[sassyfur98]

We are looking to move to Ft. Payne. MY hubby is a certified welder, a certified heavy equipment operator, a maintinance technician, a machinist, he has worked as a sales leader... he has worked in sand mines and in ship yards....he can do anything. How are jobs in the area?
We are looking for "redneck country" or the exact opposite of what we have here in Baldwin County. We want the simple lifestyle, slow and quiet. We want nature to surround us, and development to be far away!!! We want our kids to be able to ride their bikes around town without worry someone will kidnap them or offer them drugs. We want friendly neighbors, as we will be the same. Or, if you aren't so friendly, well then, leave us alone and we will do the same to you. And finally we are tired of working 60 hours a week to make ends meet when our rent is $1,000/month. We would rather live more simple, and work less. Is Ft. Payne our area? We would like something with the views and beauty of Ft. Payne, but really, smaller. Anything like that up there? How are the people and the rents?
Thanks in advance for any info.
Saundra

[Southlander]

Well, I hope you have read through the posts on this forum about Fort Payne (use the "Search This Forum" button at the top right of the forum). Fort Payne may or may not be what you're looking for. There are some drug problems in Fort Payne (meth, mostly). There are not many industries in Fort Payne, so your husband may be travelling to find work. It's a beautiful area. I'm always surprised at how many houses are up there in "them thar hills." Of course, many are weekend/summer homes only.
It could be your spot...I hope you will make a several-days-long visit and talk to a lot of people there before deciding. Good luck to you!

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by sassyfur98

We are looking to move to Ft. Payne. MY hubby is a certified welder, a certified heavy equipment operator, a maintinance technician, a machinist, he has worked as a sales leader... he has worked in sand mines and in ship yards....he can do anything. How are jobs in the area?
We are looking for "redneck country" or the exact opposite of what we have here in Baldwin County. We want the simple lifestyle, slow and quiet. We want nature to surround us, and development to be far away!!! We want our kids to be able to ride their bikes around town without worry someone will kidnap them or offer them drugs. We want friendly neighbors, as we will be the same. Or, if you aren't so friendly, well then, leave us alone and we will do the same to you. And finally we are tired of working 60 hours a week to make ends meet when our rent is $1,000/month. We would rather live more simple, and work less. Is Ft. Payne our area? We would like something with the views and beauty of Ft. Payne, but really, smaller. Anything like that up there? How are the people and the rents?
Thanks in advance for any info.
Saundra

Well, I don't live very far from you, I live in Atmore. I have traveled through Fort Payne several times while going to Knoxville, but unfortunately I don't have any experience there other than stopping and eating. The terrain is certainly different than what we have down here, plenty of mountains and limestone cliffs. Have you considered staying down here and looking in areas like Creola or Stockton? Those are rural areas with an easy commute to Mobile.

[Ynot]

Hi Sassyfur98--you owe it to yourself to come visit and see for yourself what a beautiful area this part of Alabama is. Sure, there are drugs, they're everywhere; I don't think anywhere is safe from drugs. However, I don't think they are THAT big of a problem here. It's still a friendly, quiet place. I believe the northern end of DeKalb county is by far the better area buy property and, from what I hear, the schools are good, really into sports, etc. Here's a link for the local paper, perhaps it will be of some help to you. Good luck!

The Times-Journal

[sassyfur98]

Well, thank you everyone for the replies. As it turns out, my sister-in-law was just diagnosed with throat and brain cancer (she is in her early 30's with a 17 month old girl and a 7 year old boy) So, as much as we absolutely HATE it, we must move back to Wisconsin until their family has resolution, and is back up on their feet. They need our help.
I will miss Alabama so very much, especially when it is -30 degrees with 60 feet of snow...lol.
Good luck to everyone,
Saundra

[rae rae]

Ft. Payne and Valley Head are absolutely beautiful, and are the slow-paced areas you seem to want. There has been, unfortunately, a large and growing crystal meth problem in the area, so you may want to research that aspect. Lauderdale County, moving toward Tennessee, is also very beautiful, and there may be more job prospects in that area.

[Keeper]

Saundra

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If you ever feel a need for some southern love, stop by here.