[Kim Gallagher]

Could someone out there give me some info on Southside? I have looked at a few houses on the internet and it seems like a very nice area to live. My husband and I will be retiring in two years, and we are sick of Florida. We want to be by the water and I noticed that there is a lake near Southside. Any info would be much appreciated.

[southernerd]

Disclaimer: Neighborhoods change rapidly in Birmingham, and I haven't lived in Southside for almost ten years.

Southside has pretty architecture, good atmosphere, and is easily one of the most tolerant places in Alabama. Crime is merely so-so, but I lived there for several years without being threatened in person or property.

You'll probably want to stick to the East end of Southside, around Highland Ave. The UAB end is busier, less residential, and higher crime. The school systems suck throughout, except for high-competition magnet schools, but that shouldn't matter if you're retiring there. There are three parks in the Highland area: Gay, Dog Walking, and Regular.

You might also look at Crestwood.

[cpg35223]

Hang on. There may be some confusion here.

Southside is a suburb of Gadsden. I think that's what the OP had in mind, as opposed to the neighborhood of Birmingham.

[southernerd]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

Hang on. There may be some confusion here.

Southside is a suburb of Gadsden. I think that's what the OP had in mind, as opposed to the neighborhood of Birmingham.

Oh, that Southside. Sorry about that. I was wondering about the lake.

[Kim Gallagher]

I am sorry about my former post. The Southside I was referring to is in Etowah County, and the lake is a river the Coosa river. The house I found sat on a bluff that looked down on the Coosa river, it just looked so pretty.

[Keeper]

We don't have many members from that area unfortunately. You might want to do a search on this forum for Etowah county or Gadsden area. If you need help just let me know. There are several ppl who moved to that area from FL.

Gadsden is a nice size little city.. There are certain areas like any other city you would want to avoid.

I moved up here in 05 from Tampa, FL but I live about an hour N. near Lake Guntersville in a very small town. I can answer some questions about taxes and HOI etc.

[Keeper]

I found this doing a quick search of Gadsden. They mention Southside.. too
moving to gadsden area

[Kim Gallagher]

Thank you Keeper for all your help. Valleymls.com is where I found the house I was talking about. It is so hard to do all this research on the internet, later in the year my husband and I will be coming up to Al and Tn to check out different areas of interest. I have a friend down here that has a retirement home in Scottsboro she would love it if we decided to move there.

[Keeper]

There are a lot of nice areas from Gadsden to Scottsoboro. Small towns to bigger little cities. It is all in what would make you happy.

[2bohemians]

One of us 2bohemians graduated high school from Southside and lived on the river in a community that was technically in Rainbow City -- just over the bridge from Southside --- both communities share the Coosa River. I would be happy to help you in whatever way I can.