[nairda]

I grew up in Southern Ca, now live and work in a MD suburb of DC. Parents grew up in Gees Bend and Coy. Recently took a trip there w/ mom and seriously considering a move to Selma. Seems progressive and residents seem excited about the future. Met the owner of the new theater, also from CA. Most excitement seemed to be from transplants. What is the real deal? I read disturbing articles about the Selma country club, a group from Colorado trying to open minds, and about the 1st black student that started attending a school (in recent history, 2008). I'm an African American, Starbucks & 80s rock girl. I am a school principal at a very diverse school. While I know that Selma is not as racially diverse as MD or CA, and I may not be able to order sushi for delivery, those articles broke my heart and took the joy out of my planning. Nothing bad happened during my visit and people were nice, but I don't want to end up like those tourist who go on vacation, decide to move to a place, then find out that they only saw what the tour guides wanted them to see-help!

[cpg35223]

You know, Maryland to Alabama isn't an enormous leap. But Maryland to Selma is. I would say that somewhere between your initial excitement and the horrible things you've read lies the truth. Perhaps go to Birmingham first or even Tuscaloosa, where you can find all the amenities you like but still be close enough to experience the local culture. Hope that helps.

[nairda]

Thank you for the advice! Do either have historic districts?

[WanderingImport]

I agree with cpg on this. Selma is in the heart of a depressed area of the state. While there may be enthusiasm, I wouldn't quite take that huge step of relocation. Do a thorough investigation before you take the plunge!
Larger Alabama cities may end up being more to your liking. If you are set on staying in Central Alabama, Auburn-Opelika is a nice town with more progressiveness than the average Alabama town. Ditto for Tuscaloosa. (Of course Birmingham is too, but it is MUCH larger)

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by nairda

I'm an African American, Starbucks & 80s rock girl.

You'd be a VERY rare breed in Selma.

[Threestep2]

What do you bring to the table for Selma?

[nairda]

@ Threestep - For one thing, I am very excited about the possibilities that I see for the city. I have been an active member of every community to which I have belonged and I believe in contributing to the local economy by supporting local businesses. While on my visit (for just the short time I was there) I managed to identify multiple opportunities to bring in a variety of social events for every member of the community. Additionally, I am a world traveler with a very diverse world view and business know how. I am also one of the few people in the nation who has received a perfect score on the school leaders license exam. I have played a major role in setting the standards for passage of the exam for any new people who aspire to be school leaders. In short, I bring a great deal to any table to which I pull up a chair. Whether or not Selma is ready for me and has enough plates, chairs, forks, knives, spoons and napkins to welcome me, is another question. My life is brilliant and hate and discrimination are not the sort of negativity that I want surrounding me. I pray that Selma is not a haven to that sort of thinking. So Threestep, what can Selma serve up on the table for me?

[nairda]

Thanks so much for your input Wandering Import! I will definitely look into those areas as well. Making lifestyle changes and uprooting oneself is really scary. I will certainly make sure to look at those other options carefully. I am hoping for a smaller lifestyle without too many "big city" negatives. Maybe that doesn't exist anymore, but I'll hunt for a while ~ thanks!

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by nairda

Thanks so much for your input Wandering Import! I will definitely look into those areas as well. Making lifestyle changes and uprooting oneself is really scary. I will certainly make sure to look at those other options carefully. I am hoping for a smaller lifestyle without too many "big city" negatives. Maybe that doesn't exist anymore, but I'll hunt for a while ~ thanks!

They do, but you really need to shop around. Please don't get us wrong. There are lots of great things about Alabama. I personally think Auburn or Tuscaloosa would give you a lot of both, while Birmingham would be more cosmopolitan. Meanwhile, Montevallo might be a good town to investigate as well. Auburn, Tuscaloosa, and Montevallo are all college towns with a little bit of everything. Hope that helps, and keep us abreast of your search. We really do try to help here.

[markbrockman]

Don't move to Selma thinking it will change and has some bright future. Don't move anywhere expecting it to change for that matter.

I agree with Auburn and Tuscaloosa. Or if you just want to live in the general area, Mobile and Pensacola are pretty neat.