Thinking of relocating

I have absolutely no clue why I didn't look at AL - it sounds like that's somewhere I really need to look at more closely!!! How would you describe the weather in AL? I've been to Florida and Louisiana and Arizona multiple times - anything I can compare it with? (And thanks sooo much to everyone for your advice!!!)

I live in the Huntsville area too! The advice is spot on about this area! I was really surprised how much I love it. It can be humid in the low flat places but there are mountains throughout the state of AL that provide elevation/relief from humidity too. And we have a/c here!

Also, this area is very highly educated and the city of Huntsville has superior public facilities ... THREE municipal pools, all kept at different temps for the comfort of swimmers! And then there's NASA, space camp, etc. And so much outdoors ... It's a beautiful area and the although the cost of living is low, salaries are higher than TN and NC in my experience.

You should definitely think of AL! (You DID mention college football! )

AL weather can be as warm and humid as FL in the summer and can be almost as cold as MI in the winter.... Not really that cold but today it is 30 degrees this morning but will get up to 50 this afternoon. We actually did have snow 3 years ago. We had 8". Don't laugh but it closed the whole county for 4 days. Overall, the weather is not too extreme in either direction.

As for Huntsville, being in daycare there would be a number of places to work. Madison county, where HSV is located is the most affluent county in the state but is also very reasonable as far as cost of living goes.

I have lived in the northeast and have traveled to most of the US (42 states). I have stayed in other states for extended periods of time. I will retire here in AL and think that it is one of the best, hidden places to live. Although, Forbes magazine, Travel channel and other magazines and tv stations have discovered Huntsville and have ranked it high for living and retiring.

Ok...forgot to mention that we are HUGE Detroit Tigers fans...so help me out with some baseball too!!! ;-)
Thank you so much you guys...oh wait...if I'm moving south, I have to get used to saying "y'all" don't I? lol

I think my daughter is really thinking Ole Miss unless she gets into Tulane or Rice - so how far of a commute would Birmingham/Huntsville be for her? She would still live on campus, not at home...but I also want her to be able to come home once in awhile. ;-)

OH - and my older daughter (who would be moving with me) is really interested in historical/war kind of stuff.

Both Huntsville, and Birmingham are about 3 hours east of Oxford........depending on how fast you drive. ;-)

Ok...forgot to mention that we are HUGE Detroit Tigers fans...so help me out with some baseball too!!! ;-)
Thank you so much you guys...oh wait...if I'm moving south, I have to get used to saying "y'all" don't I? lol

I think my daughter is really thinking Ole Miss unless she gets into Tulane or Rice - so how far of a commute would Birmingham/Huntsville be for her? She would still live on campus, not at home...but I also want her to be able to come home once in awhile. ;-)

OH - and my older daughter (who would be moving with me) is really interested in historical/war kind of stuff.

Huntsville is under 200 miles to Ole Miss. About a 3 hour drive.

Baseball: Currently Huntsville has the Stars. They may move to Biloxi, MS. However, I do not think that Huntsville would be without a minor league baseball team for a long time. We also have the Alabama Hammers which is an indoor arena football team.

I would have to reasearch historical/war kinds of stuff. I know that there is some stuff around but not too sure about it. There is PLENTY of historical stuff on the space program here. And Space & Rocket camp is here....

Truthfully, you lost me when I realized you want to move from Big 10 country to the SEC. Ugh...the calamity!

Also, I am a true yankee...my opinion of the south is...well...an opinion. I like snow too much (especially at Christmas), and the awesome change of seasons. I don't think I could ever live permanently in the south. Vacation yes. Live and deal with the bugs, and heat, and bugs, and humidity, and bugs...

All I can say is wherever you choose, make sure YOU choose it, and not someone else for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np4AMJRc4GA