[WildTreck]

My boyfriend and I may be moving to the Alexander City area late summer/early fall from northeastern Maryland. He’s secured a great job (hence the move) but I’m a little worried about finding work. While I have a diverse resume and could probably find something, my true passion is biology, forestry and/or conservation. We plan on renting for a year at least and then buying. I was looking at the Dadeville area since that would be in between Alex City and Auburn which would hopefully lead to better job opportunities for me. How is commuting into Auburn?

We’re in our late twenties … well, at least he is, I’m 30. We’re considering Alabama probably for the same reason many do … the lower cost of living. In Maryland you’re lucky to get a postage stamp yard with neighbors all around. We’d much prefer a large, quiet plot of land to have a garden/small farm. No kids and none in the future, so I’m not worried about schools.

What is the terrain like around Auburn, Alexander City, Lake Martin, etc.? Odd question, I know, but I lived in southern Florida for awhile and it really bothered me that everything was flat! I’m very outdoorsy and like to trail run, kayak and go camping. Are the mountains a short distance away? I’m excited about Talladega Nat’l Forest’s proximity. Is Lake Martin suitable for kayaking or am I likely to be clobbered by a motorized boat/jetski?

What is the heat like? Southern Florida was atrocious. Maryland summers usually have a humidity level of 60-80%, sometimes 90%. Is central Alabama comparable? We’re having a very hot summer with temps in the high 90s and up to 105. Is it 90 every day in the summer or do you get a respite every now and then? How often does it snow? I think I’d miss it if it didn’t snow at all.

And lastly, this one is for my boyfriend, who is not nearly as outdoorsy. What are the bugs like? He’s all caught up in the stories of black widows and brown recluse spiders. And something he heard about “giant cockroaches” … are they palmetto bugs, oriental cockroaches, or something else? The only thing I care about are fire ants. They were in FL and I had the misfortune of disturbing their nest one day.

We plan to head down there in the next month to check it out, but I’d like to get an idea from locals on what to expect. Sorry this is so long! Thanks!

[Keeper]

Sorry I don't live around Auburn but I think I can answer some of the questions you have about AL in general. I live in NE AL about 50 miles n. of Bham.

It has been a hot summer here but it has been hot just about everywhere. I lived in Tampa for 30 years and while it has been hot here the humidity is not as bad but less face it when it is in the 90s it is hot. By Sept. we start getting cooler weather with highs in the 70-80s.

I am not sure we have anyone who actually lives in Auburn unfortunately. It is a college town and if you do a search for Auburn you will find some posts about that city.

Brown Recluse spiders are not a big problem although they are around very few people have any problems with them. I have lived here for 6 years and have never seen one or a black widow spider. I haven't seen any giant cockroaches unlike the ones in FL.

The area has some rolling hills I believe. AL is in the bible belt so you will have people inviting you to their church. If you are not interested you can just say 'thank you'.

Good luck.

[WildTreck]

Originally Posted by Keeper

Brown Recluse spiders are not a big problem although they are around very few people have any problems with them. I have lived here for 6 years and have never seen one or a black widow spider. I haven't seen any giant cockroaches unlike the ones in FL.

Thanks for this, I relayed it to my boyfriend.

Does anyone know the economy of the out-lying areas between Auburn & Alexander City? Is it very poor or middle class?

Thanks again.

[WildTreck]

Heading down next weekend. Will update post with our impression when we get back.

[Keeper]

Our resident Auburn expert must be on vacation.

This might give you some info
//www.city-data.com/city/Alexan...y-Alabama.html

[url]//www.city-data.com/city/Auburn-Alabama.html[/url