Thinking of moving to Huntsville - What is it like - Really (Montgomery: neighborhoods, schools)

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by briloveswendy

Well let me tell you - there's PLENTY of dogpatch right here in southern New Jersey! I'm sure you've heard of the 'pineys'. They'd fit right in in certain areas down there with their confederate flags and all! LOL! bUT WHY 'HuntsVEGAS?'

It's just a smart-alec nickname...as in Huntsville is definitely NOT Vegas.

[ionlife]

My favorite southern names for places: Hotlanta, Knoxvegas, Huntsvegas, Alabamia, and then I make up more just for fun. It's just a fun way to chat about the place--

[cobolt]

I love when people pronounce Missouri "Mizzoorah" and Amarillo "Amarilla" When I was living in TX and OK I heard this all the time.

[ionlife]

Hey Cobolt--have you been to the area yet? When does your trip start if not?

[cobolt]

I just got back from HSV last night! SO I got to do that whole heat thing, but it was okay. I explored the area and got a good feel for it. Did some touristy things like go to Rocket Park and Monte Sano State Park, although no one could tell me where Green Mountain was, and I couldn't find it on any maps. That was a bit discouraging. Took a day trip to Athens. Explored the historical district and really liked Five Points area. The city is nice and clean. Attended the job fair at the Convention Center Monday. Looked around at Madison. Someone on the site posted a "loop drive" that went through downtown, up to Monte Sano, down to the SE part of town and that was very helpful. I printed it out and did the drive. Very good directions. Very wonderful people. I think if I were at a different stage in my life: either married and raising a family or in my late 50's I would move there in a heartbeat, no question about it. I just didn't see a whole lot of opportunity for socializing outside of work.

[gsp4ever]

Cobolt--sounds like you had a nice trip and I'm thinking that you maybe onto something about lack of opportunities to socialize outside of work. That's a major consideration if you are moving to an area where you don't know many people. It seems common for people here to socialize with those they meet through their work, church, neighborhood, kid's school, etc. I'm sure there are other outlets too, though it may take some doing to find them. Thanks for following up with us--we were wondering how your trip went.

[cobolt]

Originally Posted by gsp4ever

Cobolt--sounds like you had a nice trip and I'm thinking that you maybe onto something about lack of opportunities to socialize outside of work. That's a major consideration if you are moving to an area where you don't know many people. It seems common for people here to socialize with those they meet through their work, church, neighborhood, kid's school, etc. I'm sure there are other outlets too, though it may take some doing to find them. Thanks for following up with us--we were wondering how your trip went.

I really loved the people. Very nice and friendly. Once could have a very nice peaceful way of life there. I'm not into the big city thing. I don't need crowds or anything, but I did see how connecting with people could be a problem, especially other singles. The downtown area was very clean and nice, and I walked all through the historic neighborhoods. Lots of driving to get around though. Things are very spread out. I can see that if the city planners lack foresight, the area could become a sprawl burden. I've not ruled it out completely, and Icould totally see myself moving there in about 10 years, but maybe not in my early 40's. The area truly is a gem though...a real hidden secret.

[vakinderegg]

I have single friends who live in major cities who still have problems meeting other singles in their 40's because of their work...teachers, sales. accounting....list goes on.Many have turned to match.com or e-harmony.com They all have a fun dating and meeting people. Have you checked out what other singles live here on any websites. Did you see if there is a singles forum on al.com. We are living in an apt until our house is built. Our swimming pool has lots of singles living here... divorced , seperated,and families living here on a month to month basis waiting to buy a house or close on a house. It appears most of them are in their 30's - early 50's.

[cobolt]

I know what you mean. I live in the Seattle area and I have a hard time meeting people. I'm not into those dating/singles sites. Too many strange people and bad experiences. But I can walk down the street to coffee shops, stores, cafes, theatre etc. I don't live in the city either. I live in a town outside of the city but at least those opportunities are there to be out in public without having to drive down an endless street of strip malls (University Dr) etc. That's what I mean. There doesn't seem to be a cohesiveness about the place....yet.

[vakinderegg]

Too bad I did not know you were in Seattle. One of my single friends was just there for the summer. Just left today. She lives in Italy, but spends her summer in Seattle and even bought her retirement home there when she retires from working for DODDS schools.She is in her 40's. She loves Seattle. I have heard wonderful things about Seattle....Why do you want to leave?