[alannick]

We live in Chelsea, AL just outside of Birmingham. This town has less then 7000 people and we are in the process of building a new elementary school which will be open this January. They always seem to be looking for qualified teachers. Homes run from the low $100s to several million. The average home is probably closer to $200k. Taxes are extreamly low here with a $500,000 house costing only $1500/year in property taxes. A few years ago this town was voted the #1 place in America to raise a family. We have two children 8 & 10. Good luck with your search

[margiec]

just in case u haven't found a place here is a place to consider odessa texas its family oriented its a change from the east coast the weather is tolerable and the schools are very good you can get homes at a very good price

[ajb]

gretchbribri........my two children graduated from fairhope high school and i can tell you that they enjoyed their time there. they actually lived in a beautiful town by the name of "DAPHNE", you may want to check that area out!!!!!

[DallasAnn]

Check the magazines and websites that rate places that are great to live. Madison/Huntsville, AL and the /south Nashville, TN are great areas. All states have websites that rate the crime, schools, etc.

we are moving back from Louisiana! Hurricane Katrina has almost blown us away. The crime has increased here, and the schools are better in that part of the south. Happy Hunting!

[Forester]

Thomasville is a small town located 99 miles North of Mobile, AL. on AL. Hwy. 43. It is the fastest growing town in South West Alabama.
The Thomasville City School system is a very good school system and if you are looking for a "Friendly" town..... Thomasville is worth checking into....

[RonHei]

But also look into the little town of Andalusia. Low crime rate for reasons on research that are apparent. Little to no "illegals". Brand new, beautiful and HUGE schools per capita. Low cost of living, good weather, close proximity to the beaches, a very good medical hospital, and nice people. AND a Super Wally World (3rd largest of its kind) opening Oct 15, 2006. I live in Niceville/Destin and just purchased a home in Andalusia after a mountain of searching. Less than 1/3 the cost of a comparable home on the Emerald Coast, without the crowds. My next door neighbor, in fact, is the Supt of Ed. :-)

[Dixie]

South Alabama has some really great school systems also. I saw someone mentioned Daphne...its nice ..but check out Spanish Fort also. I have heard great things about the schools there. I have family in that area and visit there often. Everyone in South Bama seems so nice and welcoming...the gracious southern hospitailty we hear so much about. :-)

[fiona]

could anyone tell about the summer weather? avg heat and humidity etc year round????

[becca2181]

I would recommend checking out trussville. It is a nice community and is growing rapidly. Trussville has there on school systems. Good safe community.

[lisamm]

South Huntsville is a great place to raise a family, low crime and the best schools. Try south east hunstville, you will find the best schools there and the people are great. Madison, Al is great also. There building it up, lots of new homes going up. Huntsville is very family oriented. I was born and raised in NY and I see the difference between the North and the South. There is also Cullman. There are lots of beautiful areas to raise a family in Alabama and you always feel welcomed. good luck and I know you'll love Alabama.