moving to B'ham, commute to north (hanceville) (Birmingham, Hoover: real estate market, house)

[ukkats]

Hello,
My family is most likely moving to the area soon (pending job details). I have two boys, 8 and 11, and priority is schools. read about Mountain Brook, Vestavia, and areas around there that seem to have great school. may be a little out of our price, but I have seen some listings close. My main concern is my husbands job is north in Hanceville. I want to narrow down areas that would inlcude the good school, but give him the fastest commute. any ideas would be great.

[hlsess]

the real estate market is great these days- you could probably snag a great house in MT Brook- I'd think hanceville would be about 45 minutes- other systems comparable to Mt brook would be the same distance- vestavia is the closest with same size,schools etc- Good Luck!!

[cpg35223]

If schools are your priority, I agree with the previous poster. The southern fringe of suburbs in Birmingham really are the way to go. You really won't go wrong with Vestavia, Mountain Brook, or Homewood.

In fact, here is an article with links to a rundown of all the local schools and how well they tested at the various grade levels.

Alabama Reading and Math Test: Compare your schools - Reports from The Birmingham News - al.com

Personally, we are in the Mountain Brook school system. My older two children attend MBJH and my youngest attends Brookwood Forest. I am a great admirer of this school system, despite my initial doubts enrolling them here. The teaching, the facilities, and the commitment of parents is top-notch. I'm sure that Vestavia, Homewood and Hoover parents would say pretty much the same thing.

Good luck. Feel free to answer any other questions. We try to be a helpful board.

[ukkats]

thanks for the info and website about schools. It is helpful. any thoughts on Cullman? We are not opposed to smaller city as long as it has swim team for boys and good schools. would be closer for DH to work, but he says he wont' mind the commute from Mtn. Brook area, either.

[hlsess]

I don't know anything about cullman schools or swim leagues-

[Southlander]

Cullman Swim Team: Cullman Swim Team
Cullman City Schools: Cullman City Schools