[9ism]

Hello everyone! I currently reside in NYC. I visited a friend who recently moved to your beautiful state of Alabama. We visited Smith Lake in the town of Arley. I was looking buy a home there on the lake. I just been over whelmed with the amount of information out there about the Lake. My friend doesn't know much either. Could some please chime in about the neighborhood, Schools, community(crime). Also what is the best town to live in on the Lake. Thank You.

[Southlander]

It's WAY out...very rural...you'll be driving to Cullman or Jasper for WalMart, to Birmingham for serious shopping. Most, but not all, of these are homes that are used for vacation or weekend. County schools, depending on the county you're in (you've probably discovered that Smith Lake covers more than one county).

This is a manmade lake, controlled by Alabama Power. Make sure your property has "year-round" water, deep enough for a boat to use the dock. Depending on rainfall (extra or the lack thereof) and the time of year, lake water may be periodically drawn down. Your dock may be left dry.

AFAIK, there is no zoning. It's not unusual to see a million dollar home and a trailer next door. Probably no building permits or inspection, either, but I'm not sure about that. Some lots are extremely steep, others not so much.

Don't be complaining about your neighbors being toothless rednecks. They'll be the ones to come pull you out of a mudhole, or your child may marry one that's a classmate. Don't be surprised if the guy with the overalls in an old pickup truck owns a cattle farm and is worth several million dollars.

[Mawoods]

Southlander, your description is priceless and fits where we reside now. Gotta see the humor or go crazy for sure. Thanks for making my day !

[9ism]

Thank you so much for your input Southlander. lol..lol..No need to worry we don't complain about things like that...Live and let live...
We are looking for that country life style. We researched the school and we're satisfied with the results. How are the sports for children in Arley? Baseball for example?
I see you say its a vacation or weekend homes on the lake. Can you elaborate on the pros-cons of this at Smith Lake. Thanks again.

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by 9ism

Thank you so much for your input Southlander. lol..lol..No need to worry we don't complain about things like that...Live and let live...
We are looking for that country life style. We researched the school and we're satisfied with the results. How are the sports for children in Arley? Baseball for example?
I see you say its a vacation or weekend homes on the lake. Can you elaborate on the pros-cons of this at Smith Lake. Thanks again.

Sorry, I know very few stats or details. Just trying to give you an overall view. There are some year-round residents.
There is almost nobody on this particular forum from that neck of the woods. I'd go hang out someplace in Arley where they drink coffee and chat with the locals!

[9ism]

Thanks for all your help Southlander!

[Keeper]

My nephew went there to buy property a couple of years ago and came back disappointed because the lots that were for sale were so steep he said they could never build on the lot without spending mega bucks. He said you would need a tram just to get down to the lake.

There are other lakes in this area that are more convenient to shopping. There was a lot on Pine Lake in Arab for $32K, it was an acre right on the water. The downside is they do not allow motor boats but you can use a trolling motor I believe to fish. They have a community area with a pool which you can join for around $100 a year.

There is lake Guntersville which is a huge lake also. Depending on the location and if it is water front will depend on the cost of the lot or house. The lake is managed by the TVA and you have to have their permission to build a dock and most people have to share the dock with another lot.

There is also Weiss Lake but I don't know much about it other than what I have seen is pretty

[LCTMadison]

Personally, I like Weiss Lake MUCH better than Smith. My dad lives on Weiss Lake...property is much more reasonable and you are only about 1 1/2 hours from ATL (which I would rather be close to ATL than BHM). You are not that far from Rome, GA as well as Gadsden, AL.

Both Weiss and Smith have "weekenders" who own second homes on the lake and stay there on weekends and during the summer. Most of the full timers are like my dad....retired to the lake. Everyone I know that owns a lake house on Smith are "weekenders" with plans to eventually move there full time.