Any comments on Hartselle, Alabama???? (Birmingham, Huntsville: real estate, rentals, low crime)

[dindp4]

I am looking for a small, safe, friendly, low cost-of-living community.

[AnotherBravesFan]

Hi. My husband and I are seriously considering Huntsville area for retirement in '08. (We live in San Diego.) A couple of weeks ago, we found out that one of his high school buddies (from Detroit) has lived in & around Hartselle for over 20 years and really likes it. We called him up, and he said he commutes to Cummings Research Park, and the drive isn't bad. He and his wife had a house built West of Hartselle about 8 years ago; their lot is about 1.5 acres. He didn't have a bad thing to say... From what I've researched, the city of Hartselle seems to have its act together - great, informative website BTW - with good schools and services, low crime and taxes, and a charming "downtown." We will be visiting in mid-October; can't wait. I hope some locals respond here and give us some more info!

[brandoni57]

Hartselle is a quaint little town with friendly country people. It's not too far from Decatur, and about 30 minutes from Huntsville. Lots of Mom and Pop shops and restaurants in town, which creates the "charming" feel.

[dindp4]

Thank you very much for the assurance. I have visited and it felt right, but you never know until you speak to someone who has moved from outside the area.

[Thomas Avery Blair]

My wife and I are seriously considering moving into Hartselle, AL within a month or less. We would ask someone living and working in or around Hartselle to speak with us over questions we have about the area. We own a small "mom & pop" federally-licensed EA-based income tax preparation and taxpayer representation service.

We both draw social security and need a small 2 BR home that will permit us to keep our Chihuahua "angels." Any assistance provided will be a godsent to us.

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas Avery Blair, EA

[ionlife]

Originally Posted by AnotherBravesFan

Hi. My husband and I are seriously considering Huntsville area for retirement in '08. (We live in San Diego.) A couple of weeks ago, we found out that one of his high school buddies (from Detroit) has lived in & around Hartselle for over 20 years and really likes it. We called him up, and he said he commutes to Cummings Research Park, and the drive isn't bad. He and his wife had a house built West of Hartselle about 8 years ago; their lot is about 1.5 acres. He didn't have a bad thing to say... From what I've researched, the city of Hartselle seems to have its act together - great, informative website BTW - with good schools and services, low crime and taxes, and a charming "downtown." We will be visiting in mid-October; can't wait. I hope some locals respond here and give us some more info!

It's a beautiful area, but I wouldn't build a new home anywhere right now.
And the commute isn't bad, but if you want things like wine with dinner when you go out, Hartselle's not for you unless you want to commute for dinner.

[Mawoods]

I have never been there but interestingly my husband and I met a couple moving there from Arizona on one of our bird watching adventures at Wheeler Wildlife Regue. This couple was highly educated and charming and could live anywhere they wanted to and had chosen Hartselle because of the refuge and how great birding is in Alabama. All very interesting. That was about 3 years ago.

[Keeper]

We have one member who actually lives in Hartselle that I know of.. You can do a search for Hartselle to read more of her views on Hartselle.

You should be able to find a house to rent, the problem will be finding one that allows pets.

[Southlander]

Alas, I have not seen any posts from our Hartselle resident in many months. Hartselle is a quiet, small town with a thriving downtown and excellent schools. It has some new subdivisions, and historical homes are quite reasonable.

Some people mention that it's a bit hard to make friends because residents have their own friends and relatives to keep them busy. I would strongly suggest visiting and possibly joining a local church - church is important in this town (and many others across Alabama).

In regars to shopping, you will find the basics in Hartselle: Kroger, Wal-Mart, Lowe's, and fast food. For much more than that, you will need to drive 8 or 9 miles north to Decatur; and for even more, about 30 or 35 miles to Huntsville. Birmingham is about 60 miles away...Cullman is about 20, but is not much bigger than Hartselle (it does, however, have an awesome restaurant, the All-Steak).

Rentals could be found here:
ValleyMLS.com
Home - Decaturdaily.com, select the Classified section, which is free to access
Hartselle Enquirer

But your best bet may be to contact a local real estate agent - in Hartselle - because some rentals may not be advertised.

Best of luck, and welcome!

[Southlander]

P.S. You may want to change your screen name to something other than your real name. Assuming, of course, that IS your real name!