Best place to live for families between bham and tuscaloosa (Birmingham: sale, apartments)

[TEBOWFAN]

I have just accepted a job in Tuscaloosa and will be moving my family sometime in March. My kids are currently in 5th and 8th grade. I understand the middle schools are rather subpar and the high schools are about the same. I really do not want to go the "private route" if we could avoid it.

I would appreciate input for the following questions:

IF LIVING IN TUSCALOOSA OR 1-459/59/20 AREAS

1. WHAT SCHOOLS DO YOU RECOMMEND...WHICH TO AVOID .....
2. WHAT ARE GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS FOR FAMILIES IN THE $200-$250
RANGE?
3. WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR APARTMENTS IN THE SCHOOLS
YOU RECOMMEND FOR MY KIDS.

The transition will be rough considering a mid year move for my son from elementary to middle and my daughter from middle to high school. It is a fantastic opportunity for me and our family.

[hlsess]

Look on pg 2- this was just discussed- Hoover is a HUGE school system and there is a new school in lakeview area in East Tuscaloosa- I would go and visit these schools before deciding- tuscaloosa is about an hour from Birmingham- Good Luck- I am sure it will be hard on your kids but they will adjust- many people do this all the time- Be glad you have a Job!!

[TEBOWFAN]

Originally Posted by hlsess

Look on pg 2- this was just discussed- Hoover is a HUGE school system and there is a new school in lakeview area in East Tuscaloosa- I would go and visit these schools before deciding- tuscaloosa is about an hour from Birmingham- Good Luck- I am sure it will be hard on your kids but they will adjust- many people do this all the time- Be glad you have a Job!!

YES, extremely grateful to have a job!

I've been talking to a few people I know in B'ham and they say the commute is long from Hoover 459 and will get old quick!

I would appreciate any feedback from realtors/neighbors/anyone who knows this place FAR better than I do currently.

We are looking for great schools with a strong academic environment and academic accountability for both students and teachers. Our price range is $200-$250. New construction or built after 2000 is preferred.

We enjoy sports activities as a family and my daughter is a dancer/cheerleader. We attend church regularly and desire a strong youth program for our children.

I would appreciate any information on a community you feel would be a good match for my family and me.

Not limited to the following but curious about these places:

Lakeview
Lakewood
Northport
Cottondale
Brookwood
Indian Hills area
Gordo
Buhl
Verner/Vance?
Helena? Shortest route to Tuscaloosa/McFarland area

I will be working with a relocation specialist from UA in a few weeks but right now I want opinions from you and others ....I appreciate any resposes in helping me get a jump on the challenge ahead of us.

BEST NEIGHBORHOODS OR APTS
NAMES OF SCHOOLS TO CONSIDER AND AVOID
LENGTH OF COMMUTE
PROPERTY TAXES AND AREA IN GENERAL....SHOPPING CONVENIENCES OR DISTANCE TO

[Southlander]

It's a long way from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa for an everyday commute...that's two hours, often more, out of the day. Think about it.

[hlsess]

Here is a link to another thread- search this forum - I am sure you can find some info on Tuscaloosa somewhere

http://www.city-data.com/forum/birmi...ght=Tuscaloosa

[TEBOWFAN]

Originally Posted by hlsess

Here is a link to another thread- search this forum - I am sure you can find some info on Tuscaloosa somewhere

http://www.city-data.com/forum/birmi...ght=Tuscaloosa

Thanks for the link....not doing the Hoover/Bham scenerio.

I'm looking forward to a longer visit in a few weeks but have never seen much of the area. Can you tell me about the schools and any neighborhoods that might meet our criteria as mentioned earlier.

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

[hlsess]

I have no idea about that area- maybe reply to that other thread and someone can give you some info on it

[ttownfeen]

Don't sell Tuscaloosa itself too short, now. Are schools the only reason you are wanting to live closer to Birmingham? If so, you can find good schools in Tuscaloosa as well.

Try looking for houses in the Northridge school zone (Indian Hills area of Tuscaloosa in that zone) and the Hillcrest school zone (unincorporated suburbs south of town). Northridge in Tusc. City Schools. Hillcrest in Tusc. County Schools (the two are separate school districts). You should be able to find houses in the 200-250K range in those area. Would also recommend Bryant school zone (Woodland Forrest area) in the City Schools.

You should have no problem finding church activities in Tuscaloosa. If you like family sports activities, there are basketball, baseball, softball, soccer games and gymnastics meets at UA (football games are both harder to access and a lot more pricey).

If you are looking for apartments, avoid apartments in the core of Tuscaloosa. These are mainly populated by and oriented towards college-aged students. The student-geared apartments are easy to distinguish: they have something UA-oriented in their names, things like "Capstone" and "Crimson" and "University". Family apartments are found in the peripheral areas of the city and in Northport.

[TEBOWFAN]

Originally Posted by ttownfeen

Don't sell Tuscaloosa itself too short, now. Are schools the only reason you are wanting to live closer to Birmingham? If so, you can find good schools in Tuscaloosa as well.

Try looking for houses in the Northridge school zone (Indian Hills area of Tuscaloosa in that zone) and the Hillcrest school zone (unincorporated suburbs south of town). Northridge in Tusc. City Schools. Hillcrest in Tusc. County Schools (the two are separate school districts). You should be able to find houses in the 200-250K range in those area. Would also recommend Bryant school zone (Woodland Forrest area) in the City Schools.

You should have no problem finding church activities in Tuscaloosa. If you like family sports activities, there are basketball, baseball, softball, soccer games and gymnastics meets at UA (football games are both harder to access and a lot more pricey).

If you are looking for apartments, avoid apartments in the core of Tuscaloosa. These are mainly populated by and oriented towards college-aged students. The student-geared apartments are easy to distinguish: they have something UA-oriented in their names, things like "Capstone" and "Crimson" and "University". Family apartments are found in the peripheral areas of the city and in Northport.

FINALLY.....thank you

Can anyone add to this......PLEASE


Thanks again to anyone taking the time to help us.

[gobama]

I have a garden home 4 sale in Northport - 3/2 - near Tusc. County School and a golf course. Don't know what ur lookin' 4. My son has a home 4 sale in Gordo if ur lookin' for a small town atmosphere. They have a good school there. I need to sell one of them or both.