Best neighborhoods (Huntsville, Madison, Gurley: real estate, apartments, rentals)

[jaham]

I am potentially moving to Huntsville area. I have read in some threads to avoid south Huntsville but have been looking in the area around memorial parkway and martin rd - is this a bad area.

Whatare the best and worst neighborhoods in the area.

I may be renting instead of buying so what rental areas should I seek out?

[Mom36]

I'm fairly new here myself, but I'm sure those who have advice will want to know more about you and what you're needs are. School age kids? Married or single? Wanting to be close to the social scene or good schools? What area will you be working in and what kind of commute is acceptable?

As a stay-at-home mom with a 5th grade daughter, I was looking for a safe area with good schools. We wanted to rent a house, but couldn't find anything that fit our needs, so decided on an apartment. We looked at several; most are not in good school districts. We looked at the Springs of Huntsville in the area you are talking about, but didn't like the area. We wound up moving to the Springs of Madison. We are quite happy our decision.

However, if you are a single guy who wants the social scene, other areas would probably be better for you. HTH.

Terry

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by jaham

I

What are the best and worst neighborhoods in the area.

I may be renting instead of buying so what rental areas should I seek out?

I understand why the would-be newcomers such as yourself would post and ask this "very general" question. Afterall, we all want to know what's the "best" place to live and the "worst" area (why? is there a contest?).

But the reality is that housing, as in other things in life, is a trade off and the answer maybe different from one person to the next.

Also, if any one post the "best" neighborhood it's bound to get objection from others. Worse, if if any one post the "worst" neighborhood it's bound to get many infuriated people who live in that neighborhood.

It's like if I ask you "how much money do you make?", or "how much money can you afford for mortgage/rent per month?" in a public forum.

So... ask the question differently....

[pyro4ik]

renting a house or apt? is there a work place that you want to be close to? the arsenal?

[friday13]

Originally Posted by jaham

I am potentially moving to Huntsville area. I have read in some threads to avoid south Huntsville but have been looking in the area around memorial parkway and martin rd - is this a bad area.

Whatare the best and worst neighborhoods in the area.

I may be renting instead of buying so what rental areas should I seek out?

Originally Posted by HB2HSV

I understand why the would-be newcomers such as yourself would post and ask this "very general" question. Afterall, we all want to know what's the "best" place to live and the "worst" area (why? is there a contest?).

But the reality is that housing, as in other things in life, is a trade off and the answer maybe different from one person to the next.

Also, if any one post the "best" neighborhood it's bound to get objection from others. Worse, if if any one post the "worst" neighborhood it's bound to get many infuriated people who live in that neighborhood.

It's like if I ask you "how much money do you make?", or "how much money can you afford for mortgage/rent per month?" in a public forum.

So... ask the question differently....

Jaham -

follow your own advice on the Lexington forum

Originally Posted by jaham

Isabelazalia,

I could suggest some homes and specific areas if you would detail your price range, desired neighborhood feel, commute, other considerations, etc.

and HB's above and re-phrase the question.

[Dirt Grinder]

This is just my opinion...

Best: The Ledges
Worst: Under the overpasses

[hey teach]

I would avoid NW Huntsville. Many areas north between University Drive and Bob Wade Lane are kind of rough. Of course, there are some good neighborhoods in this area, but you really have to sift.

[BobWallace]

The apartments north of Martin Rd and west of Memorial Parkway have a LOT of property crimes and drug issues. Avoid anything on or near Hunters Ridge.

That's kind of an isolated pocket. Most of South Huntsville is nice, especially east of Whitesburg Drive. Proximity to Memorial Parkway is generally less desirable.

[writerwife]

Nothing wrong with South Hsv. Good area.

[jaham]

Thank you for the insights on the area north of martin and west of the parkway.

For specifics I have singled out properties at these addresses:

1205 sw 5th ave, huntsville, al
276 gate street, gurley, al (I know this one does not fit with the others but it looks very nice and reasonably priced - opinions on Gurley, what is the commute like?)
4001 Hunters ridge circle, huntsville, al
3614 chasewood drive, huntsville, al
3818 newson, huntsville, al

My search has been solely through the internet and I have yet to visit these areas, so any insight would be appreciated. You will notice these are all in the area I had mentioned in my previous post, Is this entire area bad for drugs and crime - is it one of the worst in town? Is it an improving or declining area that is worsening?

Yes, I would prefer to be close to the arsenal but a small commute would not hurt. I have no kids or spouse as of present and would enjoy a bit of a social scene, but non of these are determining factors, I am looking for generally desireable areas where rentals and real estate prices are not absurd.