Moving back home to B'ham (Birmingham, Hoover: apartments, crime, attorney) - Alabama (AL) - City-Data Forum

winston1972 · 02-04-2012, 04:26 PM

Both hubby and I grew up in Homewood and lived in Vestavia for 6 years prior to moving to Atlanta for a job. We are contemplating a move back to B'ham this spring but a lot has changed in the Bham area since 2006. We have a 4 yo son who will be starting kindergarten this fall and is my major concern. I am also very concerned about the implications of the Jefferson County bankruptcy.

As much as I would love for my son to go to Vestavia I don't know if I can stomach a $100 plus water bill ever month plus whatever the tax increases will end up being. The other area I am seriously considering is Indian Springs and the unincorporated area of Shelby County nearby. How does the Oak Mountain Elementary, Middle and High School compare to Vestavia? I would not rule out private school if necessary.

Homewood and Hoover schools are not an option and I don't think I can stomach Mtn. Brook..

Miv · 02-05-2012, 06:17 PM

I'm nosey, lol! Why not Homewood, Hoover, or Mtn. Brook?

I'm also a household of 3 and our water bill never hits over $60. Oak Mountains schools are excellent.

winston1972 · 02-06-2012, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miv

I'm nosey, lol! Why not Homewood, Hoover, or Mtn. Brook?

I'm also a household of 3 and our water bill never hits over $60. Oak Mountains schools are excellent.

We have relatives that work for Homewood and it has definately changed for the worse crime wise since we grew up (both from Homewood) and it is difficult to find a home with a basement with 4 bedrooms for under 400K zoned for Edgewood or Shades Cahaba Elementary. Hoover, I've never really cared for it to live there, too many apartments for my taste. As for Mtn. Brook, well we're just not into the keeping up with Jones's type people nor do care to be hassled by some attorney next door for a dog barking at 6:59 am (know someone this has happened to and have heard other crazy stories). We were very happy in Vestavia but don't want to jump into the unknown with the consequences of the Jeff Co. bankruptcy looming overhead.

UnexpectedError · 02-07-2012, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winston1972

We have relatives that work for Homewood and it has definately changed for the worse crime wise since we grew up (both from Homewood) and it is difficult to find a home with a basement with 4 bedrooms for under 400K zoned for Edgewood or Shades Cahaba Elementary. Hoover, I've never really cared for it to live there, too many apartments for my taste. As for Mtn. Brook, well we're just not into the keeping up with Jones's type people nor do care to be hassled by some attorney next door for a dog barking at 6:59 am (know someone this has happened to and have heard other crazy stories). We were very happy in Vestavia but don't want to jump into the unknown with the consequences of the Jeff Co. bankruptcy looming overhead.

Haha, that's only part of Mountain Brook. Outside of the snobby country clubbers, most Mountain Brook residents are perfectly wonderful upper middle class families. And remember, all those rich residents means a lot of money goes into the schools.

But you have to find a balance that works for you. Personally, I am grateful every day that I grew up in a community that is safe, beautiful, and that has a public school system as good as most private schools. But I have met many nice and intelligent people from Oak Mountain that had nothing but positive things to say.

Miv · 02-07-2012, 04:17 PM

Yep, sound like you need to head for Shelby County.

bman0429 · 02-10-2012, 05:03 AM

Hey There,

Let me add one more vote for Mtn Brook. We moved to Birmingham from Atlanta last year and had many of the same criteria that you mentioned, but had zero desire to move south of 459 due to traffic and commuting concerns.

I had some of the same false ideas (and then some) about Mtn Brook, but let me tell you they have all been proven wrong. The schools are absolutely top notch. Its not (just) the money that goes into the schools, but also parental education levels and involvement. I've never experienced people more engaged in their children's education. We've found just about everyone to be very open and welcoming and couldn't be more pleased with the decision.

Additionally there are some great deals to be had on housing where your child could actually walk to school.

cpg35223 · 02-10-2012, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bman0429

Hey There,

Let me add one more vote for Mtn Brook. We moved to Birmingham from Atlanta last year and had many of the same criteria that you mentioned, but had zero desire to move south of 459 due to traffic and commuting concerns.

I had some of the same false ideas (and then some) about Mtn Brook, but let me tell you they have all been proven wrong. The schools are absolutely top notch. Its not (just) the money that goes into the schools, but also parental education levels and involvement. I've never experienced people more engaged in their children's education. We've found just about everyone to be very open and welcoming and couldn't be more pleased with the decision.

Additionally there are some great deals to be had on housing where your child could actually walk to school.

Hi, bman. I remember the reservations you had. I'm so glad that you and are your children are enjoying your experience here. Did you wind up at Cherokee Bend? At one point, I remember you considering Altamont for your daughter. Did it work out that way?

bman0429 · 02-13-2012, 05:03 PM

We did indeed windup at Cherokee Bend. My daughter is @ shades valley and is auditioning for ASFA. Like I said we are so happy here. I hope people will allow themselves to open their minds a bit.

cpg35223 · 02-13-2012, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bman0429

We did indeed windup at Cherokee Bend. My daughter is @ shades valley and is auditioning for ASFA. Like I said we are so happy here. I hope people will allow themselves to open their minds a bit.

Good to hear it.

BamaUser · 02-14-2012, 09:59 PM

If you still want Vestavia, you could look into some of the newer incorporated areas around Cahaba Heights. Our neighborhood is not on Jeff County Sewer (we are on septic), so we do not have to worry about the sewer issue (unless they start taxing non-users!) and our housing prices are a little more palatable than some other areas in Vestavia.