Elizabeth Ramsey Cooper-Golden

Where distances are measured in footsteps, not drive times.  That is the well deserved saying, when you live in the Village of Providence.  Their slogan, Big City Life-Small Town Living, could not be more true.  This is a lifestyle community, at its finest.  A true pedestrian family neighborhood. 

First, let's talk location.  Perfect!  Village of Providence is strategically placed between Madison and Huntsville, just minutes from Research Park. 

Schools:  Award winning Providence K-8, a Center of Excellence for Environmental Studies within Huntsville's school program, is adjacent to the Village within walking distance! Check out their online video introduction. The neighborhood is also serviced by Columbia High School, recently named as an International Baccalaureate School and the first school within the Huntsville school system to offer this diploma. IB Students take rigorous courses in math, science, history, English, electives and foreign language. 

What is your lifestyle?  The Village of Providence has a home for everyone.  From Luxury Neo Classical homes and Town-homes to sophisticated lofts, you can find it here!  Prices begin in the low $300's. Village of Providence Homes  

A well rounded neighborhood, where age is just a number.  Whether you are single, married, have children, or retired, you are going to fall in love, each time you step outside your door.

"Enjoy a home where distances are measured in footsteps not drive times. Where your front door is steps from your favorite restaurant; a walk in one of the many green spaces, park, or trails; a stroll to the doctor's office or the dentist or the neighborhood barbershop, as well as a variety of shopping opportunities. The Village of Providence is designed for anyone seeking the comforts and conveniences of a modern neighborhood with the values and traditions of yesterday."  Click here for the current Huntsville Homes for Sale in the Village of Providence.

Children, imagine this: Going on walks, throwing rocks in the creek, visiting a neighborhood park, hang out at the playground or skipping to the Meeting house for a swim in the Olympic sized pool or Kiddie pool.  Riding bikes in the Alley's. How about a game of kickball? Gather sticks at the green-way and hang out in the neighbors backyard, roasting marshmallows over the fire-pit! 

The neighborhood offers many activities year round for the kids.  How about a Christmas get together with Santa at the Meeting house?  Did you know the Easter Bunny visits as well?  At Halloween, it's all about Pumpkins and Porches, where the kids play games on the front porches for prizes.  Movies in the Park!  Swim night at the pool with a movie playing!  The big hit for Halloween this year was watching a Charlie Brown movie at the park while sipping hot chocolate!

For the animal lovers, Village of Providence even offers a "Dog Park". 

Adults can always find an activity brewing at the Meeting House.  Just a few Meeting House activities are a Crafts and hobby group, Bunco, Poker, Dominoes, or how about a game of Bridge?  These are ongoing!  Adult "mingles" are offered at the Meeting house on a regular basis.  Dine with neighbors, with several different hosts and homes!  Golf outings are planned. 

Living at the Village of Providence is a lifestyle, with everyone in mind.  Big City Life-Small Town Living!

If you would like a tour of the Village of Providence, I would love to show you!

It's time once again for the annual Christmas Parade in Madison Alabama. The parade will be Saturday, December 13, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The theme for this years parade is "All I want for Christmas".

Bundle up and come celebrate our wondrous Holiday season here in Madison.

This annual Christmas Parade in Madison will take place in Madison's historic district. Following the parade, join families and friends while they gather for an old-fashioned celebration on the downtown Village Green. There, you will find carolers and enjoy instrumental music around the Roundhouse! Join in the singing! Say hello to Santa Clause! Don't forget the hot chocolate at the Gazebo!

Here is a map of the Christmas Parade in Madison Alabama:

In our great country, sadly, many of those that risk their lives by fighting for us, can't afford to give their children a Christmas this year. Many soldiers can barely keep food on the table. Thankfully, our fine city of Madison Alabama realizes that and extends a helping hand from the community to these wonderful soldiers. They deserve our help. They fight for our freedom and risk their lives for US, so we can sleep safely in our warm beds each night. They fight so we CAN enjoy our holidays. They fight for our freedom. I believe the Holiday season is all about paying it forward.

We live in the highest income per capita city in Alabama. I think many of us are able to give something. If it is in your budget this year, please help make a difference.

This year, the City of Madison, along with the Army Reserve and local National Guard is again joining hands to host the "Holiday Cheer Brigade". Last year, they raised enough money to help 11 military families, by collecting over $10,000.

Lets all take time out this year and show our Military how much we do support them and respect them. It's time to pay back, don't you think? If we all ban together as the fine community we are, just imagine the smiles on the faces of these Military members , when they can stand proudly by their children on Christmas morning. Let's allow these children the right to believe the REALLY IS a Santa Claus. I still believe, don't you?

Happy Holidays and God Bless America!

Here is all the information you need to make a difference:

The City of Madison in conjunction with the local National Guard and Army Reserve is asking for your support to make this holiday season a happy one for soldiers and their families. Last year alone the Holiday Cheer Brigade made an impact by collecting over $10,000 in money and gifts for 11 military families in the Tennessee Valley. Gifts and other expressions of gratitude will be collected at Madison City Hall on 100 Hughes Road from now until December 17^th. Our team will then wrap and deliver all of the gifts to the families on Friday, December 19^th. Appropriate gifts, gift cards, and cash are all appreciated. Contributions can be made to a particular family or families, or can be undesignated. Any check donations should be made payable to the City of Madison. The City aggregates the money for each family and issues a City check to them. We designate the families Alpha, Bravo, etc to preserve their anonymity. Let's show these military families our community spirit and make sure they will always remember the 2008 holiday season as one filled with joy and hope for the New Year. For more information, please call the Mayor's Office at 772-5603.

Here is a list of some of our families in need:

Family Alpha. Soldier came back from deployment and was told his job no longer exist. He has three young kids: a daughter - Ariel (10), a son - Jacob (5), and daughter - Ariana (?). His wife takes care of their elderly sick parents. He is working odd jobs to stay in their home and feed the family.

Family Bravo. Just had a baby son (Xander - 3 months). He does not have a job. She works for Volunteers of America. They barely are making enough to get food for the family. Fellow Soldiers have made collections to help them. They are in need of tires for their car.

Family Charlie. A dad of 5 children. He works at Domino's delivering pizzas. He is a hard worker who would never ask for help. His children are: Elizabeth (15 yrs) girl; Elijah (6 yrs)(has autism)boy; Jacob (3) boy; Gideon (2) boy; Magdalene (4 mos.)girl.

Family Delta. A single mom with 2 young boys. Daycare expenses takes up a lot of her paycheck. She is struggling to make ends meet. She won't ask for help. Children are: Cameron (4) and Kyle (9).

Family Echo. A single mother and is expecting a second child. Her son JaTavion is 2. Additionally, she has just taken custody of her youngest brother, Timothy (17). Her daycare expenses for JaTavion and additional expenditures for Timothy are placing a strain on her budget. She often sacrifices so the boys will have basic needs. With money being tight, she wishes to provide a nice Christmas for her son and her brother.

Family Foxtrot. A single mother of two. Daughter Miracle (7) and son Ray (2). She recently moved into their new home to accommodate her and her children. She is working but her income is just enough to cover the bills. She is struggling to making ends meet and needs assistance to help make Christmas for her children.

Family Hotel. A father of three. He is the sole provider for his family. He is working two jobs and struggles to make ends meet. His wife is a stay-at-home mom and takes care of their son Nathan (2), and their daughters Alexis (5) and Jade (4mos). He stresses over how he will be able to provide for his family at Christmas.

Family Indigo. A single parent and mother to her son Marlin (16). Her son is doing well at school and excels at being an athlete. Due to a tight budget, she is often faced with not being able to provide adequate support for her son's needs. She wishes to give her son his first real Christmas in many years.

Family Juliet. A single mother with 2 yrs old child. She is struggling to make ends meet for her and her child.

Family Kilo. His Wife is battling illness. Expenses are mounting because of her illness. Money is tight.

Family Lima. She is married with two daughters 8 and 10. Money is tight for gifts for Christmas. He would appreciate any assistance.

Family Momma. A single parent with child 16 months old. Day care expenses make it difficult to save money for Christmas.

Huntsville Alabama - No. 1 Place for the Current Economic Downturn

Huntsville Alabama has done it again! There is nothing new when Huntsville Alabama is named to a Top Ten Best Places to Live list. This has happened on many occasions over the last few years. Just 2 weeks ago, we were rated the number 1 city in Alabama to raise a family. Here is a link to that article: Huntsville Alabama makes the news again! Business Week says Raise your kids here!

Given the current upheaval in the nation's financial system, it is comforting to see Huntsville and Madison County top a recent list from Forbes Magazine for the best economic places for recessionary times.

The analysis looked at three primary factors; housing affordability, property taxes, and job growth. A housing affordability index of 100 indicates that a family with median income can afford a median priced home. A index of 100 or greater is considered good. The top ten list is as follows:

The original article and accompanying slide show of the top ten's demographics can be found on Forbes Website

If you are considering Relocating to Huntsville Alabama or Madison Alabama, now is the time! If you are part of the BRAC move, this should make your move here a bit less stressful! Knowing you are moving to the most economically sound city in the United States will certainly enable you to sleep a bit sounder now!

Homes in Huntsville Alabama and homes in Madison Alabama are very affordable. While in our slow season, this is sure to be a great time to get a deal on several homes in the area. Interest rates are still low. Combining the two makes this the perfect opportunity for buyers! To view available homes online, be sure to visit my web site www.NorthernAlabamaHomes.com.

If you would like a free RELO package, I'd love to send one your way!

Huntsville Alabama is once again making headlines. Business Week has rated Huntsville Alabama as the Best City to Raise Your Kids In Alabama! Business Week gathered crime rates, growth rates, air quality, recreation and of course, school information.

Those of us that call Huntsville Alabama home, already knew it. We are all thrilled that Business Week is spreading the news!

Thank you Business Week! Below is the article:

Best Place to Raise Your Kids: Alabama*

Huntsville

Nearest city: Huntsville
Population: 162,819
Median household income: $69,000

Families don't have to leave Huntsville to find fun things to do. The city is best known as the home of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, where scientists designed space rockets in the 1950s and visitors now come for interactive exhibits, rides, and movies. The 104-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden has a new Children's Garden and Nature Center, which claims to have the nation's largest seasonal butterfly house.

Runners-up:
Dothan
Hoover

*For all slides, relative safety was measured by the "total crime risk," an index of the combined risks of rape, murder, assault, robbery, burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft. Crime scores were based on demographic and geographic analyses of crime over seven years. School performance was based on state reading and math test scores and came from Great Schools. Zoo data came from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and museum, theater, park, and recreation information came from InfoUSA. Air quality information came from the Environmental Protection Agency, household expenditures and diversity data were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, and job growth data came from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Source: OnBoard Informatics.

To view the other top cities in the US, here is the link: http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/11/1110_best_places_for_kids/2.htm

If you are considering a move to Huntsville Alabama, be sure to visit my web site, www.NorthernAlabamaHomes.com. Here, you can search Valley MLS. If you are interested in more information, please feel free to contact me! I look forward to answereing any questions you may have.