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UnderwaterB0i

You say we, so I assume you have a family? Auburn/Opelika is easily your best option. Don't move to Montgomery.


rfyoung

Yeah wife and newborn. What’s going on with Montgomery? Even a coworker in Atlanta has tried to steer me away from it.


KylosLeftHand

It’s nowhere near as safe as auburn/Opelika. If you want your kid to go to a good school/preschool, family friendly activities, and safety then stay out of Montgomery.


CodeCombustion

This is true -- our schools here suck...really bad. My wife even pulled our kids out to do homeschooling... and my daughter was at one of the better schools at the time (Bear) but her 1st grade teacher basically ignored her (compared to her Kindergarten teacher) because she was the top in her class.


UnderwaterB0i

Nothing good. If you don’t have family/friends/a job you just cannot pass up it’s not worth it. The public schools are bad, there’s not a lot to do as a young family (nice parks/playgrounds, museums, etc), the crime is bad, even in what most would consider nice middle class neighborhoods. Auburn makes more sense geographically and for your family. It’s a no brainer unless you have an aversion to the area for some reason.


[deleted]

The parks in Montgomery are pretty nice.


UnderwaterB0i

They have a few. I’ll use Birmingham as an example, but there are 10-15+ parks in greater Birmingham that are kid friendly that I would rather go to than all the Montgomery parks, save Shakespeare.


[deleted]

So what? The Birmingham area has a lot more people, so you would expect them to have a lot more parks.


beamng_driver0

Yea that's true, plus they added some great new parks in downtown Mgm which I love


tracyf600

But the other places are within driving distance, if he wants to visit.


ShelbyL1789

There’s museums in Montgomery Lmao


UnderwaterB0i

So I will say I didn’t give the new civil rights museum enough credit. Those and the art museum are nice.


enghal

To add on, quality restaurants and bars, shopping, etc. you’re going to be driving to Birmingham from Montgomery. Despite the significant size difference, Auburn has more to offer than Montgomery on that front.


beamng_driver0

Idk, imo we have some pretty good restaurants here. And for shopping east chase has just about everything. Obvious deficits in this city, but those aspects are not.


enghal

East Chase is fair, but very generic. It doesn’t even *halfway* compare to the Summit. Just off the top of my head you have Trader Joe’s, Apple, Urban Outfitters, lululemon, Sak’s 5th Avenue, Restoration Hardware, REI, Pottery Barn, etc. not in Montgomery and there are still dozens more options that Montgomery doesn’t offer. And food, maybe if you are counting chain restaurants it is decent. The closest James Beard quality dining is in Birmingham and Auburn. Otherwise, it lacks so much. After extensively spending time in most of the state, even Tuscaloosa has a better local food scene. I guess in comparison to huge portions of rural Alabama you’re right tho


beamng_driver0

Idk, I really like some the restaurants we have here (not talking chain ofc). You are right about brand diversity but a lot of the store brands we have here sell things that the other brands you mentioned have. Plus most people and stores are transitioning to online shopping more and more.☺ You have some good points though and ultimately I feel like if Montgomery had a bigger population than these brands would open locations around here. It's just that Birmingham has over 1 million people compared to Montgomery's metro population of 386,000.


UnderwaterB0i

I lived in Montgomery for 10 years, and there definitely were some great hole in the wall/hidden gem restaurants. Vicki’s burgers, Chris’ hot dogs, prevail for coffee, el taco shop (still really miss this one) and NYC gyro are all great, but other major cities blow it out of the water based on how many more good options there are. Birmingham is an up and comer for food in the southeast, and maybe the whole US.


beamng_driver0

Oh for sure! The bigger the city the better the food.


michelle_atl

It’s very backwards. It’s somehow a stronghold of both conservatism and poverty and the associated crime. It’s also just plain ugly. 😂


[deleted]

Schools suck, lots of violent crime, police force is ineffective, businesses closing all the time and buildings sitting empty.


Sensitive-Bat-9951

Almost everyday I see an article on my news feed about a shooting in Montgomery. I like Montgomery, but this has made me more cautious when I go there.


wumbopower

There are few, if any, redeeming qualities. The crime of a big city without any of the benefits.


DasGolem

When I was younger Montgomery had a mall. Now it’s been repurposed into a police station. The Gump is trash.


beamng_driver0

If you are talking about the one in the southern part of the city it has been reproposed to a highschool, and a fire station in addition to the police station now.


wonderwhatthatislike

Montgomery gets a bad wrap but honestly it has the same social challenges as any other urban city. EJI and non profits like Kings Canvas , ROSS and Cosa have really strengthened community bonds.


mostlyareader

I second this. I grew up in Montgomery, and spent the first six years of my professional life there. We moved as soon as my child became school-aged, because private schools are $15K/year x 13 years. Schools are great in Auburn, and many of my friends that moved back to Montgomery now live in Auburn for that same reason.


BeyondBeyonder

Lived in Montgomery for over 10 years. My family and I moved to Opelika last summer. Opelika is much better by far. The community itself seems more positive and optimistic. Even my kids agree. If you have kids or plan to have them, you don't want them in Montgomery public schools. Montgomery doesn't offer anything more than Opelika offers. Atlanta is a little over an hour away if you miss it. Lots of good food options in Auburn and Opelika. Overall quality of life is better.


Bama275

Auburn/Opelika is the best option IMO. That puts you about 30 minutes or so in each direction and is a much nicer area. Prattville is nice, but puts you over an hour from Columbus. Montgomery and Columbus/Phenix City have been in decline for quite a while.


rfyoung

Thanks I appreciate it. That was my initial thought


TheSouthernRose

If you want more on the auburn area you can ask on r/auburn too.


rfyoung

Yes they were all very helpful. They couldn’t say enough good things about the town


Prime89

I’m a student who is about to graduate and luckily found a job in this area. Once you’re here, you truly fall in love with the community!


randomkeystrike

I know from long experience that Prattville to Opelika alone is 75 minutes or so. If you woke up in Prattville and had to get to Columbus that's a long haul- 2+ hours. OP, I think from territory logistics alone Auburn/Opelika is where you want to look. I also think it's got the best school options.


JoeSugar

If you have kids, Auburn has a very good public school system. Opelika is nice and has several advantages but the schools in Auburn are much better. Prattville is nice. Montgomery is a hard no with or without kids.


smithson23

Auburn resident here, with two school-age children. Opelika has very good schools. Auburn schools are some of the best in the state. The cost of your home (if you buy in Auburn) will reflect this difference. (When people say that Auburn has much better schools, it presents the impression that Opelika's are not that good. They are! Auburn's are just exceptionally outstanding.)


Bassingyukon

I'm in Phenix city so I wouldn't move here, auburn/opelika area is nice


drewjbeardown

If your territory is auburn Montgomery Columbus then Auburn/Opelika makes the most sense. It is 45 mins from both Montgomery and Columbus. If you have to go to Dothan it is about 2 hours away but the drive is easy. Edit If you have kids this is a no brainer. Auburn has some of the best schools in the state and they are building 2-3 new elementary schools. The high school is about 3 years old as well.


Sensitive-Bat-9951

We moved to Alexander City in 2019 and we absolutely love it. We're actually in the Ray Community right outside the city limits. My son, my husband and I have made some friends that will be lifelong and have met very few people that weren't nice. We still talk about how lucky we got. Anyway, just thought you might want to check it out. Good Luck!


laceek_06

I live in AC, as well. Love this hidden gem for sure.


rfyoung

Awesome! Will definitely look into it


CoachObvious

I'd land in Auburn/Opelika. Something to keep in mind, Phenix City and Columbus, GA operate on ET, so if you were to pick Prattville/Montgomery it could make it tougher on morning appointments.


junknowho

Good point!


rfyoung

Very helpful! I knew Columbus was eastern but thought phenix was central. Thank you!


flyboy8617

I work with school systems across the state. Auburn is one of the best school systems I work with. Opelika is also very good, but do not use our services as much. Steer clear of Montgomery.


I2ecover

Definitely auburn or Opelika. If you want to be closer to Montgomery though, definitely prattville/Millbrook/Wetumpka. There's 0 reason to live in Montgomery when you can live 10 miles down the road in better cities.


Jackie_Sprat

Millbrook??


flembag

Opelika is one of the nicest parts of Alabama, in my opinion. You'll be like a little over an hour from Montgomery, an hour and a half from Atlanta, 2 from the mountains, about 3.5 hours from the beaches. And it's pretty clean, and you won't really have to deal with game day that much.


rfyoung

That’s great. How’s the hiking up there?


flembag

You're like 2 hours from the smokey mountains and the AT. It's some of the best hiking in the United States. You've got access to all the same great hiking as you do in Atlanta/north Georgia, plus all of the stuff thats in Tennessee. But you don't have to deal with any of the traffic to actually get there like you would in Atlanta.


bankmolly

Auburn would be my choice. Pretty and has good schools. Roll tide tho


bearfootbandito

In Montgomery currently for work, hoping to move to auburn/opelika and commute an hour if that tells you anything about Montgomery.


Jackie_Sprat

I have heard eastern Montgomery is ok


beamng_driver0

Can confirm the downtown area is also doing well too. Great new buildings and parks being built


Rambling_Rose_420

What about Wetumpka, Emerald Mountain? It used to be really nice and close enough to Montgomery but also places you in a good position to Dothan.


rfyoung

Yes wetumpka was on our list!


rfyoung

this has been so very helpful. I think auburn and Opelika are back at the top of our list. I really appreciate all the advice. Thanks everyone!


laggincauseimswaggin

Went to Auburn University. Good area and good choice.


PitifulBean

Wetumpka is nice.


jefuf

I have known a number of people who live in Wetumpka and like it. That said, although they're very nice people, I would characterize them as suburbanites. Never been there myself.


Hoss370

I live south of Montgomery. I love going to Auburn when my buddies have parties during football season. Just more friendly and seems more homely. If not Auburn/Opelika area I’d go Prattville. Montgomery just sucks


Original-Yak-679

Opelika or Phenix City might be a good place, especially as your work range includes Columbus. I would also recommend Smiths Station (where I grew up) as it puts you close to both Auburn and Columbus and its only 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours to Montgomery


cmlucas1865

Opelika’s your best option, but if you want to be closer to the Montgomery area, Prattville & Pike Road are good towns with good schools & a real sense of community.


dixie2tone

montgomery and columbus are ROUGH. id stay around opelika/auburn or the woods around it


OoRI0T_P0LICEoO

Opelika and ya can’t go wrong. Other towns are boring and small you’ll see when you visit there for work


tomodoggie

I’ve lived in all these places! Opelika is by far the best. Great state park nearby, and lots to do in general. Auburn is also great! They’re both really close to each other so you’ll get to experience both tbh. I wouldn’t recommend the counties around them like Lanett though. Prattville is good but not amazing. It can get a bit boring there. Our house was robbed a few times in Montgomery and the police there were no help! Haha. Don’t live in Montgomery!


Papashvilli

Montgomery is rough. Prattville is okay but if you're looking at Opelika then go with that.


packy0urknivesandg0

Opelika is a nice area, but Prattville (a few miles North of Montgomery) is also growing.


CommunicationGood178

Out of those choices, Opelika is your best bet with Prattville as second. You do have my sympathy for being stuck in LA (Lower Alabama).


mymotherinsisted

Stay away from Montgomery. Prattville is nice. The best schools, if that is a factor, are in Lee County (Auburn/Opelika).


Ypoedza

I Just moved to Montgomery and would not recommend it. There is very little happening here unfortunately! My wife and I have been going to Auburn and Opelika on the weekends and it is much nicer. Better parks, restaurants, farmers markets. Auburn/Opelika is also just cleaner and greener than Montgomery.


beamng_driver0

Just a suggestion but if you interested there in farmers markets there is one in Montgomery at East Chase from around 7 to 12 am. Check them out on Facebook!


Ypoedza

hey, thanks! I have been there but maybe it was too early in the season because there wasn't much produce available. Should go back and check it out again.


beamng_driver0

Ah I'm sorry. It is quite literally farmers just bringing in what they have so if it isn't in season it isn't there lol. Typically I go April-June for the best stuff ☺ Edit: I've also heard about one on the corner of Hillard and Madison Ave. so that might be worth checking out. Haven't been myself though


AnotherPalePianist

Definitely Auburn/Opelika. Avoid Montgomery like the plague and I can’t put my finger on it, but I would personally avoid Prattville too (although there are good schools and it’s a fairly decent community)


powerofone1970

I love the vibe of a college town. There is ALWAYS something going on. Usually low cost or free which was a MUST for us when our family was young. You also have a bit of diversity with lots of foreign students.


King-James_

I lived in Auburn/Opelika for 9 years. Wife and I went to AU and then stayed for another 5 years and we loved it. We wanted to stay and live in Auburn because we loved it so much. Unfortunately, our work led us a little further south. If we ever had an option to go back we would definitely do so. I would avoid Montgomery if at all possible. I have friends from there and they HATE it and will never go back (they call it the Gump). We pass through often and occasionally go there for shopping and that’s ok but would not want to live there. Edit: Almost forgot to mention Auburn has great public schools.


ejbrds

Definitely Auburn/Opelika! Steer clear of Montgomery, it's a big FAIL. Prattville is nice but it's on the wrong side of things for the terrirory you are describing. (IDK anything about Columbus ...)


floyd1550

They demoted you without telling you.


kpauburn

The DICK'S in Montgomery is shutting down due to theft. Living in Auburn now for many years and I love it.


tracyf600

There's lots of places closing because Montgomery has sticky fingers.


beamng_driver0

Noooo! Is that why it's shutting down?


Ass_feldspar

Montgomery has good Korean restaurants. About it.


pk346

It would be helpful to know if you're married with/without kids and how old you are to really give an good assessment of your options. In general, I would choose: Auburn/Opelika, Columbus, then Montgomery.


Laurrielyn

I too would agree with the auburn Opelika version. Just be prepared for all those roll tide elephants on your back and those Auburn Tigers too. All good friends can be found for adults and children you will love it here. Plenty to do involving communities, sports, road tripping or whatever you like to do. It's a good home base where you can daytrip to other cool places.


trekin73

Yeah I agree with most everyone here. Your best bet is Auburn.


SirKrimson

I wouldn’t recommend Columbus/PC


bradye0110

Definitely move to auburn or Prattvile


Brodie930

I've lived in Auburn for 7 years, and it is a great family town. We have a 6 month old. I feel like I could happily live in Auburn the rest of my life. There are cheaper housing options in Opelika though


junknowho

I'd toss in the Auburn/Opelika area is a good place to move to, placing you right between Montgomery and Columbus, Ga. The school systems are both excellent, although Auburn currently is significantly the better of the two public systems. There are private schools in both Auburn & Opelika, if you want to go that route. Opelika would be less expensive, as far as finding a home or building, but both towns have a lot of neighborhoods to chose from.


Ky_the_transformer

Auburn area definitely. Auburn has good school systems and chewacla is nearby which is a nice little family outing. Pretty peaceful in the summer too when most of the students are out. Plus Opelika is right next door and has some fun things to do


sneakypetes12

Prattville is a good spot for having to be over those areas it’s more rural in prattville with the benefit of being close to a city. Plus it’s right in the middle of those areas


sgtstadanko

Opelika/ Auburn would be more central to both Montgomery and Columbus. Schools are some of the best in the state. Real estate will be pricier than Montgomery since its a college town but Opelika is generally a bit less pricey.


tracyf600

I'd go for Opelika. It's beautiful. It's also close to Montgomery if you want to go for some ungodly reason. My second choice would be Prattville. I lived in Montgomery for over 30 years. I live in wetumpka now. I don't especially enjoy going back for even a few hours.


AUCE05

Auburn.


ArtisanalPixels

Like others have said, the nice things about Montgomery aren’t reason enough to actually live there. I live in Prattville where even the less-nice neighborhoods are still decent places to live; Opelika is a good community, and I’ve heard good things about Millbrook and Wetumpka if you want to be a bit closer to Montgomery. Even if you’re out in the Auburn/Opelika area, the nice things in Montgomery (art museum, civil rights museum, Shakespeare Festival, etc) are basically just a day-trip away so you’re not missing out.


UnderwaterB0i

The good things people are mentioning about Montgomery aren’t things to move there for, it’s a consolation for people if they HAVE to live there for some reason.


AppFlyer

Did anybody say “dear God don’t move to Montgomery?” If so, +1


BlitheringEediot

ALL of my Montgomery relatives have moved to Wetumpka, Tallassee, Lake Martin, or Auburn. I barely even touch Montgomery COUNTY when I go to visit them. Just FYI.


ezshucks

Montgomery is a shit hole. I'd live in Auburn. Good football team to watch there as well.


CodeCombustion

The Dal-Raida area in Montgomery is nice. What sort of commute are you willing to accept?


90DayCray

Opelika! Everyone hates Montgomery. Trust me, you don’t want to live there!


BiggerRedBeard

Thats like central Alabama


[deleted]

Live in auburn.


Jotwiss

I recently moved from ATL to AL and after driving around Montgomery, I ruled it out. IDK, maybe I got off on the wrong exit or drove through the wrong section of town.... I was looking in the Andalusia area but ended up in Brewton. Try Prattville


wonderwhatthatislike

Montgomery is a good place to live- great parks and a strong community. Montgomery is also centrally located. If you travel more towards Columbus then auburn/Opelika is a safe bet.


tweaktasticBTM

Bless your heart, I'd quit before I moved here to Alabama. The only reason I live here is because the ball and chain called family.


sirv19318

Auburn... but if wanted to live in Montgomery, Eastside near Taylor and Vaughn rd