relocating to Birmingham alabama area (Tuscaloosa, Hoover: for rent, crime, houses)

[nettie1948]

We are a caucasian couple in our mid 50's planning to relocate to Birmingham Alabama area.... Not familiar with this area. We are looking for a home in an area close to the Mercedes plant..we have checked out websites in Hueytown, Woodstock and Pleasant Grove and some surrounding areas... Please help us with info on these and other close areas for renting/leasing to buy a 3 bedroom home at approximate price range of $850 to $1200 per month... are these areas safe and clean.. any other areas suggested for our transferr would be appreciated...any home suggestions are appreciated too... . Help!! need to move in July..going to look at above locations this weekend...would love quiet, safe and clean location ...
Thanks for all your future help....

[rlkkl]

pretty good areas you will be looking as far as the prices.. is hard to say

[TheFamilyGrace]

You may want to try Cottondale, Brookwood, or Vance. Hueytown and Pleasent Grove are closer to Birmingham than the Mercedes plant. Hueytown and Pleasent Grove have alot of drug activity. Its not uncommon to see a bust every week in that area.Bessemer, Lipscom, and Brighton are also in that area.They to are NOT GOOD PARTS OF TOWN. The plant is about half way between B-Ham and Tuscaloosa. I would really check before I made the move. My wife and I are planning a move away from this place. I was born and raised here, but cant think of one good thing about the area anymore. We dont think this is the kind of place we want to raise our children. Birmingham is one of the top 10 deadliest cities in the nation. Im not trying to sway you , Im just offering my opinion. What part of the country are you moving from?

[Southlander]

First, do a search on this forum...there have been two or three threads from people in the same situation. You might want to consider Hoover, along I-459 (do NOT use I-65 for commuting if you can help it...it's a rush hour nightmare!), Pell City, Pelham, or go toward Tuscaloosa and look at Northport. A lot depends on if you have kids that need schools. McCalla is a nice area west of Birmingham, but you would be driving toward B'ham for almost any kind of shopping.

[nettie1948]

thanks so much for your input...We are looking at Woodstock too... Do you know about that place? Vance and Mccalla are on our list to check out...Dont' know Cottondale or Pell...
Hueytown doesn't sound too good..We live in Prattville now.. I love it.. hate to leave..been here 20 yrs.. Appreciate your help

[cpg35223]

McCalla would be my choice. Actually, a pretty large shopping center is going up out there, and the Galleria is ten minutes away by interstate.

[Bravo35223]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

McCalla would be my choice. Actually, a pretty large shopping center is going up out there, and the Galleria is ten minutes away by interstate.

DITTO....or frankly - Tuscaloosa

[GeminiOne]

First of all - don't listen to anyone who's recommending you to "do a search" on other threads. The whole point of this site is to get information from others, not to be told to "do a search", that is a pointless and useless response, so sorry you had to waste your time with that. Secondly, I have lived in the Birmingham area in the past, in the city of Hoover, and in my opinion, I find that that area would be a wonderful place for you all to live. The crime is low, the area is very, I want to say 'new' looking. Just about all of the buildings, houses, restaurants, shopping centers, etc. still look in great condition and the city is a fairly clean one. From what I remember, the rent out there was decent, I'm sure you all could find a nice place within the price range you all are looking for.
As far as the commute to the Mercedes plant, I'm not really sure where it's at, but Hoover is just right outside of Birmingham, close enough for the travel time to be low, but far enough away to be away from major traffic congestion, major crime and etc. As a white couple, I find Hoover is the best way to go if you're planning on moving to the Birmingham area. It is a beautiful city and I'm sure you'd enjoy living there. Good Luck!

[gkrb]

yea i have to agree with gemini on that one for sure...you obviously didn't have your questions answered by searching through recent threads or you wouldn't have posted your own...sorry about that one. from what i understand (i know people in alabama) McCalla is up and coming and a nice mid point between the city and the mercedes plant. if a long commute time would be a problem then alabaster, helena, pelham, though nice could be too far. try to avoid anything west of birmingham such as hueytown, pleasant grove, bessemer, as it would probably be too undesirable for your taste. Also avoid the north part of birmingham, it is run-down and crime-ridden. Prattville is a hard place to beat but good luck!

[Southlander]

Sorry, but I can't tell you how many times someone comes on this - and other forums - asking their questions, which are identical to ones asked weeks, months earlier, and the answers can be found with a simple "search." Once those answers are learned, the OP can go on to more detailed questions. After being here for a while, you will learn that.
And, since you are both new, welcome to the forum!