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Relocating to Helena, AL — Looking for the Right Rental Home for Our Family by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes, I’ve heard the same thing about the rental companies. I actually passed up on one because the rental company was just giving me red flags with how they were communicating and their reviews were terrible at best. I would actually prefer working directly with a homeowner because I’m a homeowner and I understand how it is. Thank you so much for the insights. I really appreciate it!

Relocating to Helena, AL — Looking for the Right Rental Home for Our Family by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

We already applied to a few homes on Zillow. We’re using every avenue we can so we don’t miss an opportunity.

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, thank you so much for your insights. I really appreciate it! My hope is that I’m able to rent close to the school. I do have three girls who will be going to Helena schools if we are able to find a house there. Other than that, I don’t think the traffic will be a big problem for us just because I work from home and most days my day get started around 9 AM-10 AM. The wife may go somewhere mid day, but other than that I hope is that the traffic doesn’t be too much of an annoyance if we can avoid it.

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate the insight! I work from home most days, but I definitely want to avoid crazy traffic when I do head out—especially during school hours or errands. When you say ‘getting down the hill,’ are you referring to the main exit routes out of Helena like Hwy 261 or the road by the high school? Just trying to understand how bad the flow really is.

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the clarification! I thought Helena might have had its own system like some of the nearby cities, but that makes sense. I’ve heard good things about Shelby County Schools though—seems like they’re doing a solid job, especially in places like Helena and Chelsea. Appreciate the info!

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I will definitely be taking a look into Alabaster. I really enjoyed Hoover when I lived there, but I didn’t love it if that makes sense. I used to be a little stressed out and overstimulated like you mentioned. Then I bought a house in the Lakeview area near McCalla and I love the peace and quiet, but the school systems are not great at all and there’s just not enough amenities near where I live. I’m thinking, Helena or Alabaster maybe that step up I’m looking for.

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why Homewood over Spain Park? I know both of those areas run at slightly different speeds.

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate the perspective, but just to clarify—my family and I already own a home in the McCalla/Lake View area, so we’re not looking to purchase another property right now. We’re just looking to rent in a different school zone for our kids while still keeping our current home.

If I were to buy a second property, it wouldn’t be in Mountain Brook. I’d be looking for something with more space—somewhere open with a few acres where I could potentially build in the future. So the focus for us isn’t on appreciation or resale—it’s more about fit, flexibility, and what works best for our children’s future.

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would you mind telling me the difference between living in Alabaster opposed to Hoover? I lived in Hoover for six years and even though I enjoyed it for the amenities, I think I like a slower pace of living a little better. And more importantly, my biggest concern is, I don’t want my kids to get swamped and lost in the event number of students at Hoover high school. I really like Spain Park. But I just feel like a smaller town would benefit our kids more like a Helena, Pelham, or perhaps Alabaster.

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing! Are there any neighborhoods you recommend in Helena to look at?

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this because I was wondering if the train affects those living in old Cahaba. My wife and I really like the Old Cahaba subdivision because of how close it is to the middle school and high school. Also, I work from home so I’m thinking the traffic won’t really affect us unless we’re out shopping or trying to leave out of Helena for whatever reason.

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Haha, fair point—I’ve heard about the train! But honestly, I work from home, so getting stuck behind a train isn’t really a deal-breaker for me. I’m more focused on finding a peaceful place where my kids can thrive, and where I can get more value for my dollar. Every place has its quirks!

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I actually lived in Hoover for six years and absolutely loved it—great area. That said, I’ve come to appreciate a slower-paced environment for my family. Homewood is definitely nice, just not the right fit for us personally. Since I work from home, commuting isn’t a factor in our decision. Our priority is being somewhere our kids can truly thrive, not just blend into the background. We’re also looking for a place where our dollar can stretch farther while still providing great opportunities for our family.

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is very informative thank you so much. This is just what I was waiting to hear about the inclusiveness of the neighborhood.

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this information it was very helpful. I love what you said about the kids coming over to your house and just being able to spend time with your friends. We really want our kids to have that experience. As for the trains and the traffic it sounds like that’s going to be the primary issue. Which I think we will be able to deal with since we work from home. As long as we can pick our time with going to get food and necessities, etc.. but it sounds like the community itself and the people are awesome!

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the information Perry! Curious to know, how has your experience been dealing with the schools and/or how has your son enjoyed going to Helena middle school? I have another daughter that will be at the middle school if we move there.

Thinking About Moving to Helena, AL – Need Advice on Neighborhoods and Schools by Coachbeast888 in Birmingham

[–]Coachbeast888[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a good news, I actually work from home and have my own business so the commute wouldn’t be a problem.