Looking for home in 125k- 150k - Good Schools (Birmingham: how much, neighborhood)

[seriously_me2]

Is it possible to live in Birmingham and not pay 300 -500k and still have your kids in good safe schools?

I have accepted a job there because I have heard such wonderful things about the area and now I am worried that the worder of the area may be out of my reach.

My girls are 14 and 7.

[Back Again]

Where will your job be located and how far would you be willing to commute?

[cpg35223]

Helena/Alabaster/Pelham might be a good choice.

[seriously_me2]

I guess I have another problem now. I am not sure of the location. I interviewed for the position in Orlando, Florida. The position is with the US Postal Service's Processing and Distribution Center. I've looked for an exact address but haven't been able to find one.

Maybe some one can help me with this.

[Back Again]

This would be downtown Birmingham.

How much of a commute time are you willing to do?

Helena/Alabaster/Pelham/ - you would be on I-65 (Traffic!!!)

McCalla/Bessemer/Pleasant Grove - you would be on I 20/59 little traffic.

[seriously_me2]

I would like to keep commute down to 30 minutes, but affordable housing and schools are more of a priority.

There is a lot of traffic. Would this be a factor during a night shift?

[Back Again]

I would not worry about traffic too much during the night shift.

Just wondering if you are working with a Realtor yet?

[seriously_me2]

I don't have a realtor yet. I just got an unofficial offer with a dollar figure but I'm still waiting to see what the relocation package will include.

What time does traffic start to get bad. I expect to be leaving work between the hours of 6am and 8am.

I've been searching the posts and Bessemer seems to be an area that most say I should stay away from.

[Bravo35223]

If you leave by 6:45, it will help significantly. Don't leave for work at 7:30 and expect an easy go of it in the price range you are in...night shift work will give you an easy drive.

Yes I would avoid downtown Bessemer and downtown Birmingham, except out in the Crestwood area. I'd check out Crestwood as it seems to be making a comeback and has lots of homeowners who are taking pride in their neighborhood.

Try Trussville and see if there is anything out there in that price range. They are building a beautiful new high school....

[Back Again]

Downtown Bessemer and the Bessemer area are two different animals. If I would have looked up Bessemer on here before I had my home build, I would have stayed away as well! Once you get away from the downtown area, Bessemer is a very nice and growing area.