bad areas in HSV (Huntsville, Madison: house, rent, salary)

[bavadicane]

HI everyone

I would like to know something about bad areas to live in HSV, because I'm going to come in HSV on July and I have to choose what is the right area in order to rent a house for my family.
Best regards

Ezio VECCHI

[Keeper]

How much are you looking to spend for rent? Do you want a house or apt? Will you be working at Redstone? Do you have children?

Once the good folks here know that they can tell you more..

[Reactionary]

Generally - avoid the area within these bounds: west of Memorial Parkway / US231, north of Airport Rd / Johnson Rd, east of Patton / Ardmore Hwy / AL53, and south of Bob Wade Lane. If you have a question about a specific area, please ask.

This link displays Madison County (including Huntsville and Madison) elementary school SAT scores; look for neighborhoods in school zones that score high:

Madison County 3rd and 5th Grade SAT Scores

[clamoore]

Welcome Ezio,

I would like to provide a counter-thought to the earlier post. I appreciate what Reactionary said in his post and I do believe that his post comes from a sincere place. There is an old expression about something being "true in general, but false in particular". I am about to be a resident of the area in question and I hope to assist others in improving an old textile mill village. I am moving from an historic district, Five Points, and I have nothing but great things to say for it. The neighborhood has experienced a drastic increase in property prices over the past five years. I am moving because my wife wants to have a larger house, with old South charm and located close to downtown. My new house was built in 1900 and possesses all the desired qualities, plus I can afford more space on my salary! The neighborhood has been around for a long time and many residents have been there for a long time. They are fiercely proud of their homes and they are tireless workers when it comes to improving it. The neighborhood received a poor reputation because of absentee landlords and their penchant for taking in anyone with a month's rent payment. That reputation is hard to erase, but many people are actively trying. I would propose that if you are looking for a good bargain, closeness to parks and downtown and desire to be a member of a walkable community, the northwest part of Huntsville may offer something for you. Good luck on your hunt and welcome to one of the best parts of the world, imo!

[Keeper]

Where exactly is the Old textile village?

[clamoore]

Yessir, the textile mill village is the Merrimack Mill Village. I guess the boundaries would be: west of Triana, North of Drake, South of Bob Wallace and east of Clopton. The western boundary is probably not accurate. We are excited about joining the neighborhood. Are you familiar with it?

[Reactionary]

clamoore - if the OPs 'family' includes school-age children, would you still recommend the area?

I like the Merrimack Mill area. City Councilman Bill Kling has been a tireless proponent for revitalizing the area. When the rescue mission is paved it may help out some, BUT there are still projects very close by, plus your area (especially Seminole to 1st) is a known prostitution and drug zone - nothing "false in particular" about that. Add to that the high property crime and violent crime and that area is only for the adventurous.

I realize that you are helping to change the place and I commend your courage.

[katchrist]

Northwest Huntsville is crime ridden. My parents live there & I grew up there. If possible, live in Madison, Harvest, or some other outlying area & commute. It's worth it.

[alabambound]

Originally Posted by clamoore

Welcome Ezio,

I would like to provide a counter-thought to the earlier post. I appreciate what Reactionary said in his post and I do believe that his post comes from a sincere place. There is an old expression about something being "true in general, but false in particular". I am about to be a resident of the area in question and I hope to assist others in improving an old textile mill village. I am moving from an historic district, Five Points, and I have nothing but great things to say for it. The neighborhood has experienced a drastic increase in property prices over the past five years. I am moving because my wife wants to have a larger house, with old South charm and located close to downtown. My new house was built in 1900 and possesses all the desired qualities, plus I can afford more space on my salary! The neighborhood has been around for a long time and many residents have been there for a long time. They are fiercely proud of their homes and they are tireless workers when it comes to improving it. The neighborhood received a poor reputation because of absentee landlords and their penchant for taking in anyone with a month's rent payment. That reputation is hard to erase, but many people are actively trying. I would propose that if you are looking for a good bargain, closeness to parks and downtown and desire to be a member of a walkable community, the northwest part of Huntsville may offer something for you. Good luck on your hunt and welcome to one of the best parts of the world, imo!

Sounds like a neighborhood ripe for revitalization. Any pictures of the neighborhood?

[Reactionary]

More:

Merrimack Hall

Merrimack Hall Photos - Historic Huntsville Pictures - Historic Merrimack Hall Photos