[yeet]

I am a Canadian thinking about taking a job in Montgomery, but i have some concerns about things I have heard. My concerns are:
1. How bad is the crime?
2. How bad are the racial issues?
3. What are the common political beliefs?
4. What if any outdoor recreation is there?
5. How much does religion influence the social culture?

I am a white male with a white wife we are both professional people with an above average income, and we are used to being safe walking the dog at 9:30pm. I have been having a tough time finding information that is genuine; so any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[oscottscotto]

As with any city, money buys safeness. Also, as with any city, Montgomery is not totally safe.

For my personal opinion, Montgomery is just average. Nothing special about the city, and it's not near any fun terrain. However, it is just a 30 minute drive to Auburn and that would be heaven for me during college football season.

[Keeper]

From what I have seen posted it appears most professional ppl live in and around Prattville. It is a smaller town and has much less crime. Depending on where you will be working that might be an option.
Prattville, Alabama (AL) Detailed Profile - relocation, real estate, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, news, sex offenders

We don't have many posters from the Montgomery area but you can find some info here. Look in the middle of the page for post regarding Montgomery.
Montgomery, Alabama (AL) Detailed Profile - relocation, real estate, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, news, sex offenders

You can check out other towns nearby here such as Millbrook or Wetumpka.
Alabama Bigger Cities (over 6000 residents) - Real Estate, Housing, Schools, Residents, Crime, Pollution, Demographics and More

Oh yeah, regarding oscottscotto's post about Auburn.. Auburn is a college and if you move to AL you have to pick a favorite team either Auburn or University of AL.. College football for these two teams is an obsession in AL.

[Keeper]

I have answered a few of your questions

1. How bad is the crime? Crime is an issue in Montgomery
2. How bad are the racial issues? No worse than any other city in the US
3. What are the common political beliefs? AL is generally very conservative
4. What if any outdoor recreation is there? Check here
Search Results: Alabama Tourism Department plus you are only 3 hours from the Gulf of Mexico.
5. How much does religion influence the social culture? Most folks will invite you to their church, but are not pushy, it is just the way southern folks do things. Other than that, I haven't noticed any difference other than in some counties and smaller cities you can't buy liquor or beer.

[southernnaturelover]

I don't think the crime and racial issues would be any worse than what you would experience in Toronto, just on a smaller scale.

[masterbucket]

There is just WAY too much difference between living in Canada and Montgomery believe me.
Stay put or look at other opportunities......eh?

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by masterbucket

There is just WAY too much difference between living in Canada and Montgomery believe me.
Stay put or look at other opportunities......eh?

You moved from Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL?


My initial would be your and your wife's visa situation.

Montgomery has its problems just like all cities do. You find decent restaurants, entertainment and shopping around town. The recent banking/finance crisis can be felt. Otherwise it is a great basecamp for weekend trips as you are within reasonable driving distance from water to mountains.

[MullinsCurve]

I live in the Montgomery area.

Originally Posted by yeet

I am a Canadian thinking about taking a job in Montgomery, but i have some concerns about things I have heard. My concerns are:
1. How bad is the crime? Crime is bad in certain areas of town. I don't go, nor have a reason to go to those parts of the city. I would suspect, based on the general description you provided, that you would live in areas that also have a low crime problem. As others have mentioned, the bedroom communities around the city are very safe.
2. How bad are the racial issues? They are always present, but there are no klan rallies, nor are there race riots as have been seen in other cities. The races generally get along alright.
3. What are the common political beliefs? The area is mostly conservative but there is good contingent of liberals about. Don't fooled by the large Democrat voting in local elections. For reasons pertinent to the area, people often vote for Democrat in the primary elections and Republicans in the general and national elections.
4. What if any outdoor recreation is there? What do you want to do? Hunting, fishing, skiing, boating, all manner of sports leagues. The beautiful beaches are only 2 1/2 hours away.
5. How much does religion influence the social culture?Well, this is the Bible belt, largely Protestant. You won't be disciminated against for your religon or lack of, if that is what you are concerned about. Don't get angry if someone asks you to visit their church, they are not being critical or trying to demean you. It is a normal question here. You wil find the the city to have people of all dimensions, atheists and faithful.

I am a white male with a white wife we are both professional people with an above average income, and we are used to being safe walking the dog at 9:30pm. So, you will be like most of the people here. I have been having a tough time finding information that is genuine; so any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Alabama is not nearly as backwood as portrayed by TV and news media. You should have no trouble fitting in, unless you make no effort to do so yourself. You will find most here are friendly, interested in helping you get started.

[mimpdaddy]

There is nothing wrong with Montgomery.Its a great city that gets a bad rap and the city is on the upswing.Montgomery has down home southern people, 2 hours from the gulf of mexico,1:45 from atlanta,rich history,and Auburn football.

[oscottscotto]

Originally Posted by mimpdaddy

There is nothing wrong with Montgomery.Its a great city that gets a bad rap and the city is on the upswing.Montgomery has down home southern people, 2 hours from the gulf of mexico,1:45 from atlanta,rich history,and Auburn football.

Or, you could save the trips and just live in Mobile or Atlanta

Sorry, I am a native Mobilian. I will give you Auburn football though.