[k7baixo]

In case you missed it, Auburn made another best place to retire list.

Dammit.

[IDVague]

Huntsville area by a huge margin. You will not be disappointed.

[Columbus1999]

They are both great cities and probably two of the most progressive cities in Alabama. Both highly educated populations and lots of growth. It’s like night and day. Huntsville has a much larger city feel two it and nearby Madison has some of the best schools in the state. Auburn is growing but still is a smaller city. The nearest large city is Columbus, GA which is where Auburn gets most of its things like television and radio from. If you are looking for amenities I would definitely say Huntsville also in the way of jobs if you decide to leave the state position Huntsville has the best options with all the high tech companies locating there. Auburn and Lee County are among the fastest growing in the state and for a community their size crime rates are much lower in Auburn and Opelika than Huntsville. Opelika has some rough areas but it’s very little random crime in the community. but truth be told everything in the cities of Auburn and Opelika sit on three or four streets. I would definitely say Huntsville has a lot more going now but Auburn and Opelika is improving.

[Hoping4Huntsville]

Thank you all for the continued responses. I think we are going to take a trip up to A-O in a couple of weeks (overnight trip/ one day) just to poke around. The main reason we are considering the area is to remain in closer proximity to the In-Laws here in Dothan. I'm hoping it shows me something exceptional. I really, REALLY enjoyed the one trip to Huntsville a couple of years ago because it reminded me so much of a combination of VA and the Winston-Salem area of NC (close to where we lived for many years). Only time will tell I suppose but I truly appreciate all of the input. You guys are awesome and this online community is an unbelievable resource. So happy I joined. Thanks again.

[k7baixo]

I got some good news today. The land I’ve had in my sights since Oct is finally available. Google Oak Bowery and you can see the general area. It’ll be surveyed next week and they’ll send me a contract to sign. The beginning of retirement is slowly approaching reality.

Let us know how your visit goes!

[Hoping4Huntsville]

Finally got up to A-O last weekend and enjoyed the trip. Opelika and Auburn both were absolutely booming! I'm not sure what was going on but downtown Opelika was crammed with people on Saturday night and Auburn was just swamped all day. We enjoy the progressive nature of the area and can see great promise, especially with Opelika but we are still going up to Huntsville in March or April to see how it appeals to us. We just aren't sure we want to be in a living situation again where we are waiting on change to occur. I guess my point is while the A-O area is surely growing so is Huntsville and many of the amenities you would want in an area are already there, not "coming in the future" or "soon to be built". I don't think you will be unhappy in the A-O area at all though. My wife and I still have reservations about the tornado issue in the general Huntsville area but with a multitude of companies and governmental agencies moving into the region maybe they know something we don't. Any more opinions or just general input from you guys is always welcome. We are about sixteen months out from making a move so the clock is ticking! Thanks again.

[k7baixo]

Tough choice, it may come down to a personal preference.

We're lucky in that A-O is a tiny bit closer to relatives, we know a few people in the area already, the area has the University for additional attractions i.e. sports, culture, the cost of living is reasonable and found what we think/hope/pray is a good location to build a home.

I told my wife about the Wesley Foundation, a Methodist group, who is heavily involved with students. She's ready to start adopting some kids already and making sure they have an occasional home-cooked meal. lol

[Hoping4Huntsville]

That's awesome!

[RocketDawg]

Originally Posted by Hoping4Huntsville

Finally got up to A-O last weekend and enjoyed the trip. Opelika and Auburn both were absolutely booming! I'm not sure what was going on but downtown Opelika was crammed with people on Saturday night and Auburn was just swamped all day. We enjoy the progressive nature of the area and can see great promise, especially with Opelika but we are still going up to Huntsville in March or April to see how it appeals to us. We just aren't sure we want to be in a living situation again where we are waiting on change to occur. I guess my point is while the A-O area is surely growing so is Huntsville and many of the amenities you would want in an area are already there, not "coming in the future" or "soon to be built". I don't think you will be unhappy in the A-O area at all though. My wife and I still have reservations about the tornado issue in the general Huntsville area but with a multitude of companies and governmental agencies moving into the region maybe they know something we don't. Any more opinions or just general input from you guys is always welcome. We are about sixteen months out from making a move so the clock is ticking! Thanks again.

I don't think the tornado issue should even enter into your decision criteria. I've been here a looooong time, and never think about tornadoes except when there are warnings in the area.

[AU HSV]

Everyone can make a list, make of them what you will, but Huntsville has a pretty good resume of "best" lists. Auburn I would put right there with Huntsville though. Tremendous amount of growth on the Auburn University campus and downtown Auburn.


https://expo.al.com/news/g66l-2019/0...-of-lists.html