[writerwife]

I'm also originally from Ct. Moved to Huntsville and then I lived in Arab for 15 yrs, raised my girls there and loved it. It was a good place to raise children. One thing to keep in mind about living in a small town (which I lived in, in CT also) is that part of being that small town community also means everyone pretty much knows your business too. If you live quite rural, you'll have more privacy but you may not be so much involved in the town itself (that's provided you even want to live "in" town). Rural has it's high points also, people have a tendency to watch out for one another when needed and stay out of one anothers hair too. We were business owners in Arab which put us more into the community. We could walk into the diner downtown, everyone knew us (if not by name, by sight) and the waitress would ask "the usual?". That does have it's own appeal but you have to be involved somehow in the community for that to happen.
Tornados are a part of life here, but you will quickly know how to react and what to do if you should move here(anywhere in the south).
Arab is a good place, Hazel Green might meet your criteria also. A few towns in TN just over the Alabama line might be good choices also...Fayetteville, Elkton, Elkmont. One poster mentioned Ft. Payne, it's very nice there, but the little town of Mentone near Ft Payne would be my choice.
I've been here for 35 yrs now (that sorta dates me, eh?) and the closest that I've come to a Tornado was one that hit a few blocks from my house about 16-17 yrs ago.
You do have to take heed to the warnings though.

[JGinLA]

Looking for work? A college?

[Woodcutterron]

Why doesn't anyone tell this guy he's a puss? He's a guy looking for the easy life . . .aren't we all?
To be somewhat helpful . . .go to Kissimmee Florida. To be realistic: Go to Kissimmee Florida and expect to actually have to work toward your goals.

[victoria13]

Originally Posted by Columbus1984

Smiths Station, located between Auburn/Opelika and Columbus.

I agree! Smiths Station would be perfect for you. It's perfectly located.

[MPC]

Theodore or Bayou La Batre are true southern towns, but also Saraland or Sastuma.

[Shalako]

Plenty of nice, small southern towns in alabama, but keep in mind--they ain't like Ct. B ased on your stated criteria I suggest you check out Arab, Guntersville, Albertville and the Florence area. Maybe Scottsboro also. These Towns are nice and Guntersville. Scottsboro and Florence are on the tn. river. Guntersville lake is biiig. Florence is also in a large lake. Lots of 4 wheeling about, hunting, fishing etc. Once you get in with the "good ole boys" you will be all fixed up.

[Rialta]

I agree that Guntersville would be a nice place. It's unique among southern towns in that it's on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Guntersville. Huge lake, too.

Go to www.maps.google.com and go to the street view so you can get a feel for these places. You'll see that Guntersville is nice.

[Souths_Finest205]

Move to the "suburbs" of Huntsville. Either Hazel Green, Meridianville, Harvest, etc. (I would not recommend New Market because of the crime). I have lived in Hazel Green for 15-20 years and I love it. Except the fact that I have to drive to Huntsville for almost everything, such as Walmart, Krystal, Krispy Kreme, Lowe's, etc. But we're growing out here, so maybe we'll get a Walmart here soon. I hope so

[izalid]

In fact, would be a very nice trip, sleep and stay away from the noise
I wish you success in the trip purely for housing