[CathyL100]

I have to throw my two cents worth in. We are a military family and have really tried to "bloom where planted" in the 9 areas we have lived in in 11 years. Montgomery has been the hardest by far. They do have a small zoo that the kids enjoy, the Shakespeare Festival is a pretty venue with decent performances, and the downtown area was very nice on the Saturday we went down to show it to in-laws. That being said, there are some things that I really struggle with here. The schools where we live (Prattville where the schools are supposed to be better than Montgomery) are significantly behind Illinois (St Louis area) and Texas/California where I taught. You look at a schools test scores/national ratings and think you should be okay but it is extremely relative. The other thing is what my husband calls "laziness" but I have never had such a hard time dealing with service related people who have absolutely no pride in their work. And not just an occasional occurence or just at Walmart. Even high paid professionals. If you want good service you have to request/demand it. This is not singular to the Montgomery area but the level you deal with it is extraordinary. I am pretty laid back and this has still driven me crazy. Southern hospitality is a little thin. Finally, the undercurrent of religious intolerance is unbelievable in 2008. If we had a choice, I would absolutely look more toward the northern part of the state.

[pennquaker09]

I personally think the Southern Hospitality thing is overrated. Sure people here in Philly are rude, but I can say the same thing about my dear home state.

[southernerd]

Originally Posted by pennquaker09

I personally think the Southern Hospitality thing is overrated. Sure people here in Philly are rude, but I can say the same thing about my dear home state.

It doesn't hurt, but I think a lot of "foreigners" believe it's more sincere than it is. I had a friend who moved here from Chicago. He was blown away by everyone's friendliness when they said he could come visit anytime... until he tried dropping by with a six-pack.

Folks should be warned that Southern Hospitality is not an indication that people like you, but a means of coexisting with them even though they don't.

CathyL100, I'm interested to hear what religious intolerance you've encountered. I'm not religious, but in real life I keep my views so close to my chest that I have no idea whether my neighbors would accept me, ostracize me, or slash my tires if they knew I wasn't another Christian. I've found "What church do you go to?" is a common first question for people to ask when they meet you. I've been saying "I'm between churches." I'm not saying it's a good way to live, but I'm tied to the area, and I'm going to have to live with their reactions.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by southernerd

CathyL100, I'm interested to hear what religious intolerance you've encountered. I'm not religious, but in real life I keep my views so close to my chest that I have no idea whether my neighbors would accept me, ostracize me, or slash my tires if they knew I wasn't another Christian. I've found "What church do you go to?" is a common first question for people to ask when they meet you. I've been saying "I'm between churches." I'm not saying it's a good way to live, but I'm tied to the area, and I'm going to have to live with their reactions.

I have a hard time understanding this too. I live in a small town north of Mobile and I have never been nagged about not going to church. In fact, most of the people I know don't go to church (except older people). I have never moved somewhere and been asked "what church do you attend?", even in rural areas.

[Keeper]

When I moved back to N. AL. I had a few ppl say 'if you are looking for a church, I go to XYZ'. I would thank them. They never mentioned it again.

[harry chickpea]

Church "families" are more common in rural north Alabama. If someone is an active member of a church and something bad happens to them, it isn't unusual for the churchfolk to find that person a free place to live, or provide food, or help with chores for an extended period.

When asked if you go to a church, part of what is going on is a discovery of your general denomination or beliefs, and if confluent with the person asking, a possible invitation to become a member of their church family. I don't find it offensive in the slightest, and am pleased to get such offers. If I was more willing to tolerate dogma and had not studied a lot in past years, I might seriously consider such an opening. Instead, I do my studying on my own, sometimes surprising people with my knowledge of comparative religions and history. However, I try to keep those discussions to a minimum, as there is no positive point in sidetracking another person's spiritual path, especially if it works for them and keeps them in a supportive community.

[CathyL100]

Sorry it has taken a bit to get back to your question. I have only witnessed the religious issues from the sidelines. I too keep my religion close to my heart and don't broadcast it so most don't seem to have issues with it. That being said, I have heard people say things such as "I would invite her to my child's party but they are suchandsuch religion." Things like that. Not ever ugliness like can happen, mostly the undercurrent. I am sure it is the church family thing more than anything. I think the most glaring was when someone asked another lady in our group if she had a church, her response was she did such and such church (a mainstream protestant), and the lady literally turned her back on her and didn't speak to her again. The poor gal was so shocked and obviously bewildered. She was new to the area. Not much of my belief of Christian behavior. Just things like that. Now our Muslim friend, she can give you an earful of the shameful behavior she has been subjected to in Alabama. Yikes.

[moma4faith]

Just jumping in to plug North Alabama.

The entire northern region of the state is beautiful, with the Tennessee River winding through it. Lots of nice towns near Huntsville. Huntsville is booming, lots of jobs and good housing prices when you compare nationally. It is pretty up here - lakes, mountains, lots of outdoor activities. And Huntsville has a symphony, the Von Braun Civic Center (always concerts, plays and things going on) and wonderful parks and museums. On the northern end, it takes about 2 hours to drive from one side of the state to the other, so you can go from Scottsboro all the way to Florence on highway 72 and explore. It is wonderful up here. I've lived in Scottsboro, Huntsville, Bridgeport, Florence and Arab. All very nice towns, some bigger than others. There are several towns in proximity to Huntsville that are nice bedroom communities. You can have all the quiet comforts of home, while still having quick access to the metro area in 30 minutes or less.

The Huntsville area is a great location if you are interested in being within driving distance of places like Nashville, Atlanta, Memphis, Chattanooga and the Gulf region. You can go to the beach for a weekend, or you can go to the mountains for a weekend and it is all drivable.

The Huntsville area has an influx of people from different regions of the nation, as well as different parts of the world. I think just about anyone would feel welcome in this area.