need help...moving to birmingham (Hoover, Bessemer: homes, neighborhood, schools)

[cpg35223]

Regardless, there are some deals to be had on houses in the area right now. Even though the real estate meltdown hasn't been nearly as severe here as elsewhere, the prices are pretty good.

[3am green coffee]

Originally Posted by DebFlack

just about anywhere off US 280 south past CR 17 or SR 119...

But only if you and your husband love sitting in traffic. The 280 corridor is about the worst place to drive in the entire city.

[1size2smll]

I wanted to mention that as far as pre-schools go, many people send their children to church run pre-schools. They are plentiful, and the best way to find out about each one is to ask around. Should you happen to end up in Vestavia, we had a great experience with Vestavia Hills United Methodist's program. Again, there are many, many programs.

If you are religious, you will find that having a 'church home' will grease the wheels socially.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by 3am green coffee

But only if you and your husband love sitting in traffic. The 280 corridor is about the worst place to drive in the entire city.

Agreed. Lots of chain restaurants, big box retailers, etc. etc. Hey, if that's your bag, knock yourself out. But, given the price range you've provided us, you can live really close in and have much better proximity to amenities and the city's surprisingly good cultural life.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by 1size2smll

I wanted to mention that as far as pre-schools go, many people send their children to church run pre-schools. They are plentiful, and the best way to find out about each one is to ask around. Should you happen to end up in Vestavia, we had a great experience with Vestavia Hills United Methodist's program. Again, there are many, many programs.

If you are religious, you will find that having a 'church home' will grease the wheels socially.

That's a good point. We belong to an Episcopal Church that really has a great social component to it.

Also, when it comes to the kiddos, you should really look for a copy of Birmingham Child Times when you come to town. It will have the skinny on all kinds of daycare/preschool options.

[wilmingtonmom]

thank you all for your wonderful advice. I have passed it on to hubby. our kids are young and I stay at home so we are focusing in on pre-school/kindergarden. We prefer montessori but would consider a church based program if it were the best. Youth sports and a neighborhood with young families is important. Hubby will be traveling all over the metro. He saw some homes in pelham that would fit our needs. what do people think of pelham?

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by wilmingtonmom

thank you all for your wonderful advice. I have passed it on to hubby. our kids are young and I stay at home so we are focusing in on pre-school/kindergarden. We prefer montessori but would consider a church based program if it were the best. Youth sports and a neighborhood with young families is important. Hubby will be traveling all over the metro. He saw some homes in pelham that would fit our needs. what do people think of pelham?

It's okay, but it's way out, and you'll be living in your car. That makes it a bit of a compromise for you. Honestly, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia and Hoover would be heaven on earth for you.

[3am green coffee]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

It's okay, but it's way out, and you'll be living in your car. That makes it a bit of a compromise for you. Honestly, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia and Hoover would be heaven on earth for you.

+1

I have to agree with CPG. Pelham is okay, but it sounds like you guys can afford a lot more convenience. The only advantage to taking your house money to Pelham is that you might be able to afford a McMansion out there in a subdivision devoid of any personality. If you really just love the blight of suburban sprawl, it'll be just your thing. I would hope you would have better taste than that. There's a lot more to buying a home than just squeezing out the most square footage you can possibly afford.

[GinaVol]

Originally Posted by wilmingtonmom

We are moving to birmingham! We need help with neighborhood advice. Here's the low down: two kids under 4, so good pre-school/school districts, hubby will be traveling all over birmingham. Looking to spend 350-450 k on a house.

There are a couple of nice houses ready for new owners in my neighborhood. I live in Chapel Creek off Patton Chapel in Hoover/Bluff Park. We are less than a mile from Gwin Elementary and Simmons middle school and are zoned for Hoover high school. The houses are all less than 400 unless you wanted the model home. They are over 3000 sf and all brick by Signature Homes. We have a very friendly neighborhood.

We are west of I-65 and north of 459 in a great location for going all over Birmingham.

Edited to add that these are new construction homes and that I am only a resident not a re agent

[wilmingtonmom]

we are def. not a sprawl kind of family!! I like to be close to shopping, entertainment, etc but not on a major intersection. I'll look up the hoover/bluff park area. what about greystone? so 280 is bad for traffic? what about the other interstates/hwy?