Defense contractor possibly relocating to Huntsville (Madison, Memphis: sales, new home, to buy)

[jkratze1]

Hi,

I am a Software Engineer working for Northrop Grumman in Ohio and I am considering a move to Huntsville. I have relatives in Memphis, TN and this move would put my family closer to the Memphis relatives. I am tired of driving 9 hours or more to Memphis and I would like to live closer. I am aware that many defense contractors are in the Cummings Research Park. I would like to buy a new home in a good and growing school district. Can someone recommend Huntsville locations where I should consider living( price is $250,000+ range )? Also, do Alabama cities levy a city income tax? I currently pay a 1% income tax to my city here in Ohio.

Thanks

[nalabama]

Isn't Northrop Grumman here too?

$250,000 would be fine in SE Huntsville, but I don't know if the rate of appreciation would be what you're looking for. The schools are excellent though. The commute to Research Park may be more than you want at this stage of your life as well.

New construction in the better school districts closer to Research Park is increasingly targeted on higher end homes, so a home in a "growing school district" at your price point may be more difficult to come by. Where are our realtors tonight(?)...we need help here!

Huntsville does not have an "Occupational Tax" (as we like to call them down here)...yet. As soon as the sales tax increase gets voted down, however, it may be a possibility.

Good luck, and I hope you can make your move soon, because Huntsville is a great place to raise a family.

[Southlander]

Jacobs is also in Huntsville...and in Tullahoma, Tenn.

[VMH2507]

Northrup Grumman has a new multistory office building in research park on Old Madison Pike. The closest area to that is Madison which has highly rated schools and new homes being built in several subdivisions. There is a new subdivision being built on Old Madison Pike less than a mile from the Northrup building. I don't know what the price range is for that subdivision. I know that a lot of the new homes are more expensive than 250K but I'm sure there are some in the 250K range as well. There are also many lovely areas in Madison with homes in the 10+ year age range that would be in your price range.