Help: Alabama relocation ASAP!

[dizfam4]

Hi everyone,
We live in Michigan and are going to Disney in late August. Now, my head is spinning because for months, all I've done is "fun Disney planning".

Yesterday, my DH came home and said that he has an awesome opportunity to work in Montgomery Alabama. We have been discussing a move so we can get out of Michigan before another cold winter, but this is fast! He'll probably start in one week. The kids and I will stay in Michigan getting house ready to sell, etc until after our Dis vacation. Thank goodness that vacation for Dis is non-negotiable!

So...what can you tell me about Montgomery , Prattville, E. Montgomery, Millbrook? My DS is to begin kindergarten this fall so school info is also important. Is private school the best route? DH's job is in Southern Montgomery (Folmar Pkwy). Tell me what I need to know!!!

Oh, one good thing about moving...I think we are driving distance to Disney now! If you're from Montgomery area can you tell me how long your trip was?

Thanks everyone! I've needed the Dis folks for so much in the way of Disney planning that this move came up and I needed some "subjective" advice (I've already read lots of statistics, etc.) personal advice and opinions from "mommies and daddies" about neighborhoods, schools, etc and knew you guys could help! TIA!!!!

 

[Pugdog007]

I can't help a lot, as I'm from Birmingham, but welcome to ALABAMA! A terrific state to live in, where the cost of living is low and the quality of life is superb! It's hot here right now though... the dog days of August are typically the worst. But we have beautiful, perfect Spring & Fall weather! And if it snows here, everything shuts down as we aren't equipped to really deal with it.

My parent's lived in Montgomery for a short period of time a few years back when my Dad was working for the state govt. Their home was in Prattville, which seems to be a very nice area.

The drive from Montgomery to Orlando is 7-8 hrs.

Hopefully someone from the area will post to give you more information.

Best of luck!

Pugdog007

 

[dizfam4]

Thank you Pugdog007!

I've never even visited Alabama. It's just scary thinking of such a big change. I do look forward to the climate change. Wow...7-8 hour drive to WDW! Sounds nice! We're thinking of Prattville in our search!

I look forward to reading more from you Alabama experts!!

 

[golfgal]

Someone else posted this site a while back but it might be another good place to ask your questions.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/

All I know about AL is that there is good golf there.

 

[nannerbadnanner]

I am originally from the Mobile area (live in TN now), but have been to Montgomery many times. It is a pretty town that is seeing alot of growth.

The Alabama Shakespeare festival in Montgomery is one of the best in the country. They do some amazing productions.

You will probably need to adjust to the heat so be prepared. It takes some time to get used it.

I don't have much more to add, but good luck with your move!

 

[Slapster]

Pros: Wonderful, friendly people, low cost of living, great outdoor activities, affordable housing.

Cons: HOT! Some counties are "dry", not sure about Montgomery.

 

[BuckNaked]

I was stationed in Montgomery, AL for 13 1/2 years (moved to DC 6 years ago) and we still own a home down there. Please feel free to PM with questions.

 

[JulieWent]

The better school districts around Montgomery are north of the city -- Millbrook, Prattville, etc. That's not great for you since your husband will be working south of the city and traffic is ick. There are many, many private schools if you choose to go that route, though. East Montgomery is REALLY building up right now with nice housing areas, so that might be a good place to look for housing, though I don't know about schools in east. Montgomery City Schools are a mess because the City of Montgomery is really tight with funding. (Alabama is strange about how schools are funded.... We are funded, for the most part, locally. Therefore, there is a HUGE variation in what each district is like. I am in Auburn -- 45 minutes east of Montgomery -- and we are funded to the max because we are a university town and our city council makes sure we have what we need, but other areas aren't so lucky. But I diverge.) So, you have to look for an area in which education is a priority if you don't want to go the private school route.

Let me know if I can answer any other questions. We are in and out of Montgomery a lot. I know there is a nice Montessori program in Montgomery for your kindergarterner, if you like Montessori education. (I'm sorry I'm just rambling, but I just thought of that.)

You'll love the Shakespeare Festival, too, (mentioned above). Great theatre.

Drive to Disney -- about 9 hours. (We just got back yesterday. It's 8 hours from here, but I added an hour for you.)

Welcome to Alabama. It really is a good place. You'll love the winters!

Julie

 

[LuvN~Travel]

The previous poster is correct. The better public schools are located in Prattville and Wetumpka. I would say Prattville has a really good reputation right now.
You can also find a lot better deal on housing both in Prattville and Wetumpka. Prattville and Millbrook especially. Prattville alone has grown so extensively the past few years, that it is considered the up and coming place to be now. We would have looked at Prattville for a house, but we have to stay in Montgomery near my parents for help with our daughter. (extensive medical problems)
My brother does live in Prattville right now, and he likes it a lot there. The only reason he wants to move back here, is family. (ahhh, he likes us)
Now if you are going to send your kids to private school, Montgomery does have many nice private schools here. And, there are many nice neighborhoods on the east side of town, though more expensive than Prattville or Wetumpka.
I would definitely look at Prattville if I were you. And, they are right off of the interstate, I-65 which makes getting in and out of Montgomery easy.

As for getting to WDW, yes it is about a nine hour drive. We have (since I've been married that is) alwaystaken the Hwy 231 route to the I-10 echange near Marianna FL, then taken I-10 over to the Lake City area and gone down from there. However, we lived in Plant City FL, some when i was a teen, and my Dad would always take the 231 to Union Springs, area, over to Eufaula, which is at the AL/Ga state line, and go through Georgetown over the I-75 which went through the Tifton/Valdosta route down. But, having been both ways, I know that it takes the same amount of time each way.

Going to WDW, m y sister and her family and two other couples from church actually had a race to FL (Lake City area) this past Spring break, with each couple taking a completely different route to Lake City. Surprisingly they all pulled into the same restaurant parking lot within literally minutes of each other! So the way down made no difference.
If you have any more questions feel free to ask here or by pm. Liike the others, I'll be glad to answer any.
Kim

 

[LuvN~Travel]

Pros: Wonderful, friendly people, low cost of living, great outdoor activities, affordable housing.

Cons: HOT! Some counties are "dry", not sure about Montgomery.

Not 'dry' around here. At least not for drinking that is.
Kim

 

[dizfam4]

Wow!!! You guys are so nice to share so much information and take so much time to post for me!!!! I am really excited to move to Alabama now - there's obviously some nice folks around there.

I know that the heat will take some getting used to, but I welcome that in lieu of blizzards in January!

I think that we may look into the Prattville area given all of the info. each of you shared. Schools are a real priority to us (I am a former first grade teacher of 6 years, now a SAHM).

Glad to hear that Montgomery isn't "dry"...I have two young children and an occasional glass of Chardonnay makes me a better mommy !

I may PM some of you who have so kindly offered to help me with questions. Thanks again everyone!!!!

 

[ozarkmom]

I don't know a thing about Montgomery but if you like the beach then Alabama has some of the nicest beaches!

 

[Megan's Mom]

Be ready one of the first questions you will be asked is Who are you for? Meaning Alabama or Auburn

 

[JulieWent]

Be ready one of the first questions you will be asked is Who are you for? Meaning Alabama or Auburn

The correct answer to this question is DEFINITELY, "War Eagle!" (That's Auburn, for those of you just moving in!)

Julie

 

[Pugdog007]

Be ready one of the first questions you will be asked is Who are you for? Meaning Alabama or Auburn

Not that I'm trying to recruit you or anything but you'll be in Montgomery... therefore you have an obligation to pull for the Tigers! Auburn is only about an hour away from Montgomery.

Now I'm a minority here in "Bamaham" aka Birmingham - about an hour away from Univ of AL. "The Tide" rules this part of the state.


But every educated Alabamian knows which is the better academic school

 

[Caradana]

I am in immediate envy re: how far your housing dollar will stretch. Hope you find a gorgeous place for a reasonable price in Alabama!

 

[dizfam4]

Megan's Mom and Julie Went:
Being from Michigan, we have the big Michigan/Michigan State rivalry. I am glad to know that if I am in Montgomery I am supposed to cheer for the "War Heads" / Auburn! I think I am officially ready!

Question: What are folks from Alabama called? In Michigan, we are "Michiganders". Weird name, huh?

I'm excited that you are on the central time zone in Alabama (so American Idol is on at 7:00, not 8:00. Is that right? ) My son will be so glad. His bedtime is 8:00 and I always had to Tivo American Idol for him. Now, he can actually see it live . Yippee.

Oh...and you guys have Chick-fil-a (sp?) My DH is used to live in Kentucky and very excited to be in a state that has Chick-fil-a again! We don't have them near us. We're easy to please.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Pugdog007]

Megan's Mom and Julie Went:
Being from Michigan, we have the big Michigan/Michigan State rivalry. I am glad to know that if I am in Montgomery I am supposed to cheer for the "War Heads" / Auburn! I think I am officially ready!

Question: What are folks from Alabama called? In Michigan, we are "Michiganders". Weird name, huh?

I'm excited that you are on the central time zone in Alabama (so American Idol is on at 7:00, not 8:00. Is that right? ) My son will be so glad. His bedtime is 8:00 and I always had to Tivo American Idol for him. Now, he can actually see it live . Yippee.

Oh...and you guys have Chick-fil-a (sp?) My DH is used to live in Kentucky and very excited to be in a state that has Chick-fil-a again! We don't have them near us. We're easy to please.

Thanks again everyone!

1. Alabamians
2. Yes the entire state is on central time zone and American Idol comes on at 7:00.
3. Yes you will find many Chick-Fil-A's around Montgomery and elsewhere in the state. It's a staple in our neck of the woods. Also check out Cracker Barrel & Milo's.

 

[Megan's Mom]

But no Steak n Shakes

Pull for Auburn if you must. But just remember our coach is much better looking!

Roll Tide Roll!!!

 

[momx3boys]

It looks like you have received some great information. I'm in the process of moving from Montgomery to Wetumpka and one of the reasons I wanted to leave Montgomery is not being to happy with the public schools. I really wanted to go to the Prattville/Millbrook area. That area is growing so much and I have heard really good things about the schools there. Wetumpka is a good area too, my husbands parents are giving us some land so that helped make our decision. Montgomery does have some good private schools, but that wasn't an opinion for us with 3 kids. My twins will be starting kindergarten this year too. Like everyone else has said, it is hot here!!

It takes me about 9 hours to get to DW also, with several stops with 3 kids. I would be happy to answer any other questions you might have too.