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PERSONAL: Company wants me to move to Huntsville, AL. Any words of advice?
10/11/11 | me

Posted on 10/11/2011 10:13:07 AM PDT by kosciusko51

I work for an engineering company that would like me to relocate to Huntsville AL from the Pittsburgh PA area. It is a big decision for my wife and I. I grew up near where I currently live and my extended family is nearby. Other than one co-worker and a few business acquaintances, I know no one in the Huntsville area.

Are there any locals that can give me advice on the area? Schools, churches, neighborhoods, activities, places to avoid, etc?

Thanks,
K51


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Miscellaneous; Travel
KEYWORDS: alabama
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To: kosciusko51

You’re fortunate! Great city. More intelligent people in one place than most other places in the world. I’m not talking pseudo-intellectual, like Harvard. People who know how to make things and do things.

I have a very good friend who lives there. I live in Washington State, and envy you.

We are replete with morons and statists here. This election cycle there is an epic battle on whether the state should continue to sell liquor out of state liquor stores, or whether it should all be privatized.

This is a real squeaker, which should tell you all you need know about this idiotic mess of a state. If they can’t do the easy things here, I can’t imagine the pain that’s going to ensue in a year or so.


61 posted on 10/11/2011 11:28:54 AM PDT by RinaseaofDs (Does beheading qualify as 'breaking my back', in the Jeffersonian sense of the expression?)
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To: kosciusko51
If you or your wife is into entertainment like gambling, horseracing, musical acts or shows then don't move to Huntsville. I've had friends move here and complain that there's nothing to do. If you like golf, fishing, boating or camping then you can do those things almost year round.
62 posted on 10/11/2011 11:34:09 AM PDT by djone
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To: kosciusko51

Not sure if you’ve ever relocated before, my first experience was about a year ago (and about 1,400 miles).

I’ll assume you and your wife are all-in. If not, have a long conversation to make absolutely certain you are. If you’re not, don’t do it. Here’s what I’d offer:

1. If you’re being offered a relocation package see if it covers your realtor fee to sell your house, covers your moving expenses including 2 cars, temporary housing, temporary storage, and a short term rental car. Get at least 1 multi-day visit to the area (paid for by the company) to sort out where you’re going to live. Ask for these things.

2. Assume your moving company will fail to meet your timeline. Long distance moves, especially at certian times of the year, will not go as expected. Plan ahead by moving a couple weeks worth of clothese with you. If you have kids, bring toys.

3. Would not suggest buying a house immediately. Sure, it sucks to move twice. It sucks more if you buy a house only to find that it isn’t the right neighborhood for you. Once you move you’ll develop better perceptions on the right place to live. Do recommend renting a house if you’re used to a lot of space and/or don’t want to pay for storage of all your crap. Oh yeah, use a Realtor to help find a rental - they will get you in to see properties faster and may guide you on neighborhoods, etc.

4. If your wife doesn’t work (stays home with the kids) understand that it could be tough on her. She will not have the benefit of going to work each day, meeting new people, adult conversation, etc. If she’s not an outgoing person, help her get involved in things. Even a part time job is a good idea.

6. Become a part of the community - find a church, help out at school, join cub scouts, introduce yourself to neighbors, etc.

7. Set expectations with the family - moving is tough, going to a new school can mean having to make a lot of new friends, etc. It absolutely does get better and if you do it right can be one hell of an adventure.

Good luck!


63 posted on 10/11/2011 11:36:45 AM PDT by Made In The USA (This post may be recorded for quality purposes.)
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To: military cop; utahagen; Mikey_1962; where's_the_Outrage?; notpoliticallycorewrecked; DustyMoment; ..
Thank you all for your help! If the people of Huntsville are half as kind and helpful as you have been, it will be an easy move.

Now, to some, I don't know what you think of PA, but I grew up in rural PA. We were taught how to shoot, hunt, and fish as kids. Also, many of the schools here are closed the first day of deer season, due to the number of hunters.

So, other than the Alabama to English language barrier, I don't think it will be that much culture shock.

64 posted on 10/11/2011 11:37:00 AM PDT by kosciusko51
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To: kosciusko51

Check your freepmail. I am in a meeting until 1:30 CST.


65 posted on 10/11/2011 11:37:02 AM PDT by WayneM (Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe.)
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To: Made In The USA

The wife and I are going to take an trip down there to see if it is the right move. We have moved in the past, so we know some of the ins and outs, but your advice is appreciated, since it has been awhile since our last move.


66 posted on 10/11/2011 11:39:27 AM PDT by kosciusko51
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To: kosciusko51

THe weather is great (well, other than the occasional tornado or ice storm), the people are nice, friendly and helpful, the city is clean and the state is CONSERVATIVE! What else is there to know. :-)

Just learn these 6 things up front:
1. Alabama or Auburn: Study up now, you will be REQUIRED to declare as soon as you step foot in the state!

2. Learn to say Sweet or Unsweet when ordering tea, and never expect it to be hot.

3. Be prepared to give your soda order when someone asks you what kind of Coke you would like.

4. Learn to say you a ‘Fixin to’ when stating you are going to do something.

5. Offer to ‘CARRY’ people with you if you are going to a store or restaurant.

6. If someone says “bless ur heart” to you, immediately try and figure out how you offended them or pissed them off.


67 posted on 10/11/2011 11:41:10 AM PDT by commish (Freedom tastes sweetest to those who have fought to preserve it.)
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68 posted on 10/11/2011 11:46:33 AM PDT by TheOldLady (FReepmail me to get ON or OFF the ZOT LIGHTNING ping list)
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To: commish

Thanks. I think I know the answer to the first, since Joe Namath grew up in Western PA. I’m not sure what you mean by #5. I’ve heard about #6 before.


69 posted on 10/11/2011 11:49:08 AM PDT by kosciusko51
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To: kosciusko51

The only thing you don’t already love about Alabama, and just don’t know it, is grits. But as with any other food, the addition of enough melted butter and sorghum molasses makes ‘em nice ‘n tasty.


70 posted on 10/11/2011 11:51:35 AM PDT by Mr. Lucky
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To: kosciusko51

No translation necessary. It’s an extremely cosmopolitan place. In fact, you are going to find a substantial community of Germans there. It’s no coincidence that Werner Von Braun and his team settled here while they were working with one of the armed forces on their rocket project. Huntsville is also known as ‘The Rocket City’.

Redstone Arsenal is close by, for example. The only culture shock will be adjusting a bit to the weather, and to the difference in hunting season calendars.

One interesting cultural aspect is that one’s family is known a bit by the church they go to. There are more churches there than you can shake a stick at. Church is still a very important fiber in the fabric of society down there.

Last I was down there, they still had an Orchestra (chamber and philharmonic), theater group, and other cultural diversions you’d normally find in much bigger cities. Schools were excellent at the time as well. It’s been about five years for me.


71 posted on 10/11/2011 12:03:27 PM PDT by RinaseaofDs (Does beheading qualify as 'breaking my back', in the Jeffersonian sense of the expression?)
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To: kosciusko51

#5 is another of those Alabama to English things. Imagine a conversation:

“Hey I’m Fixin to run to Walmart, ya’ll need anything?”

“I need some stuff, can you Carry me up there with you?”

“Sure, hop in the truck!”


72 posted on 10/11/2011 12:25:19 PM PDT by commish (Freedom tastes sweetest to those who have fought to preserve it.)
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Comment #73 Removed by Moderator

To: commish

Ah, thanks. That helps!


74 posted on 10/11/2011 12:28:31 PM PDT by kosciusko51
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To: kosciusko51
Moe's Original BBQ

Great pulled pork, marinated slaw (vinegar-based cole slaw, as God intended), and assorted microbrews to wash it down. A little bit o'heaven.

75 posted on 10/11/2011 12:34:51 PM PDT by Cincinatus (Omnia relinquit servare Rempublicam)
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To: kosciusko51
I have always heard that Pennsylvania was defined as Philadelphia in the East, Pittsburgh in the West, and Alabama in between so it should be ok.
76 posted on 10/11/2011 12:47:24 PM PDT by Mikey_1962 (Obama: The Affirmative Action President.)
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To: kosciusko51
Now, to some, I don't know what you think of PA, but I grew up in rural PA. We were taught how to shoot, hunt, and fish as kids.

Last year I competed in the Hog Roast benchrest shoot at Fairchance Gun Club...it's near Smithfield. That's as out in the sticks as anywhere in Alabama.

When you get into the area, freepmail me and I'll get you some contact info on ranges and other shooters in the area.

You are going to love Alabama!

77 posted on 10/11/2011 1:13:08 PM PDT by 6ppc (It's torch and pitchfork time)
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To: kosciusko51
We were taught how to shoot, hunt, and fish as kids.

Then you're going to HATE Alabama because they LOVE shooting, hunting and fishing!!

/sarc

Can't guarantee that schools will close the first day of deer season, but I'm sure that they will make up for it somehow!!

Good luck!!

78 posted on 10/11/2011 1:16:00 PM PDT by DustyMoment (Congress - Another name for white collar criminals!!)
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To: kosciusko51
We were taught how to shoot, hunt, and fish as kids.

Then you're going to HATE Alabama because they LOVE shooting, hunting and fishing!!

/sarc

Can't guarantee that schools will close the first day of deer season, but I'm sure that they will make up for it somehow!!

Good luck!!

79 posted on 10/11/2011 1:16:17 PM PDT by DustyMoment (Congress - Another name for white collar criminals!!)
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To: dfwgator
Buck up. It could be worse; you could be me.

LSU this week. At Bama next week. South Carolina the next.

80 posted on 10/11/2011 1:28:07 PM PDT by tnlibertarian (Things are so bad now, Kenyans are saying Obama was born in the USA.)
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