Know the Community | Montgomery Relocation and Newcomer Guide

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 12 45 THINGS TO LOVE

IN THE RIVER REGION

18 COMMUNITIES & MAPS 44 E AT MGM - RESTAURANTS 50 G ET PLUGGED IN 64

PET FRIENDLY

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HEALTH

88

OUTDOORS & RECREATION

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ANNUAL EVENTS

98

FUN FOR ALL

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KID STUFF

108

HOMESCHOOLS

110

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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COLLEGES

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PRIVATE SCHOOLS

140

SCHOOL MAPS

142

PRESCHOOLS & MOTHER’S DAY OUT

146

GET CONNECTED

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MILITARY TIPS & DISCOUNTS

162

DIRECTORY

12 50 64 72 94 108 146 157

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GET IN THE KNOW 19 21 24 24 26 28 28 42 43 43 47 48 49 54 55 56 56 58 60 60 62 63 65

Home Loan Checklist

67 Give Back 68 Pampered Pets 68 Adopting A Furry Friend 76 Pawsitivly Polite 74 Staying Well in the Winter 76 Fun Runs 77 The Lowdown on Lasik 78 Midwifery and Birthing Options 78 Healthy Lifestyle Tips 87 Buy Local 91 Healthy Workstyle 92 Fitness Connection 97 Firework Celebrations 102 Fun Family Activities 109 Benefits of Online Courses 144 Playgrounds 148 Finding a Church 152 Church Search for Military

Major Organizers

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Volunteer & Make an Impact

It’s A Buyer’s Market

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411 from a Military Newcomer

Southern Landscaping

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Military Discounts

Job Search Success

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Military Retirement

Scavenger Hunt Hashtag MGM 10 Things Only Locals Know Rules of the Road Explore Unique Alabama Spots Retirement in the River Region Retirement Communities Cool Off at the Lake Montgomery Hot Spots Shopping Secrets Kid-Friendly Restaurants Speak Southern Tailgating Decorating Your Home Finding an Apartment Easier Move Hiring a Handyman

Pet Care In the South

On the cover | Meet the Franks Family Tony Franks is a pilot in the Air Force Reserves and teaches at Air University at Maxwell. His wife, Jenn, is a C-130 pilot in the Kentucky Air National Guard. The two married in January 2014, and moved to Alabama from North Carolina in the summer of 2016, just before their daughter, Emma Grace (1), was born. Haylee (10) is in 5th grade in Alexandria,Virginia.

The family attends the Church of the Highlands, where Jenn loves hanging with the kiddos in the nursery. Jenn works with Girls on the Run, and Tony is a volunteer math tutor at T.S Morris Elementary.

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45 THINGS TO LOVE IN THE

RIVER REGION

There’s more to see and do (and eat!) in our area than ever before. To make sure you experience it all, we’ve highlighted 45 of our favorites.

1. First White House of the Confederacy: Learn about

9. Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church:

Montgomery’s prominent role in the Civil War at this historic site.

See the pulpit from which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his message of hope and change.

2. The Jefferson Davis Star:

Tucker Pecan Company: Get a

Stand on the brass star marking the spot where President of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis was sworn in on the Capitol’s steps.

3. Rosa Parks Library & Museum: Learn more about one of

Montgomery’s most famous Civil Rights activists and how she sparked the Civil Rights Movement.

6. State Capitol: Take an

informative and entertaining tour of one of the oldest and most beautiful capitol buildings in the country.

mouthful of nutty goodness from Tucker Pecan Company, the capital city’s familyowned pecan producers.

Try their pecans plain or smothered in chocolate.

11. The Alabama Nature Center: Get back to Mother Nature at

this 350-acre outdoor facility with miles of trails and lots of special events.

12. Hank Williams Museum:

See the car in which the iconic country music superstar took his final ride. The museum houses the largest collection of Hank memorabilia found anywhere.

4. Civil Rights Memorial: Be one 7. Riverfront: Walk along the banks of the thousands to visit this moving tribute to those who lost their lives in the struggle for Civil Rights.

5. Blount Cultural Park: Take a

walk, fly a kite, or just relax with a book at this 77-acre oasis of green. Bring Fido along for fun at the Bark Park!

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of the Alabama River, take in a concert at the Amphitheater, or chill out while your kids play at the Splash Pad all summer long.

8. The Harriott II: Cruise down the Alabama river on Montgomery’s very own 19th century riverboat.

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13. Arts Alfresco: Summer and

fall are packed with outdoor arts events, including the Alabama Dance Theatre’s Stars on the Riverfront, the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s Broadway Under the Stars, and The Montgomery Ballet’s Ballet & the Beasts at the zoo.

18. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival: Enjoy a play at one of the country’s most celebrated theaters. Each season offers more than just Will’s workspopular contemporary plays, including musicals, take the stage as well.

BUT WAIT; THERE’S MORE!

19. Swayback Bike Trail: This

Here are 5 more reasons to love our area:

12-mile loop trail in Wetumpka cuts through pine and hardwood forest, with tight turns, fun switchbacks, and the “roller coaster” ride along the banks of Lake Jordan.

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We enjoy mild weather all year long.

food at Martin’s and ribs at Dreamland BBQ to farm-fresh fare at Central and juicy burgers at Railyard Brewing Company, Montgomery’s got something for every taste.

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We’ve got lots of friendly folks with good manners who exude Southern hospitality.

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We’re close to Birmingham, the beach, and Lake Martin.

21.The Fitzgerald Museum:

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Downtown is hoppin’.

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We’re the star on the map!

Good Eats: From Southern comfort

14. Museum of Fine Arts:

Satisfy cultural cravings with a visit to the city’s amazing art museum, home to permanent collections of American art and travelling exhibitions, as well as the interactive ARTWORKS for kids.

15. Get Going: Run through

historic downtown during the annual Montgomery Half-Marathon in October.

Add swimming and biking into the mix at the Capital of Dreams Triathlon in the spring.

Discover how the Jazz Age’s golden couple and literary legends F.Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald lived while in Montgomery at their home that’s been preserved as a museum.

25. The Ice Palace at Eastdale Mall: It’s always winter at this indoor

ice rink- you can ice skate all year long!

16. Chris’ Hot Dogs: Take a bite

out of history at this local favorite that’s been serving tasty dogs smothered in a signature sauce since 1918.

26. Bass Pro Shop: Explore 14,000

17. Old Cloverdale: Check out

27. The Alley: Add some

this charming neighborhood with its shops, galleries, eateries, and more, including a great local hangout, The Pine Bar. Be sure to watch an indie flick at Montgomery’s only independent movie theater, The Capri.

square feet of outdoor excitement, including two large freshwater aquariums.

22. The Montgomery Zoo: Go

wild with over 500 animal species! Don’t miss the rare white tigers, the elephants, or the playful otters. Newest additions include the Skylift and Stingray Bay.

23. Mann Wildlife Learning Museum: Pop in to find displays of

North American wildlife in realistic settings. You can even touch and feel the furs and antlers of some of the animals on display!

24. The MOOseum: Let the

kids get hands-on at this agricultural education center.

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energy to your evening with the dining and nightlife options at downtown Montgomery’s epicenter of entertainment.

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35. The Spa at the Renaissance: Feel your stress melt away at this full-service Europeanstyle spa at The Renaissance Hotel in downtown Montgomery.

36. Old Alabama Town: Travel back in time to the 19th and early 20th centuries as you stroll through 40 restored buildings that depict how people in the area once lived.

28. Montgomery Biscuits Baseball: Catch a game and maybe a flying biscuit, too, at the historic Riverwalk Stadium

29. Historic Churches:

From St. John’s Episcopal to First United Methodist, the capital city has some aweinspiring places of worship.

37. The Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo: Buckin’ broncos, steer competitions, a steak cook-off, live music, and other classic rodeo events fill an entire weekend every March.

to embark on an easy, yet still thrilling, whitewater adventure.

national retailers to eclectic locallyowned boutiques, the River Region’s got it all.

43. Daniel Pratt Historic District: Visit the charming shops

44. Award-Winning Golf: Hit

the links on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail course in Prattville, Capitol Hill. It has been ranked one of the best public courses in the world.

31. Produce Picking: Fill up on

32. Serious Shopping: From

huge impact crater left by a giant meteor that hit the earth in Wetumpka 83 million years ago.

and restaurants of this area in downtown Prattville- it’s even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Coosa River: Rent a canoe or kayak

fruits and veggies with a trip to the Alabama State Farmer’s Market, the Farmer’s Market at EastChase, or the Montgomery Curb Market.

42. The Meteor Crater: View the

45. Jasmine Hill Gardens & Outdoor Museum: Step into 38. Fort Toulouse/Jackson Park: Find a 1700s French Fort at this 165-acre park.

“Alabama’s little corner of Greece” to view the statuary of mythical gods and Olympian heroes. Beautiful blooms make this 20-acre garden memorable.

39. Frightening Fun: Prepare to

be scared at Zoo Boo, the Zombie Prom, or with a Haunted Hearse Tour.

The Governor’s Mansion:

Tour this stately 1906 mansion that has been home to Alabama’s governors and their families since 1950. Check out the pool— it’s in the shape of Alabama!

33. The W.A. Gayle Planetarium: Reach for the stars

and learn all about the universe at the region’s premier astronomy education facility.

41. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama Tour: Get an up-close-and-personal look at HMMA’s state-of-the-art facility and manufacturing process via a guided golf cart tour.

34. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre: Enjoy performances

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from world-class entertainers at this state-of-the-art theater.

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communities communities montgomery

MONTGOMERY

Capital of Dreams

Nestled on the banks of the Alabama River, our state capital has plenty to brag about: a storied past that set the stage for the Civil War and later the Civil Rights Movement; a newly revitalized downtown, complete with a riverboat, a championship baseball team, and a booming entertainment district; shopping and restaurant choices galore across the city; and the list goes on.

Anna Buckalew, Senior Vice President of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, expressed, “Montgomery offers an excellent quality of life on a number of fronts- cultural, recreational, family activities, amenities, great neighborhood options, and strong schools. Part of what we find when people are relocating to Montgomery is that they are looking for a quality place- a great education and activities for their kids, family, faith, recreation, excellent healthcare options, economic opportunities, safety, and an easygoing lifestyle. Montgomery and the River Region have all that, and without the two-hour traffic commutes!”

It’s not all play and no work, though. Montgomery cemented its reputation of being a city beneficial for business when Hyundai Motor Manufacturing came to town, and today, the outlook is just as rosy. Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Hyundai Power Transformers USA (HYPO), Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. (CNHI), Raycom Media, Rheem Water Heaters, Baptist Health, and Jackson Hospital are but a few examples of Montgomery’s stable economy.

Buckalew remarked. “Montgomery has actually been listed as one of the country’s most historically significant cities. This heritage not only makes Montgomery a tourist destination, but it also greatly enriches our residents’ quality of life.”

This progressive city is undergoing great positive change. The downtown and Riverfront areas feature a four-star hotel, a convention center, and an 1,800-seat performing arts centre, plus the spectacular Riverwalk and Amphitheater. The Alleyway entertainment district, also downtown, includes restaurants, bars, and retail shops, all surrounded by a unique ambiance only historic buildings and the scenic Alabama River can offer.

With Mayor Todd Strange and the City Council leading the charge, this revitalization is a great example of how the private and public sectors have come together to work for the best in Montgomery.

While it will never abandon its rich heritage, Montgomery is moving ever forward, and its many offerings make it a great choice for both families and young professionals to call home.

Montgomery also has a vibrant cultural scene. “We are so blessed to have a tremendous arts community- the Shakespeare Festival, Blount Cultural Park, the ballet, the Montgomery Chorale, the Symphony, and a folk and visual arts community, too,” Buckalew shared.

The city of Montgomery has made its mark on history.

“Montgomery is unique in that we are the birthplace of two of the most dynamic events that have happened in the history of the country: the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement,”

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DID YO U K N OW ? one-third Approximately n of the of the populatio es within United States liv us of a 600-mile radi Montgomery.

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MARKET DISTRICT & THE ALLEY The urban resurgence is marching swiftly down Dexter Avenue towards The Alley Entertainment District. More than 170 loft apartments are being constructed in historic and new buildings alike. The exposed brick and sleek steel accents of these lofts are designed to appeal to a wide audience, from young professionals to retired couples.

Those seeking modern, hip digs will be impressed with the proximity of the lofts to downtown Montgomery’s ever-growing entertainment and restaurant industries.

WEST MONTGOMERY Home to many of Montgomery’s tech businesses, as well as the Maxwell-Gunter AFB, the west side of town is growing and attracting more business to our city.

THE BOULEVARD Making a circle that connects the North and South sides of town, the Eastern Boulevard is generally considered the boundary between East Montgomery and Old Cloverdale / Midtown. The area is home to the over 300 acre Blount Cultural Park, where you can find the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, and the city’s largest dog park.

EAST MONTGOMERY This area is bustling with newer housing developments, shopping, and good eats. Traffic is a little more congested on the east side of town, but it’s always manageable in this smaller capital city.

FUN FACTS Tourism contributes

$512 mil

to Montgomery's economy annually.

eum

OLD CLOVERDALE Look no further than Old Cloverdale for some of the city’s oldest and most architecturally interesting homes. This area is home to Huntingdon College and Montgomery’s only independent movie theatre, The Capri.

COTTAGE HILL Cottage Hill is comprised of Victorian-style homes and other buildings that overlook the Alabama River.

Home to The Sanctuary and Goat Haus Biergarten, the Cottage Hill area aims to introduce commercial developments while still maintaining its rich historical and cultural value.

MIDTOWN Smack in the middle of Montgomery, this area is known for its restaurants and parks. Zelda Place is affectionately named after F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, whose family resided in Montgomery and whose house can still be toured today.

Montgomery has a booming economy, making it a great place to call home. Check out these highlights:

Montgomery has an abundant labor pool of

345,295 workers

within a 50-mile radius.

In 2016, Montgomery announced

1,704 new jobs and $371 mil in capital investment from 42 new and expanding companies.

Named 2016’s “Best Data Center Location in the Mid-South” and “Best Mid-Market in the MidSouth for the Automotive Industry” by Southern Business & Development.

The F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Mus

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AROUND TOWN

Montgomery’s own 187th Air National Guard Fighter Wing was recently chosen to be the home of the most technologically advanced jet the Air Force has to offer—the F-35. What is this addition going to bring to the capital city?

1,000 new jobs

Home to four of the Top 10 Global Automotive Suppliers, according to Automotive News.

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$70 mil in up-front investment

$3 bil

in capital investment

Led every other county in the state of Alabama for announced jobs by new and expanding industries in 2017, according to the Alabama Chamber of Commerce.

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There’s always something exciting happening in Montgomery!

Want to stay in the know? We’ve got you covered. Use these hashtags to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the capital city.

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#mymgm This one covers it all, from events

to local hotspots to just about anything Montgomery-related. Make sure to tag your photos with it, and check out what others have posted!

#eatmgm Wondering what the hottest new

restaurant in the city is? Want to share a picture of the delicious meal you just had at a local eatery? This hashtag is for you. Use it to find new places to eat and new dishes to try!

#connectmgm This tag is a favorite

among local entrepreneurs and innovators. Use it to check out the latest local projects and initiatives.

#dbamgm Get the latest on what’s happening downtown. The Downtown Business Association posts frequently about new developments and upcoming events.

Others to check out: #lovemgm #exploremgm

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#runmgm

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