Family Moving from Northern Virginia to Huntsville (Madison, Athens: houses, neighborhoods)

[Ffxdata]

We are looking to relocate to the Huntsville area from Northern Virginia outside of DC. We have lived in a variety of places before from suburban to urban to rural small town. We like them all but would prefer a small single family home with a small yard. We have a child so schools are certainly a consideration. We are liberal in many ways, but I don't need to live in a so-called "hip" area.

We would like a walkable area with lots of parks and community aspects with an easy drive to cultural sites like museums. I would prefer not to be in a master planned community, but also want an off-street parking option. We don't mind the age of the house. We aren't looking to buy yet but would like to know what geographic areas to look in with these criteria in mind.

So in short:
Under $350,000
3+ bedrooms
Off street parking
Walkable with sidewalks a big plus
Yard (small or large)
Safe

What areas should we be looking at? Is traffic an issue like it is in Atlanta or DC? Are there areas to steer away from since we have young children? Is there criteria I am missing since I don't know the area well? Are there options for purchasing organic food or local farmers markets nearby?

[Becky2517]

Organic food: Sprouts, Whole Foods, Earth Fare & Wholefoods is opening soon.
Farmers markets: yes, both Huntsville and Madison
Traffic: non-existent except for a brief period around rush hours - I know people will disagree with me, but, after DC traffic...

Schools: Madison

Hipsters: only 5-Points in Huntsville, no good schools is the downfall

I would look at homes based on where your work will be

[Reactionary]

I would say there are no 'hip' areas (and I live in 5 Points). There are Democrat areas, but you probably don't want to live there. Thankfully, there aren't that many liberals here; conservative Republicans dominate local politics at all levels - keep in mind these are conservative Alabamans. Note that Democrats proposed and passed the Alabama law banning sex toys. If being a liberal is important to you (as it must be since you mentioned it), then perhaps this isn't the place for you.

You won't find walkable (my neighborhood is considered the most walkable and many streets don't have sidewalks). You will need a car. Everything here is driveable and the traffic isn't that bad.

Off-street parking? Do you mean driveways and garages? We've got plenty of those; there are very few houses / neighborhoods that have only off-street parking.

Since you have a child, I would recommend SE Huntsville or Madison for schools. Your budget will allow you to buy in the best school zones (look for Grissom HS or Huntsville HS zones in Huntsville; pretty much any school in Madison).

[Ffxdata]

Like I said, I don't need a hip area.

We are liberal in some ways but not in others. We are from Texas and live in Virginia. We don't expect everyone around us to have the same views nor would I want them to, but I and concerned if everyone who isn't considered a staunch conservative is told not to move to Huntsville.

In reference to parking, many neighborhoods here (especially older ones) don't have driveways or garages so they must park on the street. We'd like to have a driveway or designated parking spot. But it seems that is not an issue from what you are saying.

[Ffxdata]

Originally Posted by Becky2517

Organic food: Sprouts, Whole Foods, Earth Fare & Wholefoods is opening soon.
Farmers markets: yes, both Huntsville and Madison
Traffic: non-existent except for a brief period around rush hours - I know people will disagree with me, but, after DC traffic...

Schools: Madison

Hipsters: only 5-Points in Huntsville, no good schools is the downfall

I would look at homes based on where your work will be

Good to know that traffic isn't an issue! Although I think that anything would be an improvement from NoVa.

It's good to know there are many grocery options. I'm familiar with Sprouts and will look into locations near neighborhoods.

Madison seems like the option for schools. Are there any small towns outside the city that would also fit this criteria?

Thanks for the info so far.

[Becky2517]

Originally Posted by Ffxdata

We are liberal in some ways but not in others. We are from Texas and live in Virginia. We don't expect everyone around us to have the same views nor would I want them to, but I and concerned if everyone who isn't considered a staunch conservative is told not to move to Huntsville.

I am as liberal as they come and I do just fine here, it's not like people can "see" it on me that I am a diehard liberal...Huntsville is a lovely mix of everything, considering many (if not most) are not actually from here, you will find all nationalities and political afflictions While I haven't found too many to discuss politics with, without being called every name in the book, I have found people who enjoy the same things as I do - I am involved in animal advocacy and awareness, gardening etc. My political views should have no bearing on how people treat me (or you), and it is only true arseholes who will treat me any different

What will happen when I put up my Vote for Bernie signs come elections, who knows, it'll be interesting

[Reactionary]

Nobody said for you not to move here, I just provided you a 'trigger warning' (to use the PC term) that this is not a leftist utopia and if you are of the many liberals who get upset by Christians, guns, and free speech then consider your move carefully. Nice typical liberal misrepresentation, though.

Athens and Arab are nearby towns (in adjacent counties) with good public schools. AFAIK Arab is all good and Athens has good and bad. Others here have more detailed information. Madison County Schools are also good options.

To clarify - Huntsville City Schools, Madison City Schools, and Madison County Schools are in Madison County (mostly). Arab is south of Huntsville and Athens is west of Huntsville. If you're working on the Arsenal then all those school systems are commute-able. The only consistently poorly performing schools are in Northwest Huntsville. Check out greatschools dot com for ratings.

BTW I've lived in DC twice and am familiar with the area.

Becky - we should talk about gardening more. Aren't you concerned that your Bernie signs will kill the grass?

[Becky2517]

Originally Posted by Reactionary

Becky - we should talk about gardening more. Aren't you concerned that your Bernie signs will kill the grass?

Nah, my grass is lovely and lush, I am sure it'll do just fine with my #feelthebern signs.

Like you mentioned above - free speech and all that

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by Reactionary

Becky - we should talk about gardening more. Aren't you concerned that your Bernie signs will kill the grass?

Becky, I would take this seriously if I were you. I once saw a Democrat sign that has bird poops all over it. You see, even the birds around here are Republican.

That was only a Democrat sign. Now you're talking about a Socialist. I think all the dogs & cats in the neighborhood will find that sign. That will kill your grass for sure.

[Becky2517]

Originally Posted by HB2HSV

Becky, I would take this seriously if I were you. I once saw a Democrat sign that has bird poops all over it. You see, even the birds around here are Republican.

That was only a Democrat sign. Now you're talking about a Socialist. I think all the dogs & cats in the neighborhood will find that sign. That will kill your grass for sure.

Bwahahahahahhahahaha! I needed a good laugh, both of you provided one - thank you!

I can only surmise that these are the birds that don't migrate - surely the migratory ones can't be corrupted in the few months they live here