Huntsville or Charleston, SC??? (Madison, Daphne: real estate, rent, house)

[bhalpin]

My husband is retiring from the military and we are struggling with moving. We have friends in Charleston, Sc and really like the area,however not sure about job growth there. We also really like ALA but have only lived in Daphne where we currently rent out our house b/c of the housing market. Our son plays ice hockey (youth) and we are definitely keeping him in. Can some one tell me about Huntsville, I have never been there so that I can compare. I have looked at homes and found some good school districts but what about private schools (faith based?) also how is the government work there?

[Charles]

If it were me, I'd start with getting a job first, then moving. (You are fortunate to be renting versus owning now.)

When you search for jobs with your husband's skill set, how many hits do you get for each city? How do they compare? Which one gives you more choices? Are any of the jobs with companies which allow a "Plan B" and "Plan C" when the contract he was hired onto fizzles out? For example, some companies have multiple programs so if one program dies, then hopefully a manager can keep you working on another project.

Most medium to large towns (Huntsville included) have sufficient family activities such as youth sports.

Have you compared how each state taxes pensions?

What is your price range?

[bhalpin]

We have looked at his retirement income which will not be state taxed b/c he is military retired. Alabama has one of the lowest property taxes at least in Daphne where we own a home but we are coming from NC. He is putting out his resume in SC and Huntsville, both markets government wise will pay the same but SC outside of Charleston has low economic growth.

My job was in Real Estate, b/c of the market I am not working in my field and have had to go outside my field to find work. My husband is the primary financial provider.

I guess I am trying to decide is how the city looks to grow in 5-10 years. Is it expanding now? Are new jobs coming? Will there be more restuarants, shopping etc.?

Also the Redstone Arsenal/and other government agencies are they expanding? Is there a VA medical Center?

Any help is good for us so we can focus on jobs/areas to live. Thanks

[flowslikeabutterfly]

I would highly recommend Charleston over HSV, but that is because I'm from SC and living in this area and know both places well. The only growth that can be pointed to is the relocation from the BRAC...no VA or anything exciting like that. If you do decide to move to this area, Madison is really nice and the real estate values are holding nicely.