Chelsea vs. Helena vs. Trussville (Alabaster, Pelham: low crime, schools, quality of life)

[alfan92]

I would definitely pick Trussville over Chelsea and Helena. It might be a little more expensive than the other two but worth it.

[73mountaineer]

Well, the latest update is that I officially accepted the offer yesterday! We are indeed coming to Birmingham in the next few weeks. My current boss and future boss have to work out an agreement on my starting date, but it looks like I will likely be down there within the next 2-4 weeks, with my family joining me around the first part of June.

Now comes the fun part...I have to buy a car (had a company truck that isn't going with me), sell our house in IL and find a house in AL!

I am concentrating on Trussville and Chelsea for now, but may expand the search when I get down there and learn more about the different areas.

- Steve

[ResidentBirmingham]

Congratulations on the job! I have to strongly suggest you mark Chelsea off of your list simply because of the commute. I would never consider moving even half way down to 280 towards Chelsea. Seriously, the traffic is a nightmare. Trussville is definitely you're best choice out of the 3 you had listed. Like others have said, don't discount Vestavia or Hoover (a realtor can steer you in the right area of Hoover for school districts and good locations within). They also have good school systems, have traffic conveniences, and will have houses in the price range you are looking. Best of luck!

[jlsmes]

Hi, I am new at this blog thing, so bear with me. I actually think we are in the same boat. I think it is the same company as well. We liked Trussville since the traffic would not be as bad. Some parts of Trussville are in St Clair county and taxes are lower. Trussville schools are rated pretty good. We liked a community called Carrington Lakes. The home prices are good, I would love to be in Vestavia or Homewood but prices are higher, I think. Let me know what you find. We will be moving this summer as well. We are looking for a home with a basement, 4 or 5 b/2-3b. Irondale had some newer homes but about $50,000 more than similar homes in Trussville.
-Michelle

[autiger92]

Congrats, 73mountainer! I pm'ed you earlier.

To the previous poster: Irondale is very convenient to where you will be working (my husband used to work at the same location), but be careful about the schools. The schools in that part of Jefferson County's system don't have quite the reputation that Trussville or Vestavia have. Irondale is zoned for Shades Valley High School which is excellent if the student qualifies for the I.B. program. Do some research--get the test scores.

Good luck to both of you!

[MTNBIKERGIRL2]

Last, Trussville was ranked as the top place to live. I don't remember what magazine.....but it was ranked 52 in the US.

[pennquaker09]

Isn't Trussville getting a new 90 million dollar high school?

[Back Again]

A good Realtor can still get you the square footage off the tax records. However, it may not be correct, which is why whenever I send anyone square foot info, I always state "In accordance with the Tax Records" I know of a 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home in Jefferson County that IAW the Tax Records is only one (1) square foot!



Moderator cut: off topic

[Bravo35223]

Originally Posted by pennquaker09

Isn't Trussville getting a new 90 million dollar high school?

Yes, there was an article in Sunday's paper about it. The architect put in many GREEN design features and this was the theme of the article.

Looks like a beautiful facility.

[alfan92]

I have lived there for 16 years, crime is pretty unheard of. I drive downtown every day - no problem

Originally Posted by 73mountaineer

Some of you may remember me visiting here a while back, or maybe not

Anyway, at that time I was in the very early stages of exploring a relocation from the Chicago suburbs to the Birmingham area to fill a job vacancy at my company's corporate office.

To make a long story short, I finally interviewed for the position last Tuesday & I believe an offer may be forthcoming so this thing is getting more serious.

I have done a bit of research on the different areas surrounding Birmingham & I believe that we are probably best suited to housing in Trussville, Chelsea, Helena or Pelham. Last time I posted, some of you asked for my (possible) future work address, so here it is again: 1200 Urban Center Dr, Birmingham.

I also would be travelling a good bit so convenience to the B'ham airport is also a plus.

As for personal notes, I have 2 children, ages 9 & 6, so good schools are definitely a high priority.

The crime rate looks to be a good bit higher in Trussville as well, should that be a concern?

We are looking for 3-4 bedrooms, 2+ baths, a 2-car garage & a larger lot (most lots here are roughly 70-75 x 85-90ish). We would like to stay below $230k or so.

Also, what are the property tax & cost of living differences between Jefferson & Shelby Counties?

Thanks!
- Steve