[MaryBeth2]

Keeper, I am so glad you are happy. I do not think we are hard to please, but living in a dangerous surroundings is just not acceptable. We do not want the same situation again. Arab sounds like what we are looking for, just a bit closer to Decatur if possible, or maybe even in Decatur?

[Southlander]

MaryBeth, ya'll really need to visit and drive around and see for yourself. There are dozens of little communities out in the counties all over. From Decatur, you'll find Priceville, Brooksville, Somerville, Florette, Cotaco, Bluff City (unincorporated!), Morgan City (unincorporated!), Lacey's Spring to the east; Flint, Hartselle, Falkville, Danville, Punkin Center, Eva, Cold Springs, Lacon, Speake, Massey to the south; and Trinity to the west. North of Decatur is Limestone County, but be aware that you have to cross the Tennessee River.
West of Decatur and close is Lawrence County with Caddo, Chaleybeate, and Hillsboro and Moulton, Courtland and Town Creek farther west.
And all in between you'll find smaller settlements, and lots of open cropland and pasture. Plus some expanses of the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.
Not sure what you mean by dangerous, but everywhere there is a problem with meth users, dealers and makers - that's probably the No. 1 rural problem across the South and probably the United States. You also need to watch your step about getting into someones crop area and finding a "cash crop" of an illicit kind (marijuana).
But 99.9% of the time, you'll be fine.
Decatur has a couple of BIG chicken processing plants and the entire area is a leader in chicken raising, so there is a sizeable Hispanic contingent in Decatur, and many of them work in and around the farms.
It's the Southeast - everywhere is humid.
So, come on over! Check out the area - you're sure to find something you like!

[MaryBeth2]

That was a great tour! Thanks! You are right, Southlander, it's all humid in the South, but hopefully not as humid as the Louisiana swamplands. I keep an eye on your weather waiting to see snow flakes.. tis the season ho ho ho!
We're hoping to get up that way right after Christmas, if nothing falls thru. I'll let you know.
You know, it's really disheartening to think drugs are everywhere, but maybe they are. Bad times now I guess. Still, there has to be quiet neighborhoods left somewhere...and one of them is meant for me...

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Keeper

What is your budget? Are you looking to buy or rent?

The original poster still hasn't provided a response to this. Without this information, replies will be spray painted all over the place.

[MaryBeth2]

Oh my goodness! You get a star for originality, Charles. I cannot answer that exactly because how much we have to spend will count on how much we sell our home for now. We are not wealthy... the 100 grand homes are way out of our budget, but we do want to buy, not rent. I have 3 dogs and renting is not an option with them. There are 3 adults, 3 dogs and a bird coming.

[MaryBeth2]

Hey Charles, you are in Huntsville? That is an area we are looking at. Tell me this, please, do you have 4 or 6 lane roads going to Walmart? haha Dumb question, but means a lot to me.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by MaryBeth2

Hey Charles, you are in Huntsville? That is an area we are looking at. Tell me this, please, do you have 4 or 6 lane roads going to Walmart? haha Dumb question, but means a lot to me.

Yes, I live in Huntsville.

The two Wal-Marts (Huntsville Big Cove and Huntsville University) that I know of are served by at least four lane roads. My guess is most if not all of them are served by at least four lane roads.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by MaryBeth2

the 100 grand homes are way out of our budget, but we do want to buy, not rent. I have 3 dogs and renting is not an option with them. There are 3 adults, 3 dogs and a bird coming.

I found 435 three bedroom SFR, from $0-$100K in Huntsville, Madison County and Morgan County using this very good search tool:

ValleyMLS.com

[MaryBeth2]

Thanks Charles... 435 is a lot. One of them may have my name on it! I'll check them out.

The roads leading to Wally World are a good hint of how big the city is... afterall, it has to break way for all the shoppers to get thru.

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by MaryBeth2

The roads leading to Wally World are a good hint of how big the city is... afterall, it has to break way for all the shoppers to get thru.

In Morgan County, Wally World is a gas/convenience store chain!