Chelsea vs. Helena vs. Trussville (Birmingham, Hoover: relocation, real estate, property taxes)

[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

[Threestep]

As far as property taxes, utilities are concerned - Jefferson County is higher. You may also want to consider the current issues with the Jefferson County Sewer. I am actually not up on it - is the county going bankrupt or is it still pending. YHou can get details on each conty's web site.

I am not a big fan of Helena. Small rural town which exploded over night by contractors putting subdivision like rabbit warrens up. Traffic is rather unpleasant on two-lane county roads during rush hours. Also - your realtor will forget the fact that there is active rail traffic:>)

Check your driving pattern. Make sure you have an alternate route available and drive both during your normal commute times.

We are in Shelby County, small older subdivision, gated and two ways in/out. 3br/2baths are within your range, pretty diverse families, good public schools. I do not want to advertise - send PM if you want more info.

[73mountaineer]

Approximately how much higher could I expect the property taxes in Jefferson Co. to be compared to Shelby Co.? We're paying through the nose in prop. taxes here in Northern IL, so the cheaper the better as far as we're concerned.

Also, Threestep, by active rail traffic, I am assuming that you mean that they have put a lot of housing in areas that are close to frequently-tavelled rail lines, correct?

- Steve

[gustygulas]

Hey Steve,

There are 5 houses in Vestavia that matches what you are looking for. They are older houses but the schools are excellent.

I would also search in the north shelby county area/Hoover search on a local real estate website. You will get some houses with an Oak Mountain school district.

You will be able to get new construction in Chelsea in your price range. You will have to deal with Hwy 280 traffic.

I grew up in Pelham and you can also get new construction in that price range. Helena does not have direct interstate access. You will occur traffic because it is an overgrown city.

Trussville does have nice areas and will probably be the most convenient of all. There are some nice houses in your price range and I would continue to give it a look!

The property taxes will be around the same until you get around Vestavia and Mountain Brook.

You may pm me for more info as well

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by 73mountaineer

Approximately how much higher could I expect the property taxes in Jefferson Co. to be compared to Shelby Co.? We're paying through the nose in prop. taxes here in Northern IL, so the cheaper the better as far as we're concerned.

Also, Threestep, by active rail traffic, I am assuming that you mean that they have put a lot of housing in areas that are close to frequently-tavelled rail lines, correct?

- Steve

Yeep - an extra bonus for rail road collectors and a traffic jam for the rest of us.

[MrBT]

Your working at Liberty park, have elementary aged school children and need convenience to the airport. Chelsea is out. Traffic is HORRIFIC on 280 especially coming from that far down. Helena, already mentioned why you dont want to move there with your criteria. Trussville is the better of your 3 choices given your needs but I would look seriously at whatever is available in Vestavia, Homewood and in the Oak Mountain School District (areas just south of Highway 459 between I-65 and 280 and north of highway 119). Possibly some areas of Hoover too.

The best 3 school systems and cities in the Birmingham area with above average amenities are Mountain Brook, Vestavia and Homewood. All 3 of those cities have top notch schools and are very close to your work and the airport. Only Vestavia and Homewood have houses you describe in your price range. Hoover is also a choice but you must be selective on areas since its such a vast city. Schools are good there too.

[73mountaineer]

You guys (and gals) are the best, keep it comin'!

Maybe someone here can answer a seemingly simple question for me: Why in the heck don't real estate listings down there list items such as room dimensions or square footage for the homes?

- Steve

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by 73mountaineer

You guys (and gals) are the best, keep it comin'!

Maybe someone here can answer a seemingly simple question for me: Why in the heck don't real estate listings down there list items such as room dimensions or square footage for the homes?

- Steve

Why in the heck? Down here "why" will suffice:>)
You will find listings giving approximate square footage especially on new construction. Do I know the size of my place? Just right! An answer I got was that it can turn into a liability issue.

[MrBT]

Actually, finding listings giving sq footage is a rarity except on new homes. The odd listing will show sq ft but it will usually be qualified with an "approx" or "county records show". Reason, legal issues. Back in the early 80's the local Realtors group was sued over incorrect sq footage measurement. How one measures sq. ft. is not a uniform standard. You can measure outside walls and inside walls and always get different numbers. With multi-story plans its not easy to calculate the exact sq footage. Plus, appraisals will not give full valuation credit for "below grade" finished space. IE: finished basements. If you ask a Realtor you will get an answer thats approximate but you wont find a uniform listing or method of measurement in the local real estate industry.

[73mountaineer]

I guess because it is commonplace back where I'm from in WV and also here in IL, it is puzzling to me that I have yet to see it in any listings down there. If not sq footage, at least room dimensions would be convenient & make it much easier to screen out many listings without seeing them in person. In WV it was often classified separately as finished area above grade and finished area below grade to make allowances for finished basements. I guess I never saw the liability side of the issue, though I have to admit that we have looked at houses and came away thinking, "there's no way that bedroom was the size that they listed".

- Steve