Is Decatur the place for relocation?? (Huntsville, Madison: rent, modular home, neighborhood)

[pathrunner]

$1200 will get you a one bedroom in South Huntsville near Hwy 231. That was last year, according to a person I'm acquainted with. It went up from $900 in one fell swoop. Mgmt was trying to get rid of people so they could renovate/redecorate and charge more. They absorbed the $300 increase. I imagine that $1200 amount has turned into $1300 or more since it's a year later. You won't find anything with a yard for the dog at that price, unless you go far flung. Even then....

I'm thinking that's why you're looking at Decatur... because it's cheaper there?

[arosilus]

Originally Posted by pathrunner

$1200 will get you a one bedroom in South Huntsville near Hwy 231. That was last year, according to a person I'm acquainted with. It went up from $900 in one fell swoop. Mgmt was trying to get rid of people so they could renovate/redecorate and charge more. They absorbed the $300 increase. I imagine that $1200 amount has turned into $1300 or more since it's a year later. You won't find anything with a yard for the dog at that price, unless you go far flung. Even then....

I'm thinking that's why you're looking at Decatur... because it's cheaper there?

We kinda looking into that for that reason however the police for decatur and madison reviews are not no "friendly". It appears and that can become a dealbreaker altogether for us. If you cant rely on the police to protect and serve it's useless.

[RocketDawg]

Originally Posted by arosilus

We kinda looking into that for that reason however the police for decatur and madison reviews are not no "friendly". It appears and that can become a dealbreaker altogether for us. If you cant rely on the police to protect and serve it's useless.

Not sure what you are referring to. I've heard of no problems with either the Madison or the Decatur police, other than people complaining after they've gotten a speeding ticket or some other traffic violation.

[arosilus]

Hello all we definitely appreciate all feedback. It kinda limits us to only two places out of the whole state madison, and huntsville (not a very good sign). With alot of people saying (stay close to Huntsville) that gives a "red flag". Oddly enough reviewing the police departments in Madison, Athens and huntsville doesnt review to well according to google.

[RocketDawg]

Originally Posted by arosilus

Hello all we definitely appreciate all feedback. It kinda limits us to only two places out of the whole state madison, and huntsville (not a very good sign). With alot of people saying (stay close to Huntsville) that gives a "red flag". Oddly enough reviewing the police departments in Madison, Athens and huntsville doesnt review to well according to google.

Could you be specific about what you discovered about the police departments?

[pathrunner]

Reading online reviews can be misleading. Usually it's disgruntled people posting negative reviews because people who have good experiences tend to not think of taking the time to post about it.

[BigfishTim]

Originally Posted by arosilus

Hello all we definitely appreciate all feedback. It kinda limits us to only two places out of the whole state madison, and huntsville (not a very good sign). With alot of people saying (stay close to Huntsville) that gives a "red flag". Oddly enough reviewing the police departments in Madison, Athens and huntsville doesnt review to well according to google.

I think the reason people recommend Huntsville because you said both of you are city people, enjoy city activities, bars, concerts, etc. Why is Huntsville a red flag?

Let me also address the elephant in the room - outsiders & race factors. You have two strikes against you in smaller towns like Decatur. Whereas both Madison & Huntsville are more accepting. I lived in Madison, we had mix of Black's, Hispanics, Asians, and Mormons in our subdivision and everyone get along. Huntsville does have black neighborhoods, but it's more driven by crimes and economic levels rather than race. Madison doesn't have exclusively black neighborhoods. I've read that 75% people of Huntsville (and I include Madison too) are transplants from out of state. Most "natives" Alabamians retreated to outskirts cities like Athens & Decatur.

[arosilus]

Originally Posted by BigfishTim

I think the reason people recommend Huntsville because you said both of you are city people, enjoy city activities, bars, concerts, etc. Why is Huntsville a red flag?

Let me also address the elephant in the room - outsiders & race factors. You have two strikes against you in smaller towns like Decatur. Whereas both Madison & Huntsville are more accepting. I lived in Madison, we had mix of Black's, Hispanics, Asians, and Mormons in our subdivision and everyone get along. Huntsville does have black neighborhoods, but it's more driven by crimes and economic levels rather than race. Madison doesn't have exclusively black neighborhoods. I've read that 75% people of Huntsville (and I include Madison too) are transplants from out of state. Most "natives" Alabamians retreated to outskirts cities like Athens & Decatur.

Believe it or not we had just as many people mention Athens as well as madison. While all of these places to Tanner, as you said (we already have 2 strikes AGAINST us We aren't even there yet LOL just because we are who we are) After reviewing the crime statistics it appears decatur DOES have a higher rate so not considering there anymore( we agreeing with you) although it cheaper. However I'm speaking of the interactions between police and the citizens in that area as well huntsville included. I definitely appreciate your HONESTY. These are the exact things we need to know about. It's good to be straight to the point. Alabama may be considered our permanent home if things is good. Although many would say its crazy that I immediately mentioned about our race in the beginning. As you can see it makes a BIG difference is where we LAND that's the REASON I mentioned it.


As far as the "city life, entertainment etc" yes this is something we enjoy alot of and social interaction. I'm sure you're familiar with the term "have fun and come home where it's quiet". That's our goal if that makes any sense. We are not looking to offend anyone just seeking knowledge and constructive criticism.


It's like the old saying my husband and I are the "cows in this situation" we are more afraid of you then you are of us considering it US coming into YOUR territory.

[pathrunner]

I think you are being overly cautious. There are quite a few inter-racial couples in Huntsville. I saw a statistic that at least 2/3 of the people in Huntsville are from somewhere else, which indicates people who have lived in diverse areas in the past. If you can afford it, it's the best place for you to be, rather than the outlying areas. It sounds like you've already ruled it out, though.

[BigfishTim]

Originally Posted by arosilus

Believe it or not we had just as many people mention Athens as well as madison. While all of these places to Tanner, as you said (we already have 2 strikes AGAINST us just because we are who we are) After reviewing the crime statistics it appears decatur DOES have a higher rate so not considering there anymore although it cheaper. However I'm speaking of the interactions between police and the citizens in that area as well huntsville included. I definitely appreciate your HONESTY. These are the exact things we need to know about. It's good to be straight to the point. Alabama may be considered our permanent home if things is good. Although many would say its crazy that I immediately mentioned about our race in the beginning. As you can see it makes a BIG difference is where we LAND that's the REASON I mentioned it.


It's like the old saying my husband and I are the "cows in this situation" we are more afraid of you then you are of us considering it US coming into YOUR territory.

That's why I recommended Madison. Huntsville is good as well but maybe a little far for your husband's commute.

I had a coworker who's also a mixed race couple. He's black and she's white. I have NEVER hear him complain about the police although he's black. We did lunch almost everyday so we are pretty open to each other about our opinions.

Perhaps you need to hear from a black person who knows what's it like to live in this area. Unfortunately I don't know anyone on this forum.

ETA:
alternatively you & husband maybe able to plan a "house hunting trip" to visit the area. Connect with a black realtor so you can ask specific questions. Some he/she may not give you a straight answer "for legal reasons " but between a wink & a nod you can get a pretty good idea. For example, during our house hunting trip my realtor said legally I can't answer this question, but if you see I lock door of my car you'd know we're in a not-so-good neighborhood