[scd0903]

It is looking more and more like we will have to move to Northern Alabama for my work - - which I don't really mind.

I like the feedback so far on Huntsville, Madison & Athens.

Since I have 3 school-age children I am making education a top priority.

Is there a town or lake community in NW Alabama that would have desirable schools? I've never lived on or near the water but my wife and I think it might be kind of fun to have a fishing boat or a ski boat. I think it might help the kids with the move as well.

I don't want to cause trouble but can someone compare (without emotion) two colleges for me - Auburn vs. Alabama (and at this time I'm not talking about their football programs)?

What is each school known for? I can tell you that certain colleges in Ohio have certain reputations.....I would be interested in finding out what the rep of each one is. Also - - what other in-state colleges would you suggest? What would I be paying for in-state tuition? My oldest son will be a high school junior next year and as much as it scares me, the college search is becoming a reality.

If kids from Alabama do not go to Auburn or Alabama.....what are other affordable college choices? As a "northern" I have a very high opinion of both Auburn & Alabama.....am I mistaken?

Thanks for all the help - - this forum is a fantastic tool.

ONE MORE THING - - I would like it if the high school district that we move to is not huge - - maybe 150-250 kids per each grade. What do you think the size of Athens is? In line with that? If not - where else might I look?

THANKS !!!!

-scd0903

[Keeper]

You should look into the Guntersville area. Lake Guntersville is a 65000 acre lake. If you are going to traveling to Huntsville it is close to an hour drive each way depending on the time of day. If you want lakefront property it is going to cost you more than one that is not on the lake as is the case in most of country. If you don't mind towing your boat you can find a nice house for a very reasonable price. I have seen ads for acre lots on the lake for $60k and up but I don't know if they are on a mountain side which could be difficult to manuver. Of course there are many little towns around that are only 15mins from the lake where you can get a newer house on 1/2 acre of more for around $200k or less. There is also a lake community called Pine Lake near Arab where you can buy an older house with 5 acres ( I saw it advertised) for less. Schools are some of the best in AL but Arab is a VERY small town. My teenage grandsons moved up here in 05 and love school. They have made lots of friends. Hope this helps

[Atlanta_Tider]

Originally Posted by scd0903

It is looking more and more like we will have to move to Northern Alabama for my work - - which I don't really mind.

I like the feedback so far on Huntsville, Madison & Athens.

Since I have 3 school-age children I am making education a top priority.

Is there a town or lake community in NW Alabama that would have desirable schools? I've never lived on or near the water but my wife and I think it might be kind of fun to have a fishing boat or a ski boat. I think it might help the kids with the move as well.

I don't want to cause trouble but can someone compare (without emotion) two colleges for me - Auburn vs. Alabama (and at this time I'm not talking about their football programs)?

What is each school known for? I can tell you that certain colleges in Ohio have certain reputations.....I would be interested in finding out what the rep of each one is. Also - - what other in-state colleges would you suggest? What would I be paying for in-state tuition? My oldest son will be a high school junior next year and as much as it scares me, the college search is becoming a reality.

If kids from Alabama do not go to Auburn or Alabama.....what are other affordable college choices? As a "northern" I have a very high opinion of both Auburn & Alabama.....am I mistaken?

Thanks for all the help - - this forum is a fantastic tool.

ONE MORE THING - - I would like it if the high school district that we move to is not huge - - maybe 150-250 kids per each grade. What do you think the size of Athens is? In line with that? If not - where else might I look?

THANKS !!!!

-scd0903

I 2nd the motion for Guntersville, beautiful town with a nice lake. Property prices are going thru the roof there now though.

As far as the college question goes, both are great schools. If you want a Business degree than UA is your choice, Medicine degree, UAB is your choice, Agriculture or technology then Auburn is your choice.