[Yingxiong]

I'm looking to make a move with my family to the area soon for a job in Columbus, GA, and had some questions about family life and housing. I have 3 children all under age 5, so "night life" is not exactly what we're looking for. I've lived in metropolitan areas and suburbs, and prefer suburban/rural life much more. We're looking to see if the area is "family friendly" - parks, zoo, museums, shopping, coffee, activities. What does the area have to offer?

Some other inquiries:

What is the new construction market like right now (Q4 2008)? We are looking for a new home, maybe a spec home sitting finished or near completion - 5BR 3200+ sq ft on at least .75 acres. Does this exist, how much? (this would cost me over $700k in CT)
How are property taxes calculated? (In CT, 70% of appraised value x local mill rate - I'm paying $8,800/yr on a house worth $470k)
How is the weather in the winter?
Are vehicles taxed? (We pay the same calculation for our 3 cars as we do on our house each year - about $1,800yr in car taxes!)
What is the tolerance level of non-native AL relocatees? (CT is not a very "warm" area to live in regards to the people here. I'm from Baltimore originally, and found that people in New England are as cold as the weather - no offense.)
How are the elementary and secondary school systems? Aggresive curriculum, good student to teacher ratios?

That's all I can think of for now. I look forward to anyone's candid insight so we can learn an inside perspective while we decide on this move.

[Southlander]

Why would you live in Opelika or Auburn if your job is in Columbus?
Just wondering, given the price of gas.
You might check on the town of Smiths Station in Alabama. It seems to be a suburb of Columbus.

To answer some other questions:

Originally Posted by Yingxiong

We're looking to see if the area is "family friendly" - parks, zoo, museums, shopping, coffee, activities. What does the area have to offer?

For that, I'd suggest querying the local chambers of commerce.

Originally Posted by Yingxiong

What is the new construction market like right now (Q4 2008)? We are looking for a new home, maybe a spec home sitting finished or near completion - 5BR 3200+ sq ft on at least .75 acres. Does this exist, how much? (this would cost me over $700k in CT)

Sorry, I have no idea of the market - I'm in North Alabama. Just thought I'd reply since no one had, and we have very few posters from that area.

Originally Posted by Yingxiong

How are property taxes calculated? (In CT, 70% of appraised value x local mill rate - I'm paying $8,800/yr on a house worth $470k)

Alabama has state, county and sometimes city property taxes, but they will probably be a third of that, or less. Georgia has higher property taxes. Alabama also has an income tax - rather modest - and a state, county and local sales tax, which (total) ranges from 7% to 10%.

Originally Posted by Yingxiong

How is the weather in the winter?

Highs in the 50s and 60s, usually, but 30s or 40s on the coldest days. Lows in the 20s or 30s, but in the teens on the coldest days. Snow is rare.

Originally Posted by Yingxiong

Are vehicles taxed? (We pay the same calculation for our 3 cars as we do on our house each year - about $1,800yr in car taxes!)

Depends on the size and age. Taxes are via license plate.

Originally Posted by Yingxiong

What is the tolerance level of non-native AL relocatees? (CT is not a very "warm" area to live in regards to the people here. I'm from Baltimore originally, and found that people in New England are as cold as the weather - no offense.)

With Columbus being near a military base and Auburn being the home of a big university, the tolerance is high. There again, the more rural, the less tolerant - generally speaking. Church is an important part of everyday life. Don't be offended if someone invites you to their church - they're being friendly. You will tend to meet people mostly through work, church and the kids' schools and ball teams. Sports is also an important part of life, for adult and youth.

Originally Posted by Yingxiong

How are the elementary and secondary school systems? Aggresive curriculum, good student to teacher ratios?

I know Auburn's system is excellent. Don't know about other areas.
Good luck to you and your family!

[Yingxiong]

Originally Posted by Southlander

Why would you live in Opelika or Auburn if your job is in Columbus?
Just wondering, given the price of gas.

We're not really "city folk" anymore, so the drive isn't really a big deal. A 30 mile hike into work will be a nice change from the 55 I do now. Plus, I figured we could get a larger lot for our house instead of the standard 1/3 acre closer to suburban sprawls. It seemed like a lot of new housing was either in that area, or in LaGrange, GA.

Thanks for the reply, any little bit of info helps!

[ATLCOL1]

Originally Posted by Yingxiong

We're not really "city folk" anymore, so the drive isn't really a big deal. A 30 mile hike into work will be a nice change from the 55 I do now. Plus, I figured we could get a larger lot for our house instead of the standard 1/3 acre closer to suburban sprawls. It seemed like a lot of new housing was either in that area, or in LaGrange, GA.

Thanks for the reply, any little bit of info helps!

There is a lot if new housing in Columbus, Auburn, and LaGrange. Fort Benning (in Columbus) is undergoing a major expansion due to BRAC. Some 40,000 people are moving to the Columbus area (includes Auburn-Opelika and LaGrange) in the next 2-3 years. You should be able to find great housing options in and around Columbus. The region is exploding with growth.

[terrence81]

Yeah I don't see the point of doing that long of a commute from Auburn if you don't have to. If living on land is important then I'd suggest Harris County or Smiths Station. DONT move to Lagrange, that's too far and just unneccesary. You might be able to get some land in Upatoi or Fort Mitchell. Auburn city proper won't have many options for land either it's a city just like Columbus only not as big. You might also try Salem too. One problem that my Lee County friends have though is the time zone on their phones. Living one's life on EST but have cell phones on CST can be very annoying.

[Yingxiong]

Great stuff everyone, thanks for the feedback. I'm going to look into some of those areas!

[cpg35223]

Well, on the other hand, Auburn would offer a lot due to its being a college town. As long as you learn to enjoy Auburn football, of course.

[Yingxiong]

I figured there might be more commercialism there - good for shopping - but not too much. Just the basics - Target, Best Buy, Lowe's, run of the mill malls, outdoor malls, etc. Is that about right?

BTW.....GO STEELERS ! ! I don't have allegiance to a college team, so Auburn could certainly be in the cards!

[bournrj]

Auburn has one of the best school systems in the state. I figure that would be pretty important since you have 3 small children. As for a house in that price range with a larger lot, there are several houses in the Auburn area that should fit your needs. I'm a local realtor so If you would like I could send you some info on homes with acreage in the Auburn area. rick@alalandco.com