Help: Alabama relocation ASAP!

[RealMickeysGirl]

From one Yankee to another.

If you like BBQ and order a shredded BBQ sandwich, make sure to request the slaw on the side, otherwise they put the coleslaw on the sandwich. When we were stationed at RedStone, Huntsville, our friends took us out for BBQ and forgot that we were NOT accustomed to the southern way to eat BBQ.

Needless to say, the one friend was really hungry and he ate my sandwich and I got another one, minus the slaw.

Eeewwwh, I have lived in the south my entire life and have never seen coleslaw on a bbq sandwich. I have seen a bbq chicken sandwich with the bone in though - I was kinda surprised when I received one that way at a restaurant. Apparently, you pull the meat off the bone for your sandwich yourself.

 

[RealMickeysGirl]

I feel so lucky to have all of this information. Thanks to everyone who posted. It helps to know some big details (like schools, towns, etc.) and also some little stuff (like there is a Super Walmart and a Chick-fil-a). I feel better about the whole thing. Now, we have to sell our house. The MIchigan economy is tough right now, so I'm praying it doesn't take too long. My kids will miss their daddy and we all want to be together in our new home. Thank you so much to all the posters!

And no matter what the other folks say, you don't have to choose Alabama or Auburn. I have lived in Montgomery since 1986 and I refuse to choose. If they ask me my favorite team, I just say where I went to college - Southern Miss.

Oh, they will try to make you think you have to choose but you don't.

 

[Megan's Mom]

The best way to eat a bar b que sandwich is with slaw-vinegar slaw though. Try one when you get to MOntgomery and let us know how you like it. If you drive down stop in Birmingham for ribs at Dreamland. Then pick up a quart of sauce to take home.

 

[LuvN~Travel]

Okay, you've been deluged with info, but I am another DISser who lives in Montgomery.

The traffic is going to be a headache from Prattville to South Montgomery, but I do agree with everyone else who said that if you are given the choice, you may want to live there.

Some private schools are more affordable than others and there are several to choose from.

BTW, there are no set rules for cities and football loyalties. There are several Bama fans in Montgomery, I can assure you. Heck, you can even still say you like Michigan since it is "home". You just can't pull for Florida or Tennessee. However, the sun will continue to rise (for most of us anyway) no matter who is winning.

Snow is rare once you get south of Clanton/Birmingham so I think you can rule out most blizzards. Of course, we consider any accumulation that sticks to the ground to be an emergency situation.

Feel free to PM me if you have questions about the area.

Yup! An inch or two on the ground will shut things down around here.
Kim

 

[dizfam4]

Hi again everyone,

I simply can't wait to move to Alabama now. I think some of it is the info I have received, but most of it is the kindness from you guys. I think we'll have a great time in AL. DH and I are both MSU (Michigan State University) alumni....go Spartans! We will always have a true allegiance to them, but can learn to embrace a local school too - or at least I can. I haven't asked DH how he feels about that. He's a bigger Spartan fan than I, so we'll see.

So, how much snow do they actually get in Montgomery. We can sell the snowblower before we leave Michigan, right? Do the kids need to keep their snowboots, snowpants, mittens, etc. Will we look like dummies walking around with mittens, boots, and snowpants when the town gets its first and only winter snow?

Thanks again!

PS- OPer mentioned traffic from Prattville to S. Montgomery being yucky. How bad will my DH's commute be? He'll be near the Hyundai plat on Folmar Pkwy. I mapquested and time-wise it looks like 25-35 minutes depending on the location in Prattville. What is that drive like? Busy bumper-to-bumper highways or what? TIA

 

[Ready to go in Ok]

Being born and raised in AL, I can tell you to definitely sell the snow blower. The concern in AL isn't really snow, but ice. Freezing rain is always a nasty experience. And I remember many, many times running around in shorts in Nov. and Dec.

I moved to Tulsa 3 years ago, and although it does get hot here, hotter actually than AL. the past couple of weeks, the difference is the humidity, and the length of time you have to deal with it.

I love, love the south, and I miss living there.

Oh, and I gotta say, Roll Tide. Don't let those Eagles snow ya, they are a sneaky lot.

 

[JulieWent]

From Prattville to the Hyundai plant is a haul. I imagine, if traffic is flowing with no tie ups, you're talking 20 minutes. More likely 35 - 40 minutes, though. They're getting ready to do some major construction on I-65 to widen it from Prattville south to the plant, but that will take a number of years. It's a do-able commute, but it is a commute.

What do those of you who actually LIVE in Montgomery think? (I live in Auburn where ten minutes is a long morning commute. )

Julie

 

[RealMickeysGirl]

I live in montgomery and work downtown - depending on traffic, my commute can be anywhere to 10 minutes to 30 minutes.

If I were going to move out of montgomery, it would probably be to the pike road community or wetumpka - somewhere east of montgomery.

 

[Southern4sure]

I was born, raised and lived 38 yrs in Mobile, AL (I can tell you all about the Beaches like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach). When our youngest DS was 5 yrs old we drove north to Shorter which is east of Montgomery during "winter" one day just so our son could play in snow which wasnt much but at least my baby played in snow.... The entire city shuts down (alittle exagerated I know) when it snows.

I see you have witnessed the War Heads (I love it), I mean the War Eagles came rushing out to pull you to the dark side. A true Alabamian will say My blood runs Crimson and everyone knows it means Roll Tide!!!

You must learn the Alabama Fighting Song

Yea Alabama! Drown'em Tide,
Every Bama man's behind you, Hit your stride...
Go teach the Bulldogs to behave
Send the Yellow Jackets to a watery grave,
And if a man starts to weaken, That's a shame,
'Cause Bama's pluck and grit have Writ her name in Crimson Flame,
Fight on, Fight on, Fight on, men!
Remember the Rose Bowl we'll win then.
Go, roll to victory, Hit your stride!
You're Dixie's football pride, Crimson Tide!

 

[luvmyfam444]

Just wanted to tell you that MSU in the south means Mississippi State University - you'll find a few fans around MOntgomery. so make sure dh knows not to just use the abbrevation & think folks know what he's meaning.

I have family that live in MOntgomery & Pratville & Verbena (country!) & my g'parents have a lakehouse in Wetumpka & my sil's dh grew up in Wetumpka (& they have family there too)

The cousins in Pratville just moved from Montgomery - were always in private schools until moving to there & they were finally put in public (even the parents were raised in private in MOntgomery) YEP it's THAT bad....there are some rough areas---I stay away from the malls @ just about all costs.

There is some great new shopping @ Eastchase = they have everything there (including a CHickfila!)

Welcome to the south>

BTW - it takes about 3 hrs to get to the beaches - Pensacola Bch (FL) is a great one to visit along w/the others mentioned.

BUT you will be much closer to some nice little lakes (of course this is the only lakes I've been to)

I'd say definitely get rid of your snow gear----unless of course you're going back to visit in the winter or to CO for some skiing....freezing to us in the south will probably have you out in shorts....I'm freezing @ 40 degrees....it doesn't get consistently cold down here til Jan. No wool sweaters needed...

the town of Fairhope is 3 hrs away from Montg. or if you're @ the beaches it's 1hr from Pensacola Bch & about 45mins-1hr from Gulf Shores.

One thing you'll get to see that I bet you aren't used to in kocal t.v. is round the clock hurricane coverage....Mont gets its share of tornadoes too - they have a siren warning system though.

Ok I guess I've told you bits & pieces of all kinds of stuff...sorry so long....

 

[LuvN~Travel]

The commute to Montgomery from Prattville can actually be made two ways, down I-65 and by way of old US 31. Both can lead you right into the southwest section of Montgomery where your DH will be working. So as long as you listen to the radio in the morning, I recommend 103.3, you can probably get a good idea of which is better that day. They do keep up with wrecks in the outlying areas like Prattville and Wetumpka as well as Montgomery.
As for Pike Road, housing there is nice and the neighborhoods are nice, but it is a bit expensive since that is the way Montgomery is growing. Currently most of their kids out there go to Halcyon Elementary for grade school. It is a new and very nice public school here. (My sister's kids go there). However, they currently don't have a jr high or high school out that way. My son will be going to the jr high next year that services that area, and right now its the lesser of evils for jr highs if you know what I mean. Can't afford private schools in our case, and the boy wouldn't buckle down enough last year to get into the magnet schools.
Though it is too late now for next year, you might easily get your kids into the magnet schools for the following year. The magnet schools do have good reputations around here.
And, my sister does love the Pike Road area as well. They've lived there now since '93 when they got married.

 

[perdidobay]

DH and I just vacationed at Gulf Shores Alabama and we loved the laid back area and beautiful beaches.So you have a nearby beautiful vacation spot to enjoy!

We found what seems like "Utopia" on our drive along the Mobile Bay in a tiny beautiful town named Fairhope.

Fairhope is beautiful, isn't it!


To the OP, hopefully times have changed since I was a high school student who moved to Anniston Alabama from Memphis, but the first question I was asked was not "Alabama or Auburn?" But "Are you saved?"
I was in shock, Never asked that in TN, but found out Alabama is VERY bible belt with little tolerance for other than Christian beliefs. Like I said I hope dearly that has changed.

As a future Auburn fan, you might like this cheer...

Flush the toilet
round the bowl,
Roll, tide, roll!

 

[dizfam4]

Everytime I check this thread, I get a ton of new info. I am going to print it all and take it with me to Alabama! I think I like Crimson Tide folks AND Auburn folks....seriously.

Dumb question...what is the magnate school program. Is it like "school of choice" here in Michigan? Is it based on academic ability?

Are the Montgomery malls not safe? Maybe I'll stick to Eastchase.

My DH talked to some of the guys at his new plant and they all live in Prattville, so I guess the commute must not be too bad. I appreciate knowing that there are 2 routes and to listen to the radio station (103.3) for traffic updates.

I was thinking that AL was pretty bible-belty based on the number of churches and private schools.

Can't wait to ditch the snow gear!!!!!!! Yippee!!!!!! I've lived in MIchigan since I was 12 (20 years!!!) . I'm ready for a change.


Not looking forward to round-the-clock hurricane coverage or tornado sirens. We have basements for tornado warning weather. I don't see houses with basements in AL, so what do you guys do? Scary!

Looking forward to some weekends at the beaches

Oh...any realty companies you suggest? Specific people you've worked with? We were talking to ReMax people, but open to any suggestions.

I also heard Halcyon and Blount (sp?) schools are good as far as E. Montgomery goes.

Thanks again for all of this awesome information. I look forward to checking this thread everyday. The little tid-bits are so fun to learn!

 

[alabamaalan]

Dumb question...what is the magnate school program. Is it like "school of choice" here in Michigan? Is it based on academic ability?

Magnet Schools are certain schools that are set aside for academics/technology and arts. They are more "specialized" than the regular public schools and require testing to get in. Of course, most everyone in the public school system wants their children in those schools so there is a lot of competition and waiting lists.

Are the Montgomery malls not safe? Maybe I'll stick to Eastchase.

Eastdale Mall is very nice and still quite popular. Unfortunately, Montgomery Mall has lost many of the major retailers that formerly occupied it and is becoming vacant, like many other businesses on the South side of town. The growth in our area is definitely to the East.

Prattville is also about to construct a large shopping center comperable to East Chase. If you live there, you no longer have to come to Montgomery for shopping/entertainment, etc.

Of course, I do live in the city of Montgomery and am happy there but Prattville, Millbrook, Wetumpka, Pike Road, etc. are where most people would prefer to live if they are just coming in.

South Montgomery county would be closer to work but it is more rural. As long as his work day does not begin at 8:00am, the traffic on Interstate 65 or Hwy 31 should not be a problem.

Can't wait to ditch the snow gear!!!!!!! Yippee!!!!!! I've lived in MIchigan since I was 12 (20 years!!!) . I'm ready for a change.

Oh, I suspect you will see several changes.
I hope you like some of them.

Just remember, we talk normal - you are the one with the accent. Also, we do not care how you used to do things "up there" you damn Yankee.

Actually, I think you will find that we are a friendly bunch.

Not looking forward to round-the-clock hurricane coverage or tornado sirens. We have basements for tornado warning weather. I don't see houses with basements in AL, so what do you guys do? Scary!

It's not as bad as all that. Hurricanes do not really affect us this far inland, other than extra rain, power outages and spawn off tornados.

Overall, tornados are not a big problem compared to other parts of the state/country.

Looking forward to some weekends at the beaches

Gulf Coast beaches, particularly the Florida panhandle, are beautiful.

I hope all goes well for your planning.

 

[LuvN~Travel]

Actually we've just bought a house behind Eastdale Mall, and it so convenient to everything for us! So if you need a good real estate agent, just pm me for her name and number. She is a member of our church and she and her DH are the sweetest couple. In the past she and her sister have actually owned their own company, so she is pretty well versed in just about every aspect of real estate.

Like Alan said, Eastdale and Eastchase Malls are very nice. Of course on Friday night the goths come out at Eastdale, but I've never heard of any problem with the kids. They just look 'funny'.
And, yes churches abound down here. You can find one on just about every corner. If you like just pm me on the area you settle in, and I'll find out which seem to be the friendliest and most responsive per denomination for that area. We know our daughter has been on so many prayer lists over the years for just about every denomination here.
Kim

 

[dizfam4]

Alabamaalan: Quote: "Just remember, we talk normal - you are the one with the accent. Also, we do not care how you used to do things "up there" you damn Yankee.

Actually, I think you will find that we are a friendly bunch."




****I think that we yankees have a dull dialect and look forward to the welcoming drawl that southerners have. It's very warm and friendly! My all-time favorite Food Network show is "Paula's Home Cooking" with Paula Dean. She is so sweet and says stuff like "Ya'll know what we need to add now? We need more budder!!! Oh, and May-oh-naze!!!!" Love her!

OK- so if there is a tornado warning, where do you go? We head to our basements in Michigan.

So...where do I sign my ds up for the magnate school program. Is that necessary if we go to Prattville schools? How long is the waiting list? My dd is 2 1/2. Should I sign her up now too? Being a teacher in Michigan, one might think I'd be more familiar with these issues. We just have a different system than you do.

Thanks again everyone! My DH is loving all of this info too! For once he is appreciating my time on the DisBoards. Rather than me saying to him,
"Oh, 1900 Park Fare has strawberry soup. Do you wanna go there on Tuesday, Saturday, or not at all? Blah, Blah, Blah...", I can share stuff he is interested in. I love that Dis planning stuff, but he is growing a bit uninterested in the Disney talk. He loves all the info you guys have shared though. Thanks for validating my time on the Dis!!!!

 

[LuvN~Travel]

I don't think the magnet schools are an issue in Prattville. As far as I know, one grade school, one jr, high, one high school. Though at the rate they're growing......
Oh, and you can find some houses in Prattville with basements. It is hilly enough that there are many there. Which might make you feel better during the tornado season. (uh did I mention that tornado season is Jan. 1 through Dec. 31st? just kidding. maybe......
Fortunately we just get many scares, not many tornadoes.
Kim

 

[momx3boys]

Actually we've just bought a house behind Eastdale Mall, and it so convenient to everything for us! So if you need a good real estate agent, just pm me for her name and number. She is a member of our church and she and her DH are the sweetest couple. In the past she and her sister have actually owned their own company, so she is pretty well versed in just about every aspect of real estate.

Like Alan said, Eastdale and Eastchase Malls are very nice. Of course on Friday night the goths come out at Eastdale, but I've never heard of any problem with the kids. They just look 'funny'.
And, yes churches abound down here. You can find one on just about every corner. If you like just pm me on the area you settle in, and I'll find out which seem to be the friendliest and most responsive per denomination for that area. We know our daughter has been on so many prayer lists over the years for just about every denomination here.
Kim

What a small world, I'm in the process of selling my house behind Eastdale Mall. We've lived here over 10 years and have decided to move to Wetumpka.

 

[Megan's Mom]

Our weatherman here in Huntsville, Dan Satterfield, always tells you to get in the intermost part of your house with no windows. Put the bike helmets on the kids, turn your tv up loud, and get a flashlight. The bathtub or shower are good places. We go in our closet with pillows and blankets. Oh make sure you put on your shoes. If you have to get in the shower don't decide to take a shower. Back in '89 when the tornado came through Airport Rd in Huntsville a young guy in an apartment building decided to take a shower during the storm and the pictures of the fire department taking him from the rubble in his birthday suit were shown for weeks.

 

[Ready to go in Ok]

Our weatherman here in Huntsville, Dan Satterfield, always tells you to get in the intermost part of your house with no windows. Put the bike helmets on the kids, turn your tv up loud, and get a flashlight. The bathtub or shower are good places. We go in our closet with pillows and blankets. Oh make sure you put on your shoes. If you have to get in the shower don't decide to take a shower. Back in '89 when the tornado came through Airport Rd in Huntsville a young guy in an apartment building decided to take a shower during the storm and the pictures of the fire department taking him from the rubble in his birthday suit were shown for weeks.

Oh my goodness, I miss Dan! Does he still wear the sweaters?