Moving to HSV from Ireland. (Huntsville, Decatur: to rent, crime, homes)

[lepawill]

Hi,
Of course I think Alabama is the greatest place to live. I am a real estate agent in the Huntsville area, so feel free to check out the properties we have available for sale on one of my web sites. www.valleymls.com/lepage or www.lepagewilliams.com This will give you a good idea of property values. You can check out www.greaterschools.com to research the school districts that would be most desirable. (Madison City seems to be in great demand) Even if you don't have children, this matters for resale purposes... Good luck with your search and feel free to call me if you need anything. (No relatives in Ireland, but we are of Irish descent ) I also have the resources to find you a rental home, so feel free to contact me. LePage

[dodohert]

thank you we'll be sure to check out your real estate offerings.

[dee 42]

I think renting for a while is the smartest thing to do. This way you can explore all the surrounding areas at your leisure and make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase. Land with homes on them will be plentiful in Morgan County, reasonably priced, and within commuting distance to Hsv. Trinity and Decatur are two places that come to mind....there is also a quaint little town, Hartselle, where you would find what youre looking for, however something to keep in mind, it is "dry" meaning no alcohol !
Good Luck !

[milledj]

There is also Athens, that offers land quite close in with a variety of homes and prices. There is a new development just south of Hwy 72 that would be about in your price range... craftsman inspired homes that are smaller but are nicely finished. So far there are 4 of them, one appears to be lived in. They are off of Hwy 31 to the west, and south of Hwy 72. Not much land, though.

[Mawoods]

I think you will be welcomed and like it here. We had neighbors from South Africa who like it here and feel welcomed. This area has a history of welcoming newcomers - even the rocket scientists from Germany after WWII liked it here.
I think most of us and particularly the southern area of the US have some Irish and love all things Ireland.

[dodohert]

Thak you Mawoods!

[Elizabeth_G]

How exciting! My assistant is from Scotland. I'm sure she could give you her take on living here. Also, our office manager is from Ireland. She is planning on moving back in October. Her mother is elderly and she feels as if she needs to get home to take care of her. If you'd like for either to contact you, just DM me your email address and I'll have them drop you a line

[dodohert]

Thank you all for your kind advise so far. we really appreciate it!.

Hopefully we'll get to meet some of you folks if we make it there next year!

Hmmmm.... maybe we'll have a 'get to know us' BBQ under a blue summer sky...the sky is still blue right...all I ever see is grey clouds here...LOL

[33458]

We all keep talking about that but it hasn't come to pass...perhaps 2010. Heh.

There is quite a variety in neighborhoods and locations, wise to rent and take your time perusing the towns. From glorious antique to spanky new, we general folk (and the Realtors here) can probably guide in what direction to look as you narrow down your preferences.

I hadn't thought about it, but Huntsville doesn't have any real pubs, does it? Anyone?

BTW, I like grey skies. All the better to garden in.

[dodohert]

I know of one bar called Rugby's off University I think..that's where us Irish folk frequented during our extended stay in HSV few years back.

then there the 'Endzone' or as we called it 'Moe's' lol.