35223]

I think your best bet will be Mountain Brook, a southern suburb of Birmingham. They have a superb program in their school system for special needs children. I know two different people who have availed themselves of this program and have been amazed by the responsiveness.

Mountain Brook also has one of the country's best public school systems. At the same time, Birmingham is a regional medical center with Children's Hospital, one of the foremost facilities of its type in the country. Also, I know that there are several groups that work with special needs children, including the Bell Center and the Exceptional Foundation.

The community itself is well-to-do, well-educated, safe, and mostly professional in makeup. What's more, there are neighborhoods where homes are not outrageously priced. In the section of Mountain Brook near Overton Road, you can find homes in the 300s. Plus the area is very convenient to shopping and other amenities.

Other communities to consider in the Birmingham area are Vestavia, Homewood, and Hoover. All have good special needs programs, and are very convenient.

Economically, the entire Birmingham area is doing very well, with the country's lowest unemployment and a broad-based economy. My wife and I moved here from Chicago and were surprised and delighted at what a great town this really is.

[SammieS]

Hi,

Are you considering any particular area in Alabama, that is, north, central or south? Also, from where in New York are you considering relocating? That would help answer your question on costs and quietness. As for schools, I really am not familiar with the Alabama school system but others here are.

[Threestep]

Aside from the needs for your kids - will you relocate with an employer or will you be looking for employment? Commutes can get a bit tricky:>) Are you looking at rent or purchase? In what range is your budget?

[Iceyhart27]

Hadn't consider a particular area in alabama figured be best to gather information on all areas before making a decision... I'm in Elmira, New york..... southern tier NY or the finger Lake region

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by Iceyhart27

Hadn't consider a particular area in alabama figured be best to gather information on all areas before making a decision... I'm in Elmira, New york..... southern tier NY or the finger Lake region

Okay...great.

Well, economically, there are a lot of different industries in Alabama, from automotive to financial to technical to healthcare to publishing. Are there any industries in particular where you have background? That will help us identify where in the state you may find most rewarding for your search. Here's kind of a very short, totally inadequate breakdown.

Huntsville -- Lots of defense/space contractors and technical fields. A booming town because of all the base realignment concentrating assets here.

Birmingham -- Financial, healthcare, investment, insurance, manufacturing, software, distribution, publishing, etc. etc. Also a very strong economy here. Employers remain desperate for new workers.

Montgomery -- Mostly government with some industry.

Mobile -- Undergoing a boom with Thyssen Krupp putting a steel plant here, along with the shipping diverted from New Orleans after Katrina.

Some other, smaller towns worth considering: Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Dothan.

[Iceyhart27]

Originally Posted by Threestep

Aside from the needs for your kids - will you relocate with an employer or will you be looking for employment? Commutes can get a bit tricky:>) Are you looking at rent or purchase? In what range is your budget?

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I basicly haven't thought much about the job situation as i haven't worked in 2years due to my son's unpredicatable & aggressive behavior and where as it has gotten better with meds. it is still a serious control problem and i have not found a childcare worker that will take him on... but should i need a job i would have to loacte one... as for housing i'd be looking to rent since i can't afford to buy...

[Bravo35223]

Icey........the people on the Alabama forum take great pride and a service attitude in terms of dealing with SINCERE posters who come here (and don't just make one post, but really interact with us) regarding their potential relocation.

We ask over and over for more information....

1) What is your profession?
2) How much can you afford in terms of housing?

????????????????????

[Threestep]

Aside from your unfortunate issues with your child - why AL? What do you expect to find here? It is a long way from NY.
What you gave us is so generic - it it is impossible to give an answer. 3br in my area does not go under 2k, five miles down the road a totally different ball game.

You have to give us information if you want answers.

[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.