BKelly

Sorry for the non-travel question.
The wife and I may be looking to relocate to Chattanooga, TN, Huntsville, AL, Rome, GA, or possibly Birmingham, AL (not Atlanta - too big), so we can split the difference between our parents in Charlotte, NC and Oxford, MS. We currently live in Charlotte, but would prefer a smaller to medium sized city. We're not real familiar w/ any of these cities yet, so I'm looking for input from those of you who know these areas, or even the names of other cities you'd recommend.
Jobs will obviously be a major factor. I have a masters in public administration w/ 7 years government management experience, but would be willing to go into another field. She has a background in hospitality and wedding planning. No kids yet, but probably within the next couple of years, so schools are important as well.
Ideal location would be no more than a 6 hour drive from both Charlotte and Oxford. Any input would be appreciated.

ausc59

I'm not sure any of your choices meet the 6 hour requitement from Charlotte. The area south of B'ham (Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Mtn Brook) all have excellent schools - and there are good private schools there as well. South Huntsville (the Madison area) is also good. But I fear that you are looking at more like 7-8 hours to Charlotte there and I really have no idea what the job market is like. Maybe you should pursue that angle first and see where it matches up?

starrsville

After looking at the route on mapquest, I'd look into Gainesville, GA or Birmingham.

bamakelly

AUSC79: Madison is Northwest Huntsville, not South. Both Madison and Southeast Huntsville are lovely locations, but are very different (and far away) from one another.

BKelly: I lived in Birmingham for almost 10 years and I currently live in Huntsville. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. You may email me at [email protected].

Of the 5 places I have ever lived, Huntsville is my favorite and Birmingham my second favorite. Birmingham does not qualify, in my opinion, as a smaller-to-medium sized city. I think it's bigger than that. Huntsville is definitely on the smaller end. But it has everything to offer that a big city has. As far as jobs, Huntsville has a very large gov't component, and I would guess that the market is ripe for good wedding planning. Schools here are excellent, epecially in Jones Valley, Hampton Cove, Blossomwood, or Madison. Birmingham has its fair share of good schools too, especially the over-the-mountain schools and some of Shelby County (more affordable living). Both places have good private schools, but they are not necessary, as the public schools offer plenty. Feel free to ask more when you need it.

Oh--and Huntsville was just rated #2 in the nation by salary.com for "best bang for your buck" -- your salary will go much farther here as far as real estate and quality of life.

bamakelly

You might also factor in that Independence Air flies out of Huntsville and has a flight to Charlotte. It's not a direct flight, but it is a smaller, affordable airline and may cancel out the driving factor altogether.

bamakelly

Ausc79--I meant WEST, not NORTHWEST H'ville for Madison! Sorry! Not a big deal anyway; just wanted to make sure the OP knows the difference b/t South Huntsvile and Madison.

ausc59

Thanks for correcting that - I am definitely directionally-challenged! I travel more by the "turn at McDonalds" school than the "take the Hwy North" school!

BKelly

Thank you everyone for your replies. BamaKelly, I may be sending you an email concerning Huntsville once my wife and I cut the list down to two cities. Thanks again!

bamakelly

Ausc--Me too! I completely understand. Just didn't want the OP to be confused.

BKelly--Email me anytime. I can fill you in on B'ham or Huntsville, either one. Good luck!

Wayne

Having gone to work in Huntsville in the glory days of the space age when the whole city was planning for the first moon shot, and having been there when Kennedy was assassinated, and having been there through many space launches for which I traveled to the Cape -- I have to say that Huntsville is one of the prettiest medium size cities I've ever been in. There are parts of Birmingham (like Vestavia) that are also lovely, as are parts of Chattanooga.

I'd venture to say that if your profession were in a technical field, Huntsville would be your best bet by far. It's a birthplace of numerous small technical companies as well as home to NASA's space work. If you aren't a techie, I think you will have a hard time just as one of my relatives has recently found after moving there.

So don't eliminate the other cities, but I'd suggest you focus primarily on Huntsville or Birmingham. Good luck.