[Creamsicle]

I moved to Southeast Alabama from the Bronx back in 1996 when I was about to start high school. I lived in the small town of Ozark, but I used to go to Dothan for the mall and the variety of other stores and restaurants. It's a very nice small city. I went back there in 2004 (moved out of AL to GA in 2001), and it changed for the better IMO. It's not a super small town but it's not as big as Atlanta. However, if anyone plans to move to Dothan, I would recommend it, especially because it's only 1 1/2 to 2 hours away from the Emerald Coast!

[Dart03]

Originally Posted by Creamsicle

I moved to Southeast Alabama from the Bronx back in 1996 when I was about to start high school. I lived in the small town of Ozark, but I used to go to Dothan for the mall and the variety of other stores and restaurants. It's a very nice small city. I went back there in 2004 (moved out of AL to GA in 2001), and it changed for the better IMO. It's not a super small town but it's not as big as Atlanta. However, if anyone plans to move to Dothan, I would recommend it, especially because it's only 1 1/2 to 2 hours away from the Emerald Coast!

Dothan is a nice city for its size and it has anything someone would need in regards to shopping and eating out. The close proximity to the beach is a major plus! Its not too close to have the extremely pricey costs of costal/beach county homes but its not to far away for a day trip!

[ArizonaBear]

Question about Dothan's weather: I am a Wash DC native and am quite familiar with its humidity in the summer............are Dothan's summers really any worse than DC's? I realize the latter place's winters are much milder.

Note I live in the Phx area here in Arizona and it does get quite hot---------but, usually no humidity.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

Question about Dothan's weather: I am a Wash DC native and am quite familiar with its humidity in the summer............are Dothan's summers really any worse than DC's? I realize the latter place's winters are much milder.

Note I live in the Phx area here in Arizona and it does get quite hot---------but, usually no humidity.

I've never been to DC but I can tell you south Alabama is very hot and humid from about June till late September (although this year has been slightly cooler than most). Simply walking to your mailbox in the middle of the day will make you sweat. Work outside for longer than 30 minutes and you will have to roll your underwear down to get them off. Being outside in the evenings requires insect repellent, or the mosquitoes will tote you away. Fall down here isn't really until November, versus October further up north.

I think our winters here are very pleasant, 50's-60's during the day, and 30's-40's at night. Sometimes it will dip into the teens though. I can stay outside all day during the winter and it doesn't bother me a bit. You learn to do your heavy outside chores during the winter, rather than waiting until it's too hot.

[ilovedothan]

Originally Posted by mimpdaddy

I would think there are gators in the Dothan area. Its in South Alabama. Although I don't know about rivers or lakes in that area.

I use to fish in creeks in Dothan and yes indeed there are gators.
However, I have NEVER seen any come around humans. If you like fishing, just know where you're going and never go alone.

[ilovedothan]

Originally Posted by Dart03

Dothan is a nice city for its size and it has anything someone would need in regards to shopping and eating out. The close proximity to the beach is a major plus! Its not too close to have the extremely pricey costs of costal/beach county homes but its not to far away for a day trip!

Dart is correct -- EVERYTHING is in Dothan - no kidding. Malls, restaurants, nightclubs, PARKS -- EXCELLENT, MANICURED, MAINTAINED PARKS - with tennis courts, swimming pools, basketball courts, gymns! Amazing.
It is HOT but go out after 5 and you're fine (smile).

[CAGirlAtHeart]

Kate, I'm sorry DH did not get the job! I hope he gets it next year so you can move!

Jahservant, I lived in Co Spg for 10 years! I'm a CA native and recently moved back here to CA and have asked myself everyday for the past year why I moved back - LOL! LOVE and MISS my church back in the Springs! But alas, I cannot take the cold so at least I am enjoying the weather!

Now my question - DH and I are getting transferred to Marianna, FL - can someone tell me about the road conditions/traffic on that road that goes down there. From my internet searches, Dothan seems to be the closest thing to a city. I can't do small towns! Any advice is helpful - thanks!

[adventuregurl]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

Question about Dothan's weather: I am a Wash DC native and am quite familiar with its humidity in the summer............are Dothan's summers really any worse than DC's? I realize the latter place's winters are much milder.

Note I live in the Phx area here in Arizona and it does get quite hot---------but, usually no humidity.

I just spent a week near there on the Eastern Shore (I live in Sedona) and while it was humid (it felt like hitting a wall everytime I went outside) it was much cooler feeling and truly more bearable than Sedona's heat. If it was dry, it would be perfect!

The thing I found while there was that I could still do some things outside (walk around, shop etc.) in the midday while in Sedona at 100 or so, I just won't.

[Jahservant]

Originally Posted by CAGirlAtHeart

Jahservant, I lived in Co Spg for 10 years! I'm a CA native and recently moved back here to CA and have asked myself everyday for the past year why I moved back - LOL! LOVE and MISS my church back in the Springs! But alas, I cannot take the cold so at least I am enjoying the weather!

Now my question - DH and I are getting transferred to Marianna, FL - can someone tell me about the road conditions/traffic on that road that goes down there. From my internet searches, Dothan seems to be the closest thing to a city. I can't do small towns! Any advice is helpful - thanks!

You lived in Colorado Springs, that's great! I lived in the northwest area off Centennial, only about 3 minutes from Garden of the Gods. Isn't it a beautiful city. I was fortunate to have a view of Pikes Peak and Cheyenne mountain from my balcony. I still ask myself if I made the right decision coming back here, even though Dothan is a good place to live also.

I have to be honest you will have some bad traffic on 231 south which is the highway that takes you to the Marianna turn off. Especially during certain times of the year such as summer, Spring Break (it's the main route to the beaches). The Peanut Festival is a two week festival of bumper to bumper traffic. They're also building Country Crossings on 231 which is being called little Branson (Branson, MO) an entertainment complex. So the traffic will probably be bad year round.
Hopes this wasn't discouraging.
God bless
Chad

[JRR123]

I grew up in Dothan but have spent the last 20 years in Atlanta. I too am considering moving back. Reading these post seem acurate to me from what I remember and my visits back. I plan a trip down to check on a couple of connections and to rethink. As far as the people, weather, and social life I would think its a great choice!