[Jesscaf]

Hello. I'd love some insights from Alabamians on what cities to look into near Troy. My husband has a job interview at the University this week. We are native Californians, so I am completely unfamiliar with the area. We are visiting together and want to drive around and seem some different areas to live. Besides the obvious culture shock, our concerns are avoiding a too rural area if possible, affordability, and commute time to Troy.

Would Enterprise be a good fit? Any other suggestions or general advice? We have a one and a half year old daughter, and will need part-time childcare as well. We're not especially religious, and fairly liberal if that matters. We have all kinds of friends though, so I think we can get along with most people.

[Southlander]

Troy's a pretty small town in a very rural area. People will wonder why you make your husband drive so far to work!
Enterprise isn't to much bigger and will have a lot of people who are locked into old friendships and long-established patterns and may not be interested in new friends.
If you're going to drive that distance anyway, Montgomery would be a better bet. Pike Road has some nice suburban-type homes.
Although frankly, you'll probably find Montgomery very rural, too.
If you want a house some some acreage, though, you might be in luck!
Best of luck - welcome to Alabama!