Young couple considering move to Huntsville in the near future (Birmingham: houses, good schools)

[LCTMadison]

Keel is going to be A LOT cheaper, but like others have said....much longer commute. At least 25 minutes from downtown, probably more with traffic.

Regarding nursing jobs, one of my friends just moved here from Nebraska and while she had no problem getting a job, she literally took almost a 40% pay cut in this area. She's a very experienced trauma nurse and couldn't believe how low the nurse's salaries are in this area.

[Nlambert]

Not to mention with Keel the roads are very steep. One good long snow/freeze can make the road almost (if not completely) impassable. The drive from Gurley (Keel) to downtown is roughly 20-25 minutes depending on traffic. Generally getting through the area from Shields Road to the West side of Chapman Mountain during commute hours can be a pain depending on when you leave. I leave for work at 6:15 and rarely see traffic. However my wife leaves at 7:30 and has days where she can sit for 20-30 minutes.

If you didn't mind the commute Keel would be a decent option. There are other options out around the county that will give you similar views as well, but the travel time would increase.

[TurkeyRuben]

You are precisely the kind of citizens that Huntsville is trying to attract. Young, educated, looking to start a family. The schools here are excellent, Huntsville City, Madison City, Madison County and Limestone County. There are also private options if that is your thing. There are plenty of continuing education opportunities for RN's and PT's to both further their careers and meet the yearly continuing ed requirements.

You sound like an active couple, and Huntsville will support that. There are vibrant running clubs, caving/splunking clubs, biking, and kayaking. Plus, as you noted, you are just a hop from Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis, Atlanta, Birmingham and points west if there is something you want to explore in those cities.

Green Mountain is somewhat cloistered, in my layman's view. I'm sure others will chime in and say that ain't so. Monte Sano is more developed. Used to be Monte Sano (Mountain of Health) suffered from low water pressure. I don't know if that is still a concern, but check it out for yourself. Don't know much about Keel Mountain. Monte Sano, logistically, is more in the thick of things, and close to all city services and the 3 hospitals (Huntsville, Women's and Children's and Crestwood). Green Mountain, while close in, depending on exactly which part you would settle, can still be a good 30 minute drive to most services.

There are churches a-plenty here and all kinds of "young professional" activities sponsored by the Downtown Development Group.

Based on everything that you stated in important to you, you can't go wrong with Huntsville.

[bamabuilder86]

Awesome reviews from all of you, thanks so much. I really don't know what we will do. It's not an urgent decision but one that will be made in the not to distant future.

Also, geat info on the mountains and ridgetops. Honestly, we liked Green the best. If did seen somewhat underdeveloped (especially compared to Monte Sano) but we liked that. It was more rural and isolated which seemed to attract both of us, especially with the city so close. Any other info is much appreciated.

I would like to hear more about how the city is for young people. All the info so far has been great but nothing wrong with hearing more. You hear so much about how awesome a city like Raleigh, NC or Chattanooga, TN is for young people and professionals, would like to hear more about Huntsville in those regards. Obviously I into expect it to be on that lec, especially with it being smaller, but I think y'all get where I'm going with that.

And really anything else. If you think of anything you would have liked to know before you moved here what would it be?

Again, thank you all.

[LCTMadison]

You could connect with the Huntsville Young Professionals....they do some fun activities.

Huntsville Young ProfessionalsHuntsville Young Professionals

Also, there is a UA alumni chapter here that has a "young alumni" group within it. They call themselves the "Rocket City Roll Tiders".

[gsdrhia]

I agree with the others who have replied - healthcare jobs are a'plenty, but don't think you'll be making top dollar here or anything. I'm from St. Louis, and this town is still definitely "small" comparatively speaking. My husband and I have lived her two years now and we think it's okay (we're in our late twenties now). I love downtown HSV, as it truly has that small town Southern feel. As for meeting people, I don't think you would have much trouble, but my husband and I haven't gotten out and really put much effort into that. We moved here because his family lives in a small town in western AL but didn't want to be in a town of 1200. We do not see Huntsville as our forever home, but then again so many people say that and then never leave For someone like myself who works from home in this somewhat small city, it is super hard to network (Sorry, but LinkedIn isn't so worthwhile). Since both of you would be working in a facility of some sort, you shouldn't have any trouble meeting people or networking. I wish we chose to live closer to the mountains, as it is so much prettier - but it is also far from my husband's job and just didn't seem practical at the time. Those are just my two cents as a "transfer" - good luck. I hope wherever you two end up you are very happy.

[Nlambert]

Well,

To expand on what there is to do.... this is just what pops in my head and I guarantee I am only covering 1/10th of it maybe.

Bars/Clubs:

Amendment XXI
Bishops
Crossroads
Sammy T's
Humphrey's
Furniture Factory
Lone Goose Saloon
Jefferson Street Pub
Maggie Meyers
Mickey's
West End Grill
Bar Louie
Drake's
The Scene (inside the Monaco theater)
The Sports Page

Breweries/beer places:

Below the Radar
Blue Pants
Old Black Bear
Rocket Republic
Salty Nut
Straight to Ale
The Brew Stooges
Yellowhammer
The Nook

Good restaurants: (this is a very small sampling of numerous options) There are also tons of options in close proximity to HSV to choose from.

Grille 29
Connors Steak & Seafood
Po Boy Factory
Cotton Row
Rosie's Cantina
Mango's Caribbean Restaurant
Papa Gyro's
Phil Sandoval's
Ted's Barbecue
Hildegards
Cheeburger Cheeburger
Commerce Kitchen
Pane E Vino
Supper Heroes
Sandwich Farm (HIGHLY recommend this place)

Things to do:

Burritt on the Mountain (historic museum)
Huntsville Museum of Art
Space and Rocket Center
Botanical Gardens
Madison County Nature Trail (Green Mtn)
Concerts at the Von Braun Center (also ice hockey and arena football if they still do it)
Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment (craft shows, concerts, etc....)


There is literally something going on every week of the year here. There is more to do than we can ever get to. If you don't find something you want to do here, all of the other cities (Chattanooga, Nashville, Birmingham, etc..) are within driving distance. Also, Tunica, MS is only a 4 hour drive if you like casinos and is well worth the visit.

Good luck!

[Marinesdontdie]

We moved to this area this past year and we have enjoyed it and are finally settled in. We like everything Huntsville has to offer, and we are not far away from bigger cities like Nashville. You can get to beautiful beaches in a few hours or go north for skiing. We have enjoyed many of the activities in the city, such as Panoply, the food truck events downtown, and concerts at Lowe Mill.

We have found this community to be very welcoming and it has been easy to meet people with the same interests, and there are many that are young and just out of college starting their careers here. The job market is very good overall so it seems to attract that demographic.

Its very important that you find a GOOD real estate agent in the area to help you out....I had a very BAD experience and a very GREAT experience in our home purchase. Would be happy to share both if you would like, you can message me.

[bamabuilder86]

Very good info from everyone, again, thank you for the informative responses

[NoleFanHSV]

As a young professional myself, I'd consider Chattanooga way ahead of the curve when it comes to Young people, especially young couples without kids. Huntsville is more "family" oriented