moving from uk to bham area! (Birmingham: homes, buyers, school)

[jammydodger]

anyone know anything about the enclave at mb as far as rentals are concerned?

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by jammydodger

anyone know anything about the enclave at mb as far as rentals are concerned?

The name is deceptive. The Enclave at Mountain Brook is actually located in Irondale, just over the line from Mountain Brook.

[pennquaker09]

Well, there is only one high school, which is among the top 5 in the state. Now, I don't know much about the elementary schools as I went to Mountain Brook Elementary and my little brother goes to Greystone Elementary in Hoover. I think as Bravo said, the schools in Vestavia are all considered to be great and the education won't differ from school to school.

It's been my experience from hosting exchange students when I was in high school, kids from overseas tend to be ahead in a lot of the subject areas when they get here.

[Bravo35223]

Originally Posted by pennquaker09

Well, there is only one high school, which is among the top 5 in the state. Now, I don't know much about the elementary schools as I went to Mountain Brook Elementary and my little brother goes to Greystone Elementary in Hoover. I think as Bravo said, the schools in Vestavia are all considered to be great and the education won't differ from school to school.

It's been my experience from hosting exchange students when I was in high school, kids from overseas tend to be ahead in a lot of the subject areas when they get here.

Yes my friend here from Cornwall said the English schools were more advanced...Overall I think that Vestavia is a better fit for Jammy, with more diversity and more choices from a real estate standpoint...don't you?

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by Bravo35223

Yes my friend here from Cornwall said the English schools were more advanced...Overall I think that Vestavia is a better fit for Jammy, with more diversity and more choices from a real estate standpoint...don't you?

Probably so. Although I could use some neighbors on my street who don't look and act as if they were stamped from a mold.

[Bravo35223]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

Probably so. Although I could use some neighbors on my street who don't look and act as if they were stamped from a mold.

Same here....we live in a good place but I would enjoy a good block party with people of greater diversity....

[jammydodger]

well either sound good to me! I like the idea of greater diversity though but at the same time the reviews are better for the mb schools!

Anyway we are out on the 9th August to take a look around. I am smitten with the place but have to wait and see what my wife thinks!

[pennquaker09]

Originally Posted by Bravo35223

Yes my friend here from Cornwall said the English schools were more advanced...Overall I think that Vestavia is a better fit for Jammy, with more diversity and more choices from a real estate standpoint...don't you?

Well, I think your judgment is probably better because you know what is on the market, but a part of me thinks that Hoover would be a good option.

[1size2smll]

BSL (Birmingham Swim League) has a Masters program.
bslswim.org Fish around in the tabs and you will find the Masters.
I have not looked at the site recently, but a couple of years ago when I had this notion that I could make a "come back" LOLOLOLOL, they were meeting at the Wald Park pool in Vestavia.

BTW, my son attended Vestavia Elementary East for first grade. We had a fantastic experience. Parental involvement there is encouraged and heavy. I always felt lucky to squeeze into the last remaining visitors parking spot. I'm not sure that I would agree that the schools are interchangeable as one poster suggested. Each school is excellent, but I remember reading that West was focusing on writing skills, while East is focusing on reading comprehension.

Your closest commute to Oxmoor would obviously be Homewood. It may have been mentioned already, but Homewood has become notorious for small lots regardless of house size or amenities in the older areas (too bad my dad and his siblings didn't hold on to the family home for another 10 years). Lot size is all relative of course! I know land can be at a premium across the pond.

Cheers

[jammydodger]

Thanks guys! Some very useful information there that would have taken me ages to find out!

These block parties sound good - any booze invloved, or is everyone too clean cut for that !

Also I think a realtor or what ever they are called is the way to go! Does anyone know of a good one as I do not really want to go through all the hassle without knowing if they are any good or not.

The goal would be to rent for six months to a year and then buy.

Thanks