Coden/Batre (Anniston, Bayou La Batre, Dauphin Island: environment, relocation, real estate)

[ValoriE50]

Alabama:What are cost of living and environment like in these areas? Would these be good relocation areas for someone looking to cut cost but still be close to coastal area?

[DreamWeavin]

cost of living anywhere in Alabama are high. The particular areas you mention are fishing/shrimping areas. Large population of Vietnemese(sp)
that area is a poor area,as I am guessing a lot of areas are that depend on fishing for a living?! But in my humble opinion it is a nasty,dirty and ugly area.Absolutely zilch to do in the form of entertainment. Lots of problems with gangs and shootings and other crimes. If you want to live near the coast this is not a good choice. The nearest coatline along the gulf to this area is Dauphin Island and it is nasty,smelly and ugly as well. Sorry-but I speak the truth.

Originally Posted by ValoriE50

Alabama:What are cost of living and environment like in these areas? Would these be good relocation areas for someone looking to cut cost but still be close to coastal area?

[Figment 07]

Originally Posted by northernexposure

cost of living anywhere in Alabama are high.

Compared to what other U.S. states? I've never heard that and I've lived "next door" to Alabama for most of my life.

Most people relocating from other areas find Alabama amazingly affordable. My parents and some friends did. They moved to Alabama from Georgia -- not that far away, yet they have been happy there and report a fairly significant overall cost of living difference.

Valori, click and scroll down City-Data's Bayou La Batre information page, for a start.

And here is an excerpt from Wikipedia about the tiny, unincorporated fishing village of Coden:

Coden lies on the southern shore of the mainland, just across the Mississippi Sound from Dauphin Island and is one stop along Alabama's Coastal Birding Trail ... Today, it is again attracting those from other areas seeking the cool ocean breezes and tranquility that lured so many visitors nearly a century ago. Today, Coden's lure is the gentle sound of the waters of Portersville Bay, fishing, and relaxation. Fresh seafood is available daily on Shell Belt Road from fishing boats returning to Bayou Coden.

[Keeper]

I can't tell you about Coden or Bayou La Batre but after living in central FL and moving to N. AL in 06, it is a lot cheaper to live in AL. Bayou La Batre and Coden are low lying near the water so they are more susceptible to flooding during a huricane. There are good and bad areas no matter where you choose to live.

[DreamWeavin]

please do not let that excerpt give you a false impression. If you haven't been there(and I have!!!) I can tell you it is not quaint or tranquil or pretty. It is a poor area, barely thriving and has a long way to go in the recovery of the Katrina devastation. As if it were not bad enough, since Katrina it is worse.

Originally Posted by Figment 07

Compared to what other U.S. states? I've never heard that and I've lived "next door" to Alabama for most of my life.

Most people relocating from other areas find Alabama amazingly affordable. My parents and some friends did. They moved to Alabama from Georgia -- not that far away, yet they have been happy there and report a fairly significant overall cost of living difference.

Valori, click and scroll down City-Data's Bayou La Batre information page, for a start.

And here is an excerpt from Wikipedia about the tiny, unincorporated fishing village of Coden:

[PITBOSS]

Bayou La Batre is ok, Coden is less desireable. When driving through all I see is trailers, dilapitated houses, broke down cars, boats, grass not cut. Poor area, I'd imagine real estate is cheap. I have not heard of any gang problems, maybe the occasional drug addict stealing a lawn mower, etc.

[vahawkins]

Originally Posted by northernexposure

cost of living anywhere in Alabama are high. The particular areas you mention are fishing/shrimping areas. Large population of Vietnemese(sp)
that area is a poor area,as I am guessing a lot of areas are that depend on fishing for a living?! But in my humble opinion it is a nasty,dirty and ugly area.Absolutely zilch to do in the form of entertainment. Lots of problems with gangs and shootings and other crimes. If you want to live near the coast this is not a good choice. The nearest coatline along the gulf to this area is Dauphin Island and it is nasty,smelly and ugly as well. Sorry-but I speak the truth.

Thank you for candid reply. This is just the type of info I am looking for. What about Anniston? Thanks for replies. VH

[vahawkins]

Originally Posted by PITBOSS

Bayou La Batre is ok, Coden is less desireable. When driving through all I see is trailers, dilapitated houses, broke down cars, boats, grass not cut. Poor area, I'd imagine real estate is cheap. I have not heard of any gang problems, maybe the occasional drug addict stealing a lawn mower, etc.

Thanks for reply. In what ways is La Batre ok? After reading replies to my inquiry, it appears these areas sustained hurricane damage also. What city or area would you advise. Thanks again for reply. VH

[vahawkins]

Originally Posted by northernexposure

please do not let that excerpt give you a false impression. If you haven't been there(and I have!!!) I can tell you it is not quaint or tranquil or pretty. It is a poor area, barely thriving and has a long way to go in the recovery of the Katrina devastation. As if it were not bad enough, since Katrina it is worse.

Thanks for reply. After several comments in agreement, I think I will seek other areas. This forum is the only way I have seen to receive honest remarks from people who really know the area and can paint a realistic picture of the area. Thanks again.

[vahawkins]

Originally Posted by Keeper

I can't tell you about Coden or Bayou La Batre but after living in central FL and moving to N. AL in 06, it is a lot cheaper to live in AL. Bayou La Batre and Coden are low lying near the water so they are more susceptible to flooding during a huricane. There are good and bad areas no matter where you choose to live.

Thank you for reply. At least the cost of living issue is addressed. Are you familiar with Anniston? Thanks, VH