A Nice 3 of 5 Star City - 10/28/2021

Overall, I rate Montgomery as a decent city--not great but not awful. Before moving here in 1984, I lived in Houston, Texas, Little Rock, Arkansas, Tallahassee, Florida, and Biloxi, Mississippi. I have close relatives in Ohio and in Florida. Additionally, I've visited dozens of cities throughout the nation and especially in the South. I believe I have traveled to and lived in enough cities to judge Montgomery objectively. The better aspects of the city are varied and any review of it must begin with history. Montgomery is the "Cradle of the Confederacy" as it was the Confederacy's first capital and the telegram sent to Genl. Beauregard, to commence the bombardment of Ft. Sumter, was sent from Montgomery. Jefferson Davis's first residence as Confederate President is preserved here and is known as the "White House of the Confederacy." But just as historically important and likely even more important as the Confederacy is the Civil Rights Movement that has several important places of interest in the city of Montgomery. Martin Luther King's church is here, the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. He pastored at this church from 1954 to 1960 and from there directed the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott as a reaction to the arrest of Rosa Parks. Aside from the Civil War and Civil Rights Montgomery is known for the city has a rejuvenated downtown with dozens of restaurants, many bars, and a modern stadium for its minor baseball them, the Montgomery Biscuits. In sum, it has come a long ways from the sleepy Southern city it was fifty years ago. As the birthplace of the Confederacy and of Civil Rights, Montgomery is a unique city. Perhaps the best aspect of the city is its low cost of living. Compared to many other cities, housing is relatively cheap and property taxes are low. Gasoline and food prices are reasonable. The state income tax is 5%. For military retirees, Maxwell Air Force Base is located in Montgomery and it also has a large Veteran's Hospital. The downside of low property taxes is the fact that Montgomery's public schools are of a poor quality but this has much to do with demographics. The public schools experienced "white flight" in the 1990s and the public schools are now almost exclusively African American and Hispanic. In the State of Alabama every public school adjudged to be "failing" has a majority of minority students, i.e., they are not majority white schools. Most all white people in Montgomery send their children to private schools and likewise so do a number of black families. Although there are one or two excellent magnet public schools in the city, anyone moving to Montgomery with children of school age should be prepared to pay for private school. The only other choice is to live in one of the bedroom communities (Pike Road, Prattville, Wetumpka) and commute to Montgomery for work. Since the adoption of BLM policing policies in 2000, Montgomery has seen its homicide rate increase dramatically. Since the curtailment of stop and frisk, the ending of frequent patrols of high crime minority neighborhoods, the cessation of "broken window" policing, and the lack of enforcement of traffic laws, Montgomery--like all of the many cities that have adopted BLM policing procedures--now has a crime problem and it witnessed its homicide rate have its greatest one year increase in the recorded history of the city going back over 100 years. However, as I write this review, if you live in an affluent neighborhood (that would be a neighborhood with housing of $300,000 or higher) your chances of being a homicide victim are quite low. Sadly, about 95% of the Montgomery homicides are poor African Americans killing one another, or "black on black" crime. The weather is what you would expect for a city in the Deep South--hot and humid 6 months of the year with perhaps 3 cold months and the remaining 3 months being pleasant. You power bills for home A/C will be on the high side from mid April through mid October. However, aside from those months, you'll have low energy costs during the other 6 months. Also, you're only 3 to 4 hours from some beautiful white, sandy beaches in South Alabama and the Panhandle of Florida, a geographic area widely known as "The Redneck Riviera." As with most every Southern city, the people are pleasant and friendly. You'll hear a lot of "Yes ma'am" and "Yes sir" frequently spoken and people are generally polite. They are easy going for the most part, and never as hurried or irritated as people in Northern cities often are. All in all, were I rating Montgomery, Alabama on a 5 star rating scale, I'd rate the city as 3 out of 5.

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Not safe at all - 8/8/2019

This city is too violent..

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Welcome to the Secesh Cesspool! - 9/17/2018

Let's see, something, anything, nice to say about this place. Well, the property taxes are low, as is the cost of living, BUT...that's because it's a sh!thole town and no one decent really wants to live there. Other than those like me who are forced to be here because they were assigned here as a duty station. I've been here for 2 years, and it's the only place in the US where I *constantly* carry a firearm for protection, because of the seediness and rampant criminal populace. I've had to draw it twice in that time for self defense, although fortunately never had to use it either time. In over 20 years in the military, it is by far the worst place I've been stationed (including Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq), and luckily I'm only here for a short more period of time. So let's see, what all is so bad? First of all, the heat and humidity is awful. From May until October, your house A/C will be running. All. The. Time. And it's not like Florida, where you get the nice breezes from the coast, to help offset the misery. Nope, none of that here. And it shows with the miserable people, as everyone is irritable and angry due to the heat. Or at the very least, passive-aggressive; "bless your heart" is what the locals say when they're attempting to condescend. The southerners *act* nice to your face, then as soon as you walk out of the room, you feel the knife go into your back. The white folks HATE northerners, or anyone not from the south who speaks proper English and are educated, and don't use trashy words like "y'all" or "fixin" or "might-could" or whatever else they say. If you don't like college football, you're automatically outcast, because that's all that Alabama (or Auburn, for that matter) is known for, because they can't muster a real big-league professional sports franchise. Or anything good really, in the state, for that matter, now that I think on it. Sales tax is a minimum of 10%. In some places higher, depending on the community and where you shop. You'd think that would be used to improve the city. But yet, the majority of the city of Montgomery appears to be right out of a third-world country movie set, and the roads...don't even get me started. Speaking of roads, the drivers are simply AWFUL. Terrible. Seriously, some of the worst I've seen in the US, and I've lived in 8 states, and been to all 50. The lack of turn signals and common courtesy is appalling, running red lights is rampant, and the arrogance to hang out in the left lane, driving just slightly over the speed limit on the highway, and not yield or get over....and it's the majority of people that seem to do this. One day, I passed over 10 people in the center lane on I-65, who refused to get over. Never seen anything like it, anywhere in the world. But that pretty much summarizes Southern efficiency, if it works and is moving along and running smoothly, it's not for Alabama. The slower, inefficient, and more aggravating the process is, the more at home and natural it is for Alabama. Finally, this is as red of a state as you can get. I'm a naturally conservative person, but this place is so ass backwards, that it turns my stomach. The way that minorities and anyone who isn't a Bible-thumping "Christian" are treated is a throwback to the last century, and the black vs white racial tension is palpable, even in 2018. You talk anything bad about the confederacy, Robert E Lee, or Alabama football, and that nearly incites a riot. If you're in the military and looking at an assignment at Maxwell, or Rucker, or anywhere close...seriously you might think about resigning. Or retiring. Or going AWOL/deserting. Because even Leavenworth is better than Montgomery. And just for the record, this review includes the suburban towns of Prattville, Millbrook, Coosada, and Wetumpka, as well as greater Montgomery. In fact, the traffic portion of my review for those towns might even be worse, because of the commute, which is horrid and tedious from those towns. The area code of 334 as a whole is nauseating.

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Historical Tourist Destination with side shows - 4/24/2018

History buffs love Montgomery.The three C's are emphasized in Montgomery, with Civility at the center of its 2020 vision for the city and regional growth. Civil War, Civil Rights, and Civil Aviation and transportation. Not New Orleans or San Francisco, but Montgomery initiated the first Trolley and Trolley subdivision in the western hemisphere. The Wright brothers school of flight at present day Maxwell is worth mentioning for its groundwork for aviation in general.. With Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks along with the Equal justice initiative, Montgomery is a Civil Rights Mecca. Also, dont leave until you pay homage to Hank Williams, Nat King Cole and Big Mama Thorton at Capitol Oyster Bar. Montgomery,s Theatre scene is critically acclaimed on an national and international level. Catch a show at the Shakespeare Theatre and eat and lodge downtown at a 4 star hotel. For a local vibe, the Zoo is impressive, venture into Cloverdale and Midtown eateries where the southern charm is. To be a major city and the Capitol, the hospitality is still present and refreshing in a "new south" type way? Yet a glimpse of charm from the distant past is also nicely done in he Cottage Hill area, Cloverdale with F. Scott Fitszerald museum..etc..

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Culture - 1/17/2016

Community/political views lean heavily toward the black community needs.

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Low property taxes - 10/28/2013

The greatest "cost of living" aspect of Montgomery AL is the low property taxes. Most other cost of living categories are about average in my experience. Overall, Alabama is one of the lowest combined tax burden states in the USA. I am even considering retiring to the northern part of the state for that very reason.

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Not as bad as you think - 8/29/2012

Here is the scoop in Montgomery, AL. Obviously it has its racism problems. It was once the capitol of the confederacy and where MLK church is located. Show me a city that is over 200k people with no crime. Bad things happen everywhere. I have lived here for 32 years(im 32) and Ive seen it turn from nothing to do to alot to do. in 8 years a new outdoor mall has been built, baseball stadium, riverfront and massive hotels downtown. Downtown has almost 20 restuarants, 7 bars, a splash pad for kids. There is almost something eventful every weekend at the riverfront or downtown. Police patrol the areas and in 5 years we have gotten 5 brand new firetrucks. Every city in Alabama either closes down fire stations or fires people. We have an Insurance rating of 2 and the best is one. There is only 60 cities in the US with a rating of 2. Anyway I admit the schools are bad so either move to a surrounding city for descent schooling or private school. Also a childrens museum is opening downtown. Thanks

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City of Montgomery Alabama - 6/26/2012

I must have been under the "witches brew that made me crazy as hell" when I move here. This has to be the worst city in the Alabama, but could be a great place if it had a worth while city government with leaders, not ones who only talk with the same phrase - "You know what I'm sayings". Folks if we knew what ones meant than why are you all talking about a dead subject? Wake Up! This is the Capital City; it does have a name world wide. Ones talk about family values, accountability and change than why not put those subjects as first priority instead of telling others the opposite once in office. Consider this Mayor Strange, if Gulf Shores looked like Montgomery there would be no reasons ones would want to go to the beach. People will not visit an area that has MT buildings, parking meters, limited entertainment and high city taxes. Not mention unsafe areas day or night, children playing basketball in the streets, kids wearing their pants down to their thighs. If city leaders cannot make change than whom in the heck do you think is going to do it? Who in ones right mine would pay to experience all that? Lack of money is a quitters thought, Montgomery has tax on several usual areas, except human gas, but ones will do that when they can find a "loop-hole" to implement a vote. No one shall mine paying taxes if the money is used to support ones city. The only question ones feel left out is that ones claim it goes here and there, but where is the proof, ones conversation? Give us all a break - Yea Right...Put those conversation figures in "black and white" print where ones can see where the money is being spent, show the cancelled checks and deposit slips. Prove to the people their tax revenues are being used as ones claim because I do not see or believe one thing I've been told, especially from a politician. We all pay a 5% tax plus .25 cents additional for every cable or communication bill to all subscribers in Montgomery. If 201,936 citizens live in City of Montgomery in 2011 according to census, that is a lot of money collected just on ones cable bill each month - Where is the money being used? Don't tell us, show us the facts because me for one is tired of all the rhetoric. Montgomery will "never" have any chance for change left until the dead sticks are voted out of these offices. These are the ones who have cheated the citizens with their offsets of MT opportunities. This country is crumbling around us all because we all are responsible for listen to dreamers, similar to ones in offices in Montgomery today. Now it has come knocking on several of our doors with job losses, foreclosures, suicides , divorces, our kids coming home cripple for life from a country that will not honor their code to its veterans and the lucky ones lie in a draped casket. Those will be missed, but don't cry, rejoice as ones have gone home. Had we had real thinkers representing our governments, not smoke screen actors we all could fulfill our goals without interruptions from these "dreamers". Everything moves in cycles, just like life, but to be ahead of the next cycle ones must do it without any interruptions. Remember we all only have so much time before we go to our finally resting place, so don't waste it on these dreamers. Why Mayor Strange did you go to another country to find opportunities for Montgomery? Are you scared someone's in this area might be smarter than those overseas? Alabamians are not stupid, just different in several ways. For starters Todd, we do not like others coming to take our jobs away, integrating our schools with unwanted languages and disease, we do not want to eat food from none other than American farmers, drink water from none other than American streams, and be able to call anyone we like without having to press "1" for English. I ask you again Mayor Strange why are you seeking opportunities outside of the area when you received your votes here! Are you really for the people are just for Todd…

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montgomery,al. schools - 5/7/2011

Public schools are terrible. Most whites go to private schools. Crime is high and certain parts are to be avoided. If you are white and well off you can live well in the East side or white side of town. Cost is relatively cheap but so is pay for most people. Visit West and Centraland South Montgomery also check out school situation before moving there. Former Homeowner.

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Alabama - 12/5/2010

OK place to live

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subject - 7/22/2010

Hated it.

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RELOCATING TO SAN ANTONIO TX - 5/8/2010

Im having it rough here in alabama. I'm new to this area and ready to LEAVE QUICKLY. I was considering north carolina or san antonio tx. i cant stand the humidity but will bare with it. I'm in te medical feild and my husband is a truck driver for budweiser and coke-cola. Looking for a citiy with good pay, schools,neighborhoods, nite life and family fun. ooking for a rental home around 2000-3000 sq ft., 4 bed/3 ba around $1000.00-1200.00 mo. Can someone tell me how is life on a typical day in san antonio.

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Comment - 7/23/2008

This place sucks. They don't pay well and the cost of food is not cheap at all. Sales taxes are 10% ...

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Great Place to Live - 6/26/2008

Montgomery is high on culture with a symphony orchestra, chorale, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, many community theatres, Mardi Gras festivals and balls, great churches, and many colleges. The latter include Huntingdon College, Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama State University, Faulkner University, Jones School of Law, plus Southern Christian University, Trenholm Technical School, and other schools. Not to mention the Air University at Maxwell AFB, with the Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officers School, the AF Senior NCO Academy, the Community College of the Air Force, and many others. Montgomery has a great zoo, great golf courses, many fine parks, and a great river front. It has beautiful lakes nearby with Lake Martin and Lake Jordon providing the finest boating and fishing plus summer and year-round residences and facilities.

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Great place to live. - 6/26/2008

We moved to Montgomery after 5 years in Washington DC and it took us a couple of years to quit smiling all the time. The city is large enough to have most everything you want, yet small enough to get anywhere in 15 minutes or less. Montgomery has several colleges and a Law School. It has the world famous Alabama Shakespeare Festival. It has a AAA Baseball team and a beautiful stadium. It has many great parks, a nice zoo, and a beautiful river, plus the state capitol and Maxwell Air Force Base. It is truly a great place to live. Montgomery is an integrated city with a population nearly half white and half black. Race relations are good here. Cons are the school situation where most black children attend public schools and many white children attend private schools. The schools have improved in the last several years.

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OMG------This place is sad.... - 5/4/2008

My bf and I went to Montgemory, AL for a several days (last year in the summer 2007) to visit our friend from HS and I was extremely disappointed by just being there. It's a like freaking ghost town. You're either in your car or inside restuarant or the mall. I was just thinking to myself, where are all the people? To make everything worse, I didn't even want to eat at any restauarant or fast food place because it just look dirty and the customer service was horrible. At BK, people don't wear gloves and have no respect in regards to being clean. Our friend who actually went to Alabama State college pretty much got trappd in the "very affordable" housing wind because it's very CHEAP to live out here. Yet it's not like you need to make alot of money to live it out here either. Overall, we didn't do too much but hung out at his apt and probably ate canned, packaged goods at his house. He wants to move out of here but he doesn't know when since he has a nice house, currently but he definitely mentions that Montgemory is not a place for a single, vibrant individual who loves the nightlife. It doesn't exist there. Also, this is just my opinion about Mont so I'm not looking for anyone to tell me I'm wrong; this is just my experience. Thanks.

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Wonderful - 1/28/2008

The climate is wonderful the winters are not that cold really. I've seen it get as hot as 106 in the summer but that's rare. Montgomery weather is sorta unpredictable no one expects 80 degree weather in winter but sometimes that's what it is.

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Sad place for being the Capitol of AL - Racism - 1/9/2008

Montgomery is the ugliest state capitol city in the entire US. All the white children go to private schools and children of color go to the deplorable public schools. Public school reps go around to apt complexes asking for pens and pencils to operate their schools. You would feel like you are living in the 1950s. The only thing good is Frazer Methodist Church for it is doing good things in the community.

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Former Yankee - 9/13/2007

I moved here from the Midwest about 1 1/2 years ago. When I did, I gave away my winter coat and snow shovel. Although Kansas City will always be home to me, I have no desire to ever brave the ice & snow again.

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Montgomery - progressive but boring! - 8/7/2007

Montgomery has come along way since my move here about 10 years ago. The shopping has improved greatly (no more having to drive 2 hours to Birmingham to shop), and the development and revitalization of downtown is one many people are excited about. The build up of East Montgomery, including EastChase has been the biggest improvement so far. However, I think Montgomery is a much better city for families - definitely not a town for single people. The nightlife is NOT happening and there is generally not much to do. Even though the mayor has been very progressive, there is constantly holdback with increased development due to racial tension, the increase in crime (this is becoming a huge problem), and conflicts between city council members.

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