[whitejk]

Hi, I was looking for some advice on what would be a better city to live in Birmingham or Huntsville. We are a young family who has spent the last 10 years in Auburn Alabama and were looking for a bigger city. My husband is a pharmacist and has the opportunity to work in either city so I was just looking for feedback. As you probably know we are looking for some place that is family friendly with good schools. Thanks!

[cpg35223]

Both cities are excellent places to live, providing a host of amenities. To me, it will boil down with what you want. Do you want more things to do in your leisure time? Do you want more access to shopping? If that's the case, Birmingham would have a decided edge over Huntsville. But, on the whole, both are great towns.

[whitejk]

I really enjoy shopping but my main priority is kids as I have a 3 month old. So, schools and activities for kids is my number one concern.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by whitejk

I really enjoy shopping but my main priority is kids as I have a 3 month old. So, schools and activities for kids is my number one concern.

Yes, but both have really top-notch schools, along with youth activities, so you really need to have some other criteria in mind as well. I mean, as sombody with three kids, you can't have every choice centered around your children or you'll eventually go bats. What interests you and hubby?

[Reactionary]

Huntsville's unofficial motto is "it's a great place to raise a family".

[zenjenn]

I would visit both cities and then make the decision. I say Huntsville because I love it here, but it's not fair for me to say since I've never even been to Birmingham! Coming from a California metropolis however, I really appreciate the advantages of a mid-size city as being a place with city amenities without the traffic, sprawl, etc. I like a balance so to me Huntsville is the best of both worlds.

I will say I have a neighbor with three kids that moved to Birmingham last year and she visits now and again and the "How's Birmingham"? question is always answered with "It's nice enough, but it's not like here." Granted, my particular neighborhood is especially amazing.

[The Island Concierge]

Originally Posted by whitejk

Hi, I was looking for some advice on what would be a better city to live in Birmingham or Huntsville. We are a young family who has spent the last 10 years in Auburn Alabama and were looking for a bigger city. My husband is a pharmacist and has the opportunity to work in either city so I was just looking for feedback. As you probably know we are looking for some place that is family friendly with good schools. Thanks!

If I am looking at the school systems I would be going to the rural areas of Birmingham. Not Jefferson County but Shelby County Schools. There are more opportunities and much more to do in Birmingham. Birmingham has very heavy traffic during rush hour. Aside from that I think that it is far better.
In Huntsville I had my daughter in private School and was happy with her education. I do know that there are good schools there also but not as much to do and I did not like Huntsville. I would go to Huntsville.com and birmingham.com and look at the possibilities. Moderator cut: ..

[jsherman9901]

Originally Posted by The Island Concierge

If I am looking at the school systems I would be going to the rural areas of Birmingham. Not Jefferson County but Shelby County Schools. There are more opportunities and much more to do in Birmingham. Birmingham has very heavy traffic during rush hour. Aside from that I think that it is far better.
In Huntsville I had my daughter in private School and was happy with her education. I do know that there are good schools there also but not as much to do and I did not like Huntsville.

+1

Great post, I agree 100%

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by The Island Concierge

If I am looking at the school systems I would be going to the rural areas of Birmingham. Not Jefferson County but Shelby County Schools. There are more opportunities and much more to do in Birmingham. Birmingham has very heavy traffic during rush hour. Aside from that I think that it is far better.
In Huntsville I had my daughter in private School and was happy with her education. I do know that there are good schools there also but not as much to do and I did not like Huntsville. I would go to Huntsville.com and birmingham.com and look at the possibilities. Moderator cut: ..

This is not preciselly correct. The southern suburbs of Birmingham, the ones in Jefferson county particularly, has the best schools in the area. Northern Shelby schools are good, but Mountain Brook and Vestavia are pretty much tops in the area for public schools. And they're in Jefferson County.

[ionlife]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

This is not preciselly correct. The southern suburbs of Birmingham, the ones in Jefferson county particularly, has the best schools in the area. Northern Shelby schools are good, but Mountain Brook and Vestavia are pretty much tops in the area for public schools. And they're in Jefferson County.

For amenities and variety, I'd choose B'ham over Hville.