[Southlander]

You've never been to Alabama? I strongly suggest you take a trip and visit several different places. It's VERY different from Chicago, in more ways than just landscape. One of the "fun" differences is public transportation. You're used to trains...there aren't any here. The biggest cities have VERY limited bus routes. You MUST have a car to live here.
Now, there are plenty of outdoor opportunities, from beautiful beaches to climbing, all fairly close. It's a WONDERFUL state, and we'd love to welcome you, but do your homework first! Much good luck to you!

[dee1965]

I would suggest the Huntsville/Madison area alot of transplants here and near outdoor activities. Also like Southlander said you might want to visit here first , alot of the rural areas are still talking about that war they lost and those darn yankee carpetbaggers taking over..lol

[KMK]

IF you check out the popular websites recently you will find that Ala consistently ranks in the top 15 or worse in the nation for the most dangerous and unhealthiest state. In fact as a long time native shared with me last evening "Ala has always been thankful for Mississippi because they competed for the 50ith slot years in a row for the worst slot in everything imaginable including education." (One thing you might consider as a educator) A significant amt of our recent graduates make a mass exodous to Georgia to work because the pay for a teacher is significantly higher. Parts of Georgia are similar to the deep south, it is a beautiful state and moving from such an urban area you may not experience such cultural shock. And if you love nature there is no shortage of it anywhere you live in Georgia. If you just are dying to live here then I agree Auburn might be the best choice. A college town is always fun and a friendlier atmosphere. In fact you might sneak a peak at a small college town in SC called Clemson. It is nestled in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains, surrounded by gorgeous lakes, and an extremely friendly place rich in Southern Tradition. Rarely when you read blogs regarding the area do you ever see anything negetive unless from their rival football team Univ of South Carolina. The local elem school includes many of the Clemson faculty kids and is a pleasant environment. Sneak a peak on the South Carolina thread. It is absolutely Heaven on Earth!! And a very safe community. Good Luck!!!

[downtowndoll]

Originally Posted by KMK

IF you check out the popular websites recently you will find that Ala consistently ranks in the top 15 or worse in the nation for the most dangerous and unhealthiest state. Good Luck!!!

So "they" say. But why is it that always all the small sizes such as 2,4, and 6's are missing here in Mobile? From my perspective, everyone is quite thin, some may say anorexic!

Of course, the majority of Alabama is overweight since you have so much that is very rural. I don't see how anyone from somewhere else would be happy in a very rural environment. Not that I'm personally super-sophisticated, but I find it smothering and would be miserable. Our urban areas could not be that "urban" to what you are used to.

There is basically a teacher shortage from what I understand in Mobile, but they did do a hiring freeze due to budget problems. There are good Mobile public schools but many are not. Make it easier on yourself by looking on the Eastern Shore: Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope.

[Southlander]

KMK should add that she's a Clemson graduate, yearning to return...

[kevin_1975]

Let's get this right. Most of GA is like the deep south outside of the metro Atlanta area, not parts.

[KMK]

I wouldn`t deny for a sec that I am a Clemson grad and that a peak at one of the most beautiful areas in the South might be worth a look. I have lived in several southern states with relatives and very close friends in most and once past the Ala state line heading toward Atlanta the South changes dramatically. With the exception of perhaps bordering communities of Georgia to Ala things become much more progressive. Alabama, Mississippi, LA, and probably South to Mid Tenn I have found alot of similarities. But the flavor and the scenery changes once you cross the line. I have lived half my life in Ala and look forward to crossing that line heading home. I feel like I have been in a time warp and am ready to get back to the living. I will venture to say there are parts of Birmingham I do like and Fairhope is a quaint little town but Deep South is totally different then South. It is just extremely lagging behind. And perhaps if you have never lived anywhere else you could never appreciate the difference. But once you live outside this area living here is a challenge. I have been here too long. And there are several positives and I have always been honest in admitting to those venturing to this part of the country. Esp that you can still get alot more house for your money. In shopping for homes back in SC, Georgia, and NC I was a tad shocked by the housing costs. I am not a native Alabamian, but most of the natives in my community are alot more disgusted and disgruntled with the economy. education system, and lack of community spirit then I have ever been. Most of our college youth have made a mass exodus to either the Birmingham area,Nashville, Atlanta or the Southeast. And plenty of the natives here have left for SC, Georgia, Nashville, or NC. Several have also gone to Birmingham. I am probably one of the few that have stuck it out with the exception of those with family ties who swear once aging parents are deceased they are outta here.

[kevin_1975]

If I leave Mobile, I am going back to that ""depressed"" south Alabama area I am from.

I miss and happen to like the "time warp" you speak of. Although, after a couple years, I adjusted quiet well to Mobile.

So I am torn between the "time warp" and Mobile.



*This is to Mullinscurve* LOL Well, honey hush!

[Dabrasco]

Agree with timunh, Alatex is just giving you a taste of the football rivalry here. I lived in Montgomery all my life and must say that the crime is probably getting to that of Chicago . Because of that and the school system, the surrounding cities have began to grow (Prattville, Millbrook, Wetumpka, Pike Road, etc..). You may think of living in one of those communities and be close enough to commute to Montgomery for work and shopping. As far as entertainment in the area as some have stated... Beaches within 3hours, lakes are just miles away, not far from Birmingham or Atlanta which both offers most of what you need. Auburn/Opelika has a population around 80K (w/students) but jobs are not abundant. Huntsville area is nice and growing with many jobs. Hope this helps and welcome to the South

[MullinsCurve]

Kevin,

You're not suggesting that if a whole town is happy with the way things are and you're not, then the whole town needs to change to make you happy, are you?