From Detroit to huntsville?? (Birmingham, Athens: apartments, renting, insurance)

[tom07]

hey how are you guys doing, im doing a little bit of research about Huntsville because my employer is about to build a new center in the Cummings Research Park. I have a few questions about the city before i really make my choice on whether to do the relocation or not, but let me give you a little background about me first: Im a 23 y/o male with no kids, heck no girlfriend either so im not really worried about housing prices or school systems at this point because i will be renting an apartment if i moved down there.. im currently located in Detroit, MI which of course is a much more populated area than Huntsville, but do you guys have some of the same things as larger cities just on a smaller scale? I have been doing some research and the economy looks to be in great shape unlike up here in MI so that is strong selling point of course.. But to wrap this up.. how do you think the average 21-25 y/o would enjoy Huntsville? Is there a vibrant downtown? Also how diverse is the area, im african american and so is 95% of Detroit as well, so whats the ratio in the Huntsville area.. Thanks in advance

[fishmonger]

is mostly white (I think about 30% black though), pretty boring downtown that seems to be waking up a little... very prosperous city. Also very suburban (even within the city limits)... it has the feel of a small town with a bunch of suburban development that's popped up in the last 50 years, which is reflected in the miniature skyline/downtown and abundance of subdivisions & strip malls. In terms of all the metros in Alabama, though, it seems to be in the best shape economically (Birmingham's bigger & more interesting but has a lot more "big city" problems like Detroit).

[AnotherBravesFan]

Hi. My husband and I will be relocating to Huntsville from San Diego in '08. He is originally from Detroit, and I never thought he would agree to relocate to the South. (Lots of stereotypes to overcome.) But after a few visits and my bombarding him with news articles touting the quality of life, good economy, etc. he has seen the light. I agree with fishmonger; from the times we have been downtown (both in mid-afternoon and after 5 pm), we asked ourselves, "Where is everyone?" Very quiet, but clean, with a beautiful "Big Spring Park". I agree that most people live/work/shop around Cummings Research Park and the various suburbs. We did see the beginnings of a downtown "loft" style condo building, I think, in October. But no big retail and only a few restaurants/clubs. But there is a group working on bringing more businesses downtown. Of course, there is no NFL or MLB there, but you do have the UAH athletics for hockey and baseball, plus the AA Brewers team, the Huntsville Stars. There is also an organized group for young professionals, but I can't find the name of it just now. If you are into hiking, fishing, or other outdoorsy recreation, there is a lot to do close by. Definitely NOT Detroit!

[tom07]

Well i am not expecting Huntsville, to have as much to do as the Detroit metro area, but when i first heard of the opportunity i was picturing Huntsville being in the backwoods or something. I am actually looking to get into a more quiet location so i can focus on school and advancing my career. And the opportunities in my field (IT, Telecommunications) seem to be growing. So actually it being quite not like Detroit could be to my advantage.

Speaking of schools anyone have any feedback of the two local universities: UAH and A&M?

[jetjockey75]

[QUOTE=tom07;
.. how do you think the average 21-25 y/o would enjoy Huntsville?

Many professionals like yourself find Huntsville to their liking. However, I have heard numerous complaints, from younger single people, that Huntsville is boring to them, and that it is hard to find dates. Some of those people travel to Birmingham or Atlanta on the weekends in order to find a better social scene.

[deesonic]

Moderator cut: .

I returned to Huntsville after a 10 year absence and I've been amazed at the strides made in social and cultural activities around town. Downtown is definitely on the upswing with lots of new developments, such as clubs, pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, shopping, lofts, condos etc going up all the time. Heck, we even have a microbrewery downtown now, never would have guessed that 10 years ago. I left here after I finished college for want of culture and social activities. I lived in LA, Denver, Baltimore, Athens GA, and Savannah GA during those years and finally, my wife decided to return home. So far I've been very happy that I made that choice.

I would also encourage you to be active in making a difference in Huntsville if you come here, be active in groups, organizations, etc. I think that's what's exciting about being here. This is a relatively small city with something bubbling under the surface. Feel free to tap into it and contribute.

[tom07]

As i do more research i think im leaning more towards giving it a try, i like the fact that Atlanta and Nashville could be weekend getaway spots if i got too bored, the apartments are amazingly cheap compared to what im used to up here in the Detroit area, so i would be getting a lot more for my money, also my insurance would drop from 1600 every 6 months to 560 dollars every 6 months..combined with a pay increase and promotion plus getting paid to relocate i cant find a negative yet..

As far as not being able to find a date like the previous poster was hearing complaints about, i'll be enrolled in school so i will be around plenty of elgible candiates therefore im not to worried about that. lol

[nalabama]

tom07, church is a significant social center here also, with many sponsored Singles Groups. I'm not very church-centered, but joined one and met many delightful people. You're smart to be enrolling in school as well, inasmuch as the economy here highly values (and rewards) any additional educational efforts. Good luck.

[AnotherBravesFan]

Actually the strength of UAH's science program is one of the main reasons we are moving to Huntsville. My husband wants to study physics and astronomy, and UAH's science and engineering dept's seem to be the school's "gems", what with NASA, the Marshall Space Flight Center and so many high tech companies in Cummings Research Park. Someone told us that Huntsville is 2nd only to the Raleigh/Durham area for the number of R & D firms located there. The school gets a lot of federal $$$ to conduct research in conjunction with local firms, and they have a great "co-op" program where students alternate studying for a semester, then working full-time for a semester (not just an internship), then continuing one's education. Sounds like a great way to get a jump on one's career, plus gain an edge when interviewing for jobs after graduation. A & M has a similar program.

[jetjockey75]

Originally Posted by AnotherBravesFan

Actually the strength of UAH's science program is one of the main reasons we are moving to Huntsville.... they have a great "co-op" program ...... A & M has a similar program.

While you are correct about UAH (it is an outstanding engineering school), a diploma from A&M might as well be used as fish wrapper.