Visiting the Shoals, possibly Huntsville area soon (Decatur, Madison: homes, school districts)

[may relocate]

Hello-

I posted a while back about visiting Northern Alabama to consider moving there in the future. Your answers were really helpful. I have a few more questions as my husband and I will be visiting soon-

We are looking at the Shoals area, but we will probably go to Huntsville too. Does anyone have any recommendations for nice smaller towns or cities outside of Huntsville? We prefer a more rural setting with at least a half acre of property but still want to be close enough to shopping, medical, veterinary, etc. We were in Northern Alabama almost two years ago and really liked it there.

Any suggestions for other areas around Huntsville to consider?

[LCTMadison]

You might really like Athens! Great town, not too big or small, still close enough to hop into HSV for a day of shopping or a night out. They have a great downtown revitalization going on, schools are good, and it is easily accessible to 1-65. There are many areas just outside the city limits with great acreage properties, and you definately will get more home for your money as well as land than Huntsville.
Also, Hazel Green may be another good choice. Northern Madison County, bigger lots, again more bang for your buck as far as homes go, and it is about a 20 minute drive into HSV for major shopping and medical, yet it has a selection of chain fast food/local restaurants and grocery shopping for everyday needs. It is also a short drive up into TN for some beautiful scenery!

Have fun on your trip!

[may relocate]

LCTMadison,

Thanks for your reply. The places you mentioned sound nice, we will have to see them while we are in the area!

Thanks!

[Southlander]

Lots of places - Rogersville, Killen, Elgin's Crossroads, Decatur, Hartselle, anywhere in Lawrence County....Gurley, Harvest, Elkmont, etc. etc.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by may relocate

Hello-

I posted a while back about visiting Northern Alabama to consider moving there in the future. Your answers were really helpful. I have a few more questions as my husband and I will be visiting soon-

We are looking at the Shoals area, but we will probably go to Huntsville too. Does anyone have any recommendations for nice smaller towns or cities outside of Huntsville? We prefer a more rural setting with at least a half acre of property but still want to be close enough to shopping, medical, veterinary, etc. We were in Northern Alabama almost two years ago and really liked it there.

Any suggestions for other areas around Huntsville to consider?

Will either of you be working? Where?
What type of budget do you have for the property?
Kids? Ages? Have you researched the school districts?