Huntsville and surrounding areas (price, property, county)

[steveb]

Originally Posted by military spouse

Hi everyone!! My husband just retired from the military and we are considering relocating to the Huntsville area. We have lived in Dothan, AL in the past and really miss that lower COL. We plan on taking a motorcycle trip down there this summer and were hoping for some suggestions for a nice overview of the area with relocation in mind. I am a registered nurse and I was curious if anyone could recommend any hospitals or have an idea of wages (13 years' experience). We have a 9 year-old and are looking for inexpensive housing (low $100,000s) with decent schools (public or private). Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We currently live in PA.
Thank you!!!!!!!!!

Come on down, good frendly folks, hardly the backwoods floks we are made out to be. Hutsville is the hub of the economy, in North Alabama, and is robust,and has 2 good hospitals, Huntsville hospital, and crestwood. A lot of good small communities around, I personally live in Owens Cross Roads and love the small town area.

[RadonFinders_com]

The plant is located in north west portion of madison county. Still considered somewhat rural with cotton fields and open pasture land in the immediate area. There is however, residential housing nearby. With mortgage rates and the cost of living in our area lower than many parts of the country, you should be able to get a very nice home for your dollars here.

Your husband will be glad to know that there is also a Harley Davidson dealer in our area located between Huntsville and Athens and also one just up the road in Nashville, TN. (apx. 100 miles) Bikers also enjoy the annual Trail of Tears ride and several poker runs too.

You may consider using an "exclusive buyer agent" when you arrive since Alabama is a "Caveat Emptor" or buyer beware state. There are no property discloure laws other than known health or safety problems.

I just love living here!

[Southlander]

The Harley dealer is actually between Huntsville and Decatur, just off I-565

[Laurie7976]

Need help? Moving to the Huntsville,Decatur area,have heard about poultry farms and my question is how bad is the smell and does the smell travel over long distances? My husband will be working at either the state prison in harvest or work release in Decatur, we would like a nice home with some land and to be in a good school district. We have 1 in high school and 1 in middle school. Would love Mountain Views.

[jakesgrandma]

Hi! I'm so glad I found this site. My husband and I are in our early 50's and he is retired military (OR Nurse). We are currently living in Southeast Georgia (love it) but we are planning to move to Alabama in a couple of years to be closer to our daughter and her family. They currently live in Hartselle and plan to move to Huntsville area in several years. Since we will probably move before they do we are trying to get a feel for the area southeast of Huntsville. We are in a rural part of Georgia and like it. We're hoping to buy 2 or 3 acres and build. Hope to get up there in the Spring to look around. Can anyone tell me about the Owens Cross Roads area? How expensive is land? I'd love trees and a "view" if possible. Any and all info is greatly appreciated!

[NicoleC]

Unfortunately, land surrounding Huntsville is getting scarce, particularly in tracts that size. Most of the open land left presents development challenges beyond the average home builder. (I'm looking for a lot myself right now, but I want to be closer in to town.) You should check out valleymls.com to get an idea of what is available. You probably won't find much in the way of lots and land on it, since I am learning most of the land doesn't find it's way on the MLS. You kind of have to network and snoop around a lot.

You might be able to find some acreage with a ratty mobile home on it and have it removed. Or, if you are sure you are going to move and can afford it, get your land NOW if the right property comes on the market. Even if you end up not coming here, decent land should appreciate at least enough to make up for the loss of interest in other investments.

You might want to look at Harvest. It's being developed now, but there are still tracts available and it's not as far as it seems from town. Also Meridianville and the northeast of the city has more land left.

[Southlander]

I would suggest you look at Limestone County. It is west of Huntsville, and land is cheaper, but it is going up by the minute. Your best bet is to stay close to, but outside, Madison County. There is cheaper land in Morgan County (which Hartselle is in), but it is a bit farther away - you HAVE to cross the Tennessee River, and that means you have to cross a bridge at U.S. 31, I-65, or on the east side of Huntsville.

[jakesgrandma]

Thanks for the info. I am obviously just getting started in my "land quest" and am trying not to go in a million different directions. I realize this is a broad question, but is $5000 an acre even in the ballpark? I appreciate the help!

[NicoleC]

No, $5000 an acre isn't doable close into Huntsville. Add at least a zero onto the end. The farther out you get, the cheaper it gets. Once you get as far out as Elkmont and Ardmore, or as far south as Falkville you get to some options around < 10k per acre. You are going to be a solid hour plus out of town, at least.

Which may be what you want? But it is going to be a long way from major medical services, etc.

[Sarges Dad]

Athens has an excellent school system and not a bad drive to Huntsville. Land prices in East Limestone is around $35,000.00 an acre and not near as good a school system. I remember when we thought $2,000.00 an acre in the early 80's was high...lol. I live north of East Limestone and paid $9500.00 an acre in Johnson/Ardmore school districts. Just as good of schools as East.....Just not as snobby. My kid is grown so realy did not matter.