Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Erm, maybe you need to get a clue. Their top publics and privates have matriculation lists that would satisfy the most demanding DCUM.

If that's true it is only because coming from bumf*#$ is a hook. Top schools like to be able to say they draw from all 50 states so they need to find someone from Alabama even if that candidate could never compete with graduates from places with a higher popular level and standard of education on a level field. I think the score required for National Merit semifinalist is a reasonable guide. In better-educated places, you need a higher score. It's just easier to stand out where there's less competition.

NP, but all you are doing is proving the PP's point. So what if that's why those schools are sending kids to good colleges? They are doing it.

Anonymous wrote:Erm, maybe you need to get a clue. Their top publics and privates have matriculation lists that would satisfy the most demanding DCUM.

If that's true it is only because coming from bumf*#$ is a hook. Top schools like to be able to say they draw from all 50 states so they need to find someone from Alabama even if that candidate could never compete with graduates from places with a higher popular level and standard of education on a level field. I think the score required for National Merit semifinalist is a reasonable guide. In better-educated places, you need a higher score. It's just easier to stand out where there's less competition.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is absolute BS. You can find plenty of homes "you can afford" with that HHI, equity, and credit scores.

$350K HHI you should be able to afford $1M home. Give me a large break.

We are in the same situation and the issue is competition. There have been 10 offers on every house we have bid on. Yes, we technically can afford the house, but so far have not been selected to own the house.

You are not offering enough to win. There's no other selection process to own a home.

Anonymous wrote:This is absolute BS. You can find plenty of homes "you can afford" with that HHI, equity, and credit scores.

$350K HHI you should be able to afford $1M home. Give me a large break.

We are in the same situation and the issue is competition. There have been 10 offers on every house we have bid on. Yes, we technically can afford the house, but so far have not been selected to own the house.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Atlanta, Birningham, Tuscaloosa—lovely places. Really.

I hear Huntsville is the hot place to be. literally and figuratively. USG has moved a lot to Huntsville.

+1. I know people who moved down to Huntsville from NOVA when Missile Defense Agency made its big move. They report it's like a slice of NOVA, with cheaper housing. One guy a know got a decent sized (older) house for $350k, with easy commute. But there are tradeoffs. Much slower pace of life. Huntsville of course doesn't have the resources or the excitement of a big city, and it's a pain to travel. Long drives to get to other cities such as Atlanta. And limited direct flights out of Huntsville's airport. And schools are just not the same quality. Also, Alabama tends to be a national joke in terms of telling people you are from there, along with Mississippi and Arkansas.

Just depends on what you want out of life for yourself and for your kids. I wouldn't choose it. To each their own.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP do you realize how much yard 0.5 acres is? If you're not wanting to spend that much on a house, are you able to upkeep with a yard that size (a couple hours every single weekend in warmer months)? Or else willing to spend on paying someone to maintain? Doesn't sound like a cheaper home with that size yard actually saves you much money in the end. Landscaping, grass care, mulch, etc., is expensive the larger the space.

THIS

That’s one thing I never understand about people who want a ton of land. They will hate maintaining it after the first year. You have to mow the grass weekly, keep up with all of the leaves, etc.

People who want big yards use them maybe 5 times a year unless you have smaller kids. The weather in this area doesn’t compute. It’s either way too hot or too cold. So be careful with this ask.

LOL agree- grew up in this area on .75 acres.... and me and my brother had to mow the lawn! Enjoying my townhouse life as an adult!

+1. I want a little outdoor space, like a small patio or something, but that’s it. No way I want to deal with a big yard. I’d rather take the kids to a playground where they can really play and meet other kids.

Anonymous wrote:Consistently ranked in the bottom 10 states for education. No thanks.

If you look at the entire state as a whole, sure.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP do you realize how much yard 0.5 acres is? If you're not wanting to spend that much on a house, are you able to upkeep with a yard that size (a couple hours every single weekend in warmer months)? Or else willing to spend on paying someone to maintain? Doesn't sound like a cheaper home with that size yard actually saves you much money in the end. Landscaping, grass care, mulch, etc., is expensive the larger the space.

THIS

That’s one thing I never understand about people who want a ton of land. They will hate maintaining it after the first year. You have to mow the grass weekly, keep up with all of the leaves, etc.

People who want big yards use them maybe 5 times a year unless you have smaller kids. The weather in this area doesn’t compute. It’s either way too hot or too cold. So be careful with this ask.

LOL agree- grew up in this area on .75 acres.... and me and my brother had to mow the lawn! Enjoying my townhouse life as an adult!

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5006-Larno-Dr-Alexandria-VA-22310/51921598_zpid/

.33 acres

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5726-Habersham-Way-Alexandria-VA-22310/51919997_zpid/

.3 acres-- looks plenty big!

Erm, maybe you need to get a clue. Their top publics and privates have matriculation lists that would satisfy the most demanding DCUM.

Consistently ranked in the bottom 10 states for education. No thanks.

Anonymous wrote:Atlanta, Birningham, Tuscaloosa—lovely places. Really.

I hear Huntsville is the hot place to be. literally and figuratively. USG has moved a lot to Huntsville.

Anonymous wrote:We have 300+ in equity and credit scores in 800+. Also make ~$350+ and we cannot afford anything in this area. It sucks. We feel we need to move to lower COL area to live comfortably.

Thinking about moving to Georgia or Alabama for affordability.

Any suggestions?

We're practically on the same boat, OP but we're not moving anywhere; because I refuse to pay the prices that some of these homes are going for. No, I am not going to overpay for a house as a result of some ridiculous bidding war; and then deal with the increasing interest rates on top of that. I'll stay put, deal with the schools we were dealt, with and enjoy my 2% interest rate on my mortgage so I can enjoy life and go on vacations.

Blame your fellow latte-sipping liberal woke white gentrifiers for prices skyrocketing. Back in the day before they kicked us black folk out, I never used to hear white people talk about “housing shortage” or prices at all.