If I Didn't Live Here, I Would Live Where?

Well, hello again....my topic for this post is, "If I Didn't Live Here, I Would Live Where?" This is sort of hard to say...since there are so many places that I "like", but I don't know if that "like" constitutes into somewhere I would want to "live". For example, we've visited several places in the Southeast (don't want to live up North), and I enjoy spending a few days at each of them, but when it comes to settling on a  long-term basis, I'm really torn. Anyway, I have grown particularly fond of one place--that pace is Huntsville, Alabama, and I will tell you why...

My sister and her family currently live there (well, they actually live in Madison), and upon one of my very first visits there, I found Huntsville to be a nice mix of city and country! My current town is very rural, and it's not always convenient to make a run into town, so the nice variety of shopping and eating areas make Huntsville very attractive! There are many stores there that we do not have locally here. It also seems like prices are considerably lower there. I don't know if it's the high volume of customers they have which allows them to offer so much for so little, but I thoroughly enjoy myself when we visit. I love squeezing in some shopping sprees during the visit! Plus, there are so many subdivisions, and you can regularly find a nice yard sale on almost every corner!



Space Center, Huntsville, AL

People in the area seem so genuinely caring and friendly. I know this can vary by the particular area you are in, but for the most part, I feel a strong sense of community and family in general. Neighbors are cordial and visit, and you feel safe taking a stroll down the street. As for offering a taste of the "country", I love the fact that at my sister's home, you can look out the window and see horses grazing but at the same time still be able to be at a dollar store in less than five minutes! You can have your peace and quiet of country, but still have access to the things you need at your fingertips!

             Bridge Street Shopping Area
I also like the numerous activities available for young people! If there's something your kids are interested in, you can just about find it in the Huntsville area. From gymnastics to bowling, and all the rest in-between, a young (or young at heart) person won't have a hard time finding fun things to do! There are amusement centers, swimming pools, sports facilities and all kinds of varied activities for young and old alike to participate in. What I particularly like is the fact that you don't have to drive forty-five minutes to over and hour to get to these activities. Huntsville has a nice assortment of fun things right there in its local radius!

Another thing I like about Huntsville is the area seems to have a strong educational system. Having two young boys, I would want them to be in an area that promotes education. Some of the schools there are large, but they offer so many courses that kids should actually be able to have some "fun" while in school! The schools I have seen appear to be in good condition..as a matter of fact...they look almost new! The grounds are nice and neat, and there is usually a school located not far from most of the more populated areas. The schools there offer many advanced courses, and even if that isn't your child's cup of tea, it's nice to have those options! In addition to the academic benefits, there are plentiful athletic and extracurricular activities affiliated with the schools. I do believe it would be difficult to claim you are "bored" and have "nothing to do" in an area such as this...if you are "bored" there, it must be you!!

Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Vistors Bureau "Click Here to Visit the Site Listed"

I almost most add that the job market there is booming! Industry and businesses there do well due to the numerous government contract jobs in the area. The jobs are plentiful and the pay is sufficient. There's much room for advancement, and you have plenty opportunity to settle in a satisfying career.

In closing, I must say that Huntsville seems to offer a nice blend of opportunities. An area such as this can allow you to have a taste of country with all the amenities of the city. All the subdivisions popping up all over the place are evidence of the area's continuing growth.  The job market is attractive, salaries are competitive, and the future looks bright. For me, Huntsville would be suitable because I have family there, my kids could grow educationally and socially there, and it would be great to run to a Wal-Mart or Kroger without burning half a tank of gas to get there and back!