Business Owner & Possible Transplant (Huntsville, Decatur: apartment, rental homes, countertops)

[SoCalTransplant14]

Originally Posted by HB2HSV

This is an engineers' town which means frugal, fiscally conservative & always calculating how many pounds of food do I get for my $7.

And now you sound like my husband! He's an engineer, big surprise!

I adore Huntington Beach! I have always been a mountain girl so it kind of explains my desire to live closer to mountains versus flatland in Huntsville!

I am actually kind of interested in trying the Mexican food there, but dreading it in a way since I am (half) Mexican and have always made my own authentic. When I don't make my own, I can go to one of the 20+ places within 5 miles to grab some decent Mexican. I will say that I am remaining a skeptic until I have a chance to try it for myself!

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

Dang. I didn't think she was condescending at all.

Well, despite hubby working in Decatur, she's already kicked us to the curb.

[Reactionary]

Huntsville has several good 'local' Mexican restaurants, in addition to the chains (Chipotle, Cantina Laredo). Examples:

http://www.theoriginalbandito.com/

http://elcazadortaqueria.com/

Phil Sandovals | Mexican Restaurante

and

Rosies Mexican Cantina

[SoCalTransplant14]

Originally Posted by Southlander

Well, despite hubby working in Decatur, she's already kicked us to the curb.

Why would you assume that?!

We're looking in Huntsville just because we really liked Randolph for a school, not because we don't like Decatur. I lied... I actually really want to be around Monte Sano Mountain too, so that was a pretty big deciding factor!

[Becky2517]

As a 1 year transplant from DC area I can honestly say it's the best move we could have made...we do live on the very flat lands close to base and 2 miles from hubby's job - traffic is nothing here compared to what you're used to to, but are you sure you want to live that far from your husband's job - the wonderful thing about living here is being close to work, shops, restaurants etc. and not having to drive more than 5-6 miles...we're about 18 miles from Decatur, if you go with Jones Valley you'd be about 30 miles away...unless of course he doesn't care and time spent in traffic is ok!!
Hmmmm, Mexican food...it's okeyish, it's pretty much typical Tex-Mex unless you go to Taquieria El Cazador, which is about at authentic as you're gonna get - no frills, very tasty Mexican & if you're into tripa/lengua, knock yourself out
As for visiting, do! H'Ville was 100% as far off from expected as it could get for me - I had only visited the southern lands of the Emerald Coast & that wasn't it! No matter how much I researched and read online - it was nothing like it! My one year anniversary was a few days ago and according to my most excellent realtor & friend, I am now "an Alabamian" - just like nearly everyone I have met so far, totally not from here!

[Becky2517]

Originally Posted by SoCalTransplant14

Why would you assume that?!

We're looking in Huntsville just because we really liked Randolph for a school, not because we don't like Decatur. I lied... I actually really want to be around Monte Sano Mountain too, so that was a pretty big deciding factor!

Monte Sano is veeeeery pretty - but, the roads get icy and slick during winter...know how to drive on ice/snow?

[Reactionary]

Bandito Burrito is authentic Mexicali food.

[LCTMadison]

As far as where you are going to live, 5 Points and Jones Valley are night and day. Jones Valley is a highly desirable area with older homes. 5 Points is the lower tier of the "historic district" with smallish bungalow type homes, not at all like Jones Valley. You might want to come and definitely check them out first. Randolph is in Jones Valley. Don't rule out Blossomwood as well.

In regards to purchasing rentals, my best investor is buying VERY low....I mean $50k-$60k homes in the county.....and renting for $850-$900 which is a very good ROI. He's built a solid portfolio, and has targeted where the demand is. We did look at 5 Points a couple of years ago but found that 1 rental market was saturated 2. Homes cost more and would need more $$$ for repairs and 3.ROI was significantly reduced, which is what it is all about, right? What type of ROI you are looking for is going to determine what type of properties you will look at, but in my experience here you REALLY have to find that great deal to get a decent ROI over $100k and those require patience. We are a long term stability market, no so much a "flip" market, so you understand. You also need to be versed on AL landlord-tenant law if you decide to venture down that road without a property manager, because we are very different from CA I am sure. I can give you the name of an excellent attorney in town that specializes in that if you would like, and she has represented many investors in their property management activities.

In SFD, renters pay all utilities, cable, etc. Some landlords will provide lawn treatment, but tenants are responsible for lawn maintenance (cutting and trimming). Pets are typically either NO or "case by case basis". I've never seen in a listing an owner specifically eliminate a particular breed, its always the "case by case basis" so you might go with that so you can assess what type of pet you are allowing in.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by SoCalTransplant14

We're in San Gabriel Valley area (Pasadena)! I've been told by my best friends that I am to absolutely cheer for University of Alabama but I am going to see where we end up moving and what my neighbors like before I decide...haha!

We've been looking at rentals and it doesn't seem to make sense for us to rent too long before buying. If I know the area is good (desirable, low crime rate, good schools) then I don't see us renting for longer than it takes escrow to close, possibly not renting at all. We're fortunate in that the company my husband works for will pay for 2+ trips out to Huntsville before our move date in order for us to secure a home and my husband would need 2-3 months to wrap up projects here before we transfer, which would mean that we'll likely find a home we enjoy before we move. I am not going to say that we won't rent, but I am hoping we don't have to!

It was after observing the rental market that we thought investment into real estate would be a viable option for us since we've done it here and have been successful. We were initially thinking of purchasing 3 homes in the Jones Valley & 5 Points areas and update/renovating (if needed) and renting two of them out. The retail business is going to take some time, as I am not sure what I want to do. We're considering restaurants as a possibility but it is something that requires a fair amount of market research before opening.

Again, I am more excited than anything else and I am eager to get the go-ahead to move forward with my real estate agent and start to seriously look at homes! Thank you for the feedback and sharing your experience, it is greatly appreciated!

In a big engineering town such as Huntsville, Auburn's the better bet. A much higher tooth-per-head quotient, too.

[LCTMadison]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

In a big engineering town such as Huntsville, Auburn's the better bet. A much higher tooth-per-head quotient, too.

On this I will agree

Originally Posted by Becky2517

I am now "an Alabamian"

You only need to perfect your "ya'll" and "well, bless your heart"