[lukedaddy]

As I continue to contemplate my family's relocation to Huntsville I look at real estate and wonder what areas are "near" Huntsville? Arab seems to keep popping up. One of my main concerns is the school system. Any advice on the "it" school system and area in which to live in the Huntsville Metro area?

Oh yeah........do you call it "A-rab" or "Arub" Al?

[lukedaddy]

Also.......Hazel Green and Madison.........THANKS!

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by lukedaddy

As I continue to contemplate my family's relocation to Huntsville I look at real estate and wonder what areas are "near" Huntsville? Arab seems to keep popping up. One of my main concerns is the school system. Any advice on the "it" school system and area in which to live in the Huntsville Metro area? Oh yeah........do you call it "A-rab" or "Arub" Al?

Ay-rab...accent on the first syllable...like Ray Steven's song "Ahab the Arab" (if you're old enough to remember that!)
You can search for opinions on Huntsville schools. Madison County schools - very good...ditto East Limestone County High...not sure about Arab but believe they're pretty good...Decatur schools OK...Hartselle schools very good...Scottsboro schools ditto.

[Keeper]

Arab has one of the best school systems in the state. I believe it is 5th in the state. You can check out this website to learn more
http://www.arab-chamber.org/living_healthEducation.htm
I can tell you the schools here are much better than the ones in FL. at least they teach something other than the FCAT. The students per teacher ratio is low. Hope this helps
I sent you a message with other info..

Also property taxes are really low here..

[duff30329]

Ay-rab was founded by Rastus P. Arab in the 1870's.
He started the town with a single clapboard house, a barn and up to date privy.
Folks began moving in shortly thereafter when word got out Mr Arab had a cotton gin and corn husking apparatus.
Population really sky-rocketed in the early 1920's when it got up to 83 people.
Chain gangs kept the cow tracks in good repair and Ms Molly over to the Sassy cafe made her mouth watering bisquits.
There's a few outhouses still in use but most folks got themselves plumbing now.

[lukedaddy]

Ummmmm.........OK

[Keeper]

That is a pretty interesting story but not the one that I have ever heard. I think this is the real story..
As a child, Stephen Tuttle Thompson, founder of Arab, came with his family from Tennessee to Hobb's Road (near the Whitesburg Bridge) in Madison County in 1836. A short while later, the family traveled through Gunter's Landing (Guntersville) and settled in Brown's Valley near Red Hill, which is located at the foot of Brindlee Mountain. Around 1840, the family again moved, this time settling on Brindlee Mountain near Thompson's Falls.

When Stephen Tuttle Thompson reached adulthood, he became responsible for the mail delivery (which he delivered in his wagon) in what was then called Thompson's Village. The United States Post Office was established in 1882 and in 1892 Stephen Tuttle Thompson was appointed postmaster. One of his first duties was to apply to Washington, D.C. for the incorporation of Thompson's Falls. Three names for consideration were chosen - Ink, Bird and Arad. Arab (Which should have been Arad) was chosen, and the error was never corrected.

[lukedaddy]

Now THAT sounds a lil more believable!

[dbkeel1]

Arab's a nice bedroom cimmunity but in considering Arab, bear in mind that you'll be maybe 15-20 minutes' drive to cross the Tennessee River bridge into South Huntsville. That's fine if you work on Redstone Arsenal and can simply enter the first gate to go to work but if you work at Research Park you'll have multiple stoplights in somewhat heavy traffic (that's a relative thing, I know, depending on where you live now) to navigate before you get there. Add another 15-20 minutes, if so.

[pmolson]

How much is property tax in Alabama? THX

Also property taxes are really low here..[/quote]