[xxs78]

For living( family,weather,friendly place) and for working ?
What can you tell about Alabama life ?

[cpg35223]

We moved here 16 years ago, and had no idea what to expect. I was half-expecting to find race riots and the what not.

Instead, we've found a beautiful, warm, and enjoyable place that really is quite livable. If you enjoy the arts, you'll find them here. If you enjoy nature, you'll find it here. The environment here is relaxed, but not sleepy. It's just a lot better than the more populated places we used to call home.

The thing about Alabama is that it really has a little of everything, from mountains (Okay, very large hills) to really good beaches. There is a strong cultural life and really good dining (In fact, one local restaurant is a Beard finalist). So while our friends used to kid us about moving to Alabama, they're not kidding us anymore--especially after they come to visit.

[Keeper]

I was born and raised in Al but I have lived in other states plus Central America. I just moved back to AL a couple of years ago after living in FL for 30 years. The biggest thing for me are the people. The people are so friendly and I am always amazed at how if there is someone in need so many people are there to help them.
As CPG stated.. there is the Gulf of Mexico with beautiful beaches or (our) mountains with waterfalls and caves. It gets cold in winter but not a constant cold and hot in summer but spring and fall are wonderful.

There are jobs here from scientist, engineer, shipbuilders to chicken farmers.

There is no place else I would rather be. Check out the photos at the top of this forum.

[RidgebackDogs]

How is the well water in Birmingham area (north to Huntsville) - do many people use water softeners? How much $ to have a well put in?

[Croye22]

It's what you make of it. Alabama overall is a nice state to live in. Taxes are lower, MUCH lower. Cost of living is definitely cheap, etc. Some of the decisions by our governor I don't agree with, but overall Alabama's a nice state to live in.

Weather is hard to say since it can be unpredictable at times. It can pretty damn cold in some areas during the winter and in the same pretty damn hot. And some areas get a LOT of rain, but I think mostly it's in the southern part of Alabama.

[NomadScribe]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

We moved here 16 years ago, and had no idea what to expect. I was half-expecting to find race riots and the what not.

I had to smile when I read this. Not because race riots are funny, but when I moved here a few months ago I was ignorantly sort of geared and concerned for the same.

What I've actually experienced in my first few months here is quite the opposite to what I was anticipating (or worried about). I'd never been to Alabama prior to moving here but find the wooded environs where I'm at to be pretty peaceful, the people friendly and not guarded. In general, my interest in the state and its history and changes has really peaked after my introduction to Alabama.

Visited Birmingham twice in the past couple of weeks and regret that I hadn't known more or explored options for university when I was an undergrad. UAB looks like a good university and Birmingham itself grew on me pretty quickly. History rich and still a fairly young city that will probably see even more changes over the next few decades. Am glad my introduction to southern living happened in this neck of the woods.

[ionlife]

Here's what is great, the people ...
Here's what is not great: BUYER BEWARE. Be very careful when you buy here in this state.

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by ionlife

Here's what is great, the people ...
Here's what is not great: BUYER BEWARE. Be very careful when you buy here in this state.

If you HAVE something to contribute please do so.

[Threestep]

Right now the weather is nothing to bragg about:>) In summer some folks find it unbearable. Coming from a very cold place I thrive in the heat.

We moved to AL for employment reasons. I was not at all convinced but got converted. Life seems to flow a bit slower. People have time for a chat or at least a friendly word with the supermarket cashier. There seems to be enough time in their lives to help others be it family, friends or even strangers. Getting groceries for shut-ins or giving detailed instructions to a motorist it does not matter.

Do not misunderstand me - when it comes to business they are sharks in their own water but they will ask politely how you are before biting:>)

The only thing I miss but can easily live with is the limited choice of grocery stores. WalMart, Publix, some WinnDixie/surviving Brunos, FreshMarket and WholeFoods. No meat markets such as Patak or real bakeries. Some hispanic stores are coming in with a wide variety of vegetables and two oriental stores I know of. OK Aldi but that is an hour's drive for me.

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by RidgebackDogs

How is the well water in Birmingham area (north to Huntsville) - do many people use water softeners? How much $ to have a well put in?

Calling Harry Chickpea! He's probably the only one on here with that experience.
I don't know anybody adding water softeners. The water is not soft, but I haven't heard of anybody having issues. Many rural areas are served by "city water." Of course, the water table's pretty high so there are wells out there...I just don't happened to know anybody who has one.