Montgomery, Alabama

I feel like this might be cheating, and something people might pick for other southern cities, but the things Montgomery has to offer makes the weather seem even better. With summer highs usually hovering around the high 80s and winter highs in the 50s, you’re bound to find at least a few good days to get outside every week of the year. From outdoor concerts, to family trips to the zoo, to hiking and biking down the miles and miles of park trails, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy the warm weather in Montgomery!

Here's a local on weather in Montgomery: Having lived in several of the same places you have, and living in East Alabama now- it’s very similar to Houston. Just oppressive heat/humidity. Fall is lovely though (I think last year it was on a Thursday in mid-December). People claim there is a winter here, but I haven’t needed anything heavier than a flannel. Ever. Lol. I sometimes try to wear a hoodie because I like them, but always end up pushing the sleeves up or just outright carrying it lol.

For more reviews of Montgomery from locals check out: The Buzz

If you can afford to send your kids to private schools, you’ll probably be fine, but for the rest of the city, maybe not so much. The public schools are known for being subpar.

Here's the pov of a local on the school choices: There are over 30 private schools in Montgomery because the public schools are so bad. You can find good ones at a range of price points, run by many different denominations. I recommend doing a web search as there is an article published every year ranking the top ones.

The greatest growths in population here in recent years have been in areas away from downtown and just outside the city. If you’re looking to move to the Montgomery area, most recommend looking in areas like Millbrook, Prattville and Pike Road just outside the city, where public schools are rated better, crime rates are lower and you’re close enough to check out the great outdoors and downtown nightlife. Housing prices in most of these suburban hotspots are still below the national average, and you’re probably gonna want a car no matter where you live due to the sprawl, so commuting in doesn’t make that big of a difference.