Relocating to Huntsville (Providence, Five Points: real estate, apartments, renting)

[webstar187]

Hi Everyone,

My wife and I are moving from the big city of Philadelphia to Huntsville AL. We are in our early 30's and we love living in the heart of the city where all the excitement is. Can anyone recommend an area where they feel we would enjoy living. We like to be able to go outside and walk around places. We also really enjoy local (non chain) restaurants. Lastly, I think we will be renting a townhouse at first before we decide to buy a house.

Thanks

[Dirt Grinder]

Hmmm... "...where all the excitement is..." - that's a tough one.

[prden]

The day is coming when downtown Huntsville is where "all the excitement is..." But that day is not yet here.

[Keeper]

I hope you don't come here expecting it to be like Philly. The city itself is small and there are a few restaurants but nothing like you are use to in Philly.

[Reactionary]

Bring your car.

There's always something going on, just not many choices.

Townhouse?

//www.city-data.com/forum/hunts...untsville.html

[AnotherBravesFan]

I suggest you visit the area for several days and drive around before you move. (I get the feeling from your post that you haven't been here.) Downtown is small and quiet (very little housing also), and Huntsville has more of a suburban (as opposed to city) vibe to me. Lots of strip malls and chain restaurants; very little as far as good ethnic food or vegetarian options. Most people seem to work in Cummings Research Park or the Arsenal and commute by car. Because real estate is so affordable, there aren't really many "townhouses" (I assume you mean condominiums) here... just apartments and single family homes in subdivisions or on acreage. The only areas I can think of are possibly Old Town/Twickenham near downtown (but these are old/historic, expensive homes) and the Village of Providence in the Monrovia area. I moved here from San Diego, looking to get OUT of the big city, and it has been much more difficult for me to adjust to the relatively rural feel here than I anticipated. If you are looking for exciting city living, this isn't the place for you.

[Elizabeth_G]

Village of Providence is nice, but quite pricey compared to most areas...always something going on and several good restaurants. The 5 Points, Blossomwood areas are always popular with those interested in being close to downtown. Renting before purchasing while learning the area is always a great idea if you can!

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by AnotherBravesFan

I suggest you visit the area for several days and drive around before you move. .

Nah... just a couple of hours is enough to get a feel of this town

[deesonic]

Originally Posted by webstar187

Hi Everyone,

My wife and I are moving from the big city of Philadelphia to Huntsville AL. We are in our early 30's and we love living in the heart of the city where all the excitement is. Can anyone recommend an area where they feel we would enjoy living. We like to be able to go outside and walk around places. We also really enjoy local (non chain) restaurants. Lastly, I think we will be renting a townhouse at first before we decide to buy a house.

Thanks

You sound like prime candidates for the Five Points area.

[Reactionary]

Five Points is walkable, but people don't realize that there aren't many sidewalks in the neighborhood. My complaint to downtown is that they got "curb outs" while we don't even have curbs. We did get the stupid mini-traffic circles...