Alpena Area (Fayetteville, Harrison, Berryville: housing, jobs, schools)

[kevindy]

I may be moving with the family to the Alpena area...maybe within a 45 minute drive range from there.
Does a higher elevation make any difference during the hot summer weather? Any towns there that are more "in the mountains" where it might be a little cooler?
Besides that, what towns are the most scenic and nice to live in where housing and the cost of living are the most reasonable? Thanks for any information you can give.

[Stormcrow73]

The Ozarks aren't really "mountain" enough to make a whole lot of difference. You can find cooler microclimates in some deep narrow valleys. Where are you moving from that you are so concerned about the "hot" summer? I grew up in Boone county and now live in the mid-Atlantic region and I find the summers just about the same in terms of temperature. North Arkansas summers are just a bit longer, that's all. In that area, any town outside of Harrison will be about the same in terms of affordability.

[kevindy]

Thanks, Storm for the reply. We would be moving from NJ...we have our share of muggy summer days, true.
What do you think about the availability of teaching jobs?
If you had your pick of towns to live in around Alpena, what would be your choice?

[Stormcrow73]

I'm living just down the way from you in MD now. I think we might get a bit more humid than NJ. Weather wise, you'll notice a lot more difference in winter, much less snow but probably more ice storms. The wind chill can be a big factor down there too. As I used to say when I lived there, you've got nothing between you and Canada but a thousand miles of nothing!

If I had my choice...hmmm. I think I would go to the next county west, Carroll. Berryville or Green Forest. At least there you can buy beer. Boone county is dry. Plus that gets you a bit closer to something resembling a real city in Fayetteville. Alternatively, if you want to stay in Boone county, there's no real reason to not consider Harrison or right outside the city limits. If you have children, they'll be in a better school district if you stick with Harrison, more options for classes, etc. Valley Springs is a small town south of Harrison, 30 min. or less from Alpena. They've pretty much always had better schools than any other in the county.

As far as teaching jobs, I would think you'd be ok. Again, Harrison is going to pay you decent bit better if you can get on there.