[jakabedy]

Originally Posted by Back Again

　
. . .
　
You will hear people in the forum telling you to also stay away from Bessemer, however, I live in Bessemer and there are some million dollar homes here as well. When they talk about Bessemer, they are talking about the down town area.
　
Bessemer is one of the last places where you can still get a good size home with some land at a descent price. . . .　

Back Again -

I've seen many of your posts since I've been on this forum and I understand you're a realtor. As a realtor, you know that in the greater Birmingham area, schools are pretty much the number one selling point for homes, followed by safety/perceived safety. These are the two main things that control price and potential for resale.

I also sense that your business focuses on the western part of Jefferson County and am aware of the ethics requirements of your profession. However, because you must know that newcomers to the area aren't savvy to the particular city/area names that coincide with the stronger schools or "better" areas, I would ask that when dealing with newcomers, you be extremely clear when equating a city name (like "Bessemer") to an area (what you called the "Bessemer Area").

You stated "Bessemer IS one of the fastest growing places in the Birmingham area." This is simply not correct. Bessemer is a shrinking municipality with not-so-excellent schools and crime issues. (I am a former Bessemer resident, so I come to this with firsthand knowledge). What you are talking about as a growing area are those areas of unincorporated Jefferson County that are near Bessemer, often described as the McCalla area.

Please be very clear in your posts. I believe it is better to state nothing at all than -- as a professional whose advice newcomers will rely on-- to state incorrect or incomplete information.

[Rail Claimore]

1: How far north do you have to move in order to have a basement?

As long as your not near the gulf coast or any of the state's major rivers, basements are pretty easy to find. The hillier the area, the more likely you are to find basements.

2: Does Alabama have state taxes?

Income tax: 2, 4, and 5% brackets. However, Alabama allows you to deduct your federal liabilities from your state liability, so many upper-middle class families in Alabama pay nothing to the state. Basically, it's a system that screws over the welfare dependent and rewards those who make decent money. If you make quite a bit of money (you don't have to be wealthy, but just middle class), Alabama's tax system is wonderful for you. You'll think Texas and Florida are socialist states with their insanely high property taxes.

Sales taxes vary depending on the county and city you're in. Alabama tends to have higher-than-average sales taxes compared to most states. Alabama also imposes its full sales tax on groceries and clothing.

Property taxes are among the lowest in the country. People who move from other states cannot believe it. The reason they're so low is because so much of Alabama's tax code is set by constitutional amendments, rather than by statutes like in most states. The highest property tax rates can be found in Huntsville and Birmingham, where you'll pay a little over 5 mils. Most of the rest of the state is under 3.

3: As for jobs, where are the most?

Huntsville is probably the best job market in the state right now.

4: Any links out there with tons of information about Alabama.

Not sure on this one. I tend not to seek out much information on my home state.

[loladooder99]

well im not sure what living up north would have to do with having a basement. alot of houses through out the state have basements. Its a little safer to have a tornado shelter in the back yard though. As for jobs your gonna find most of them around the larger cities like huntsville,birminghamd,mobile,etc. alabama has a state sales tax on food and other stuff at about 8 percent or so. There is income tax too but the property tax in my opinion is pretty cheap compared to texas.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by loladooder99

well im not sure what living up north would have to do with having a basement. alot of houses through out the state have basements.

If you're in the bottom half of the state the chances of finding a house you like with a basement are slim to none.

[mimpdaddy]

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

If you're in the bottom half of the state the chances of finding a house you like with a basement are slim to none.

Yeah I notice the houses in the Huntsville area have basements and storm shelters everywhere out in the county.I never been in a basement until I came here.It's a midwest feel.

[2009WhereEaglesSoar]

Try Andalusia AL. It is a town that is beginning to develop and progress. Definitely stay away from Samson, AL unless you enjoy law breaking mayor, council type of town. Good luck on your search.

[humacaena]

Timothy,
Please check this site. Fairhope, Alabama's Southern Comfort | Travel | Smithsonian Magazine

There are basements in homes here in Fairhope, or other towns in Baldwin county. It is a fast growing county, and we are very close to Mobile, where there are many jobs(and many lawyers). Mobile is a great job market in many fields.

Wherever you chose to move to, remember that Alabama has the lowest property taxes in the country(as far as I know) It is a very friendly state, and quite misunderstood. Fairhope, where I live, is quaint and beautiful We are a 1/2 hr drive from downtown Mobile. Homes are still affordable although the market is quite active. Many people buying taking advantage of lower prices and quality of life.

Good luck on your search!