Why I Am Proud to Call South Huntsville Home

By James Brown
Senior VP and Chief Risk Officer
Progress Bank, and Community Advocate

Approximately 38 years ago, my wife and I made a life changing decision. We had a two-year-old son and a daughter on the way. After many rides through neighborhoods in the city, researching and discussing schools, looking at housing in various areas, and lots of prayer, we made the decision to move to South Huntsville. It’s a decision we have never regretted.

Approximately 38 years ago, my wife and I made a life changing decision. We had a two-year-old son and a daughter on the way. After many rides through neighborhoods in the city, researching and discussing schools, looking at housing in various areas, and lots of prayer, we made the decision to move to South Huntsville. It’s a decision we have never regretted.

At that time, the two primary factors in the decision were the quality of the public schools and the availability and pricing of housing. After all these years, I continue to meet many young families that have made the same decision and these factors continue to be a primary part of their analysis.
Even though there have been many changes to the area since my family moved to South Huntsville, it continues to be a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Today the area is seeing a wonderful growth spurt with new housing, new shopping, new commercial space and the continued growth in the Hampton Cove area as well.

Huntsville and Madison County’s growth continues to stress the current inventory of homes and apartments. Growth is good for our county, city, and our quality of life. Builders and developers are busy trying to meet the needs with new housing and South Huntsville is included in this activity. The largest development underway is the Hays Farmland. According to their website, this development will have over 500 new single-family homes and 600 multifamily units. Lendon located in Jones Valley, is expected to have as many as 250 new homes.

In addition to housing, both Lendon and the Hays Farm developments are constructing new retail and commercial office space. Combined these two developments will bring over 200,000 square feet of commercial space to South Huntsville. Valley Bend (Target) shopping center continues to bring new shopping to the area. Did any of you wait in line for the opening of Home Goods? We also continue to see new restaurants and retail come to South Huntsville and South Huntsville is “hungry” (pun intended) for these new locations. Does anyone remember the lines on the Parkway to get into Whataburger?

Our South Huntsville schools continue to be a drawing factor for families. Many of the public schools in in South Huntsville are blue ribbon schools. The National Blue-Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.  In addition, South Huntsville is home to several well-respected private schools such as Whitesburg Christian Academy, Holy Spirit, Grace Lutheran, Randolph, and the Montessori School.

What South Huntsville offers in addition to new housing, great schools, and plenty of shopping, is a wonderful quality of life. Neighborhood parks abound where your kids can play, have a family picnic, walk the family dog, or just enjoy being outside and read a book. Youth sports parks allow our kids to participate in sports year-round. We have greenways to walk or bicycle, a wonderful complex at the Sandra Moon facility on Bailey Cove with new state-of-the-art library, performing arts center and outdoor recreation. The Tennessee River and Ditto Marina is nearby for those who want boating access. We have churches and synagogues that are active in our community, representing all faiths. There are also two of the finest country clubs in the State located in South Huntsville for those who love to golf.

Lastly, and most importantly to me, it’s the people of South Huntsville who are the “icing on the cake.” I have found them to be friendly, intelligent, engaged, active, concerned, helpful, compassionate, loving, and loyal. Our family has made life-long friendships that we cherish. The future of South Huntsville is looking bright. I am proud to call South Huntsville “HOME”.

About the Author: James Brown is a longtime resident and community advocate for South Huntsville. He is a Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer for Progress Bank and a current candidate for District 20, AL House of Representatives.