RELOCATION GUIDE · RE/MAX CORNERSTONE PLUS
Moving to the River Region
Your guide to relocating to Montgomery, Wetumpka, Millbrook, Prattville and the towns around them, from two locals who’d love to help.
Thinking about moving to the Montgomery, Alabama area? The River Region gives you a lower cost of living than much of the country, a choice of city, suburb or country living, and Southern hospitality that’s still the real thing. We’re Courtney and Chris Lowry, The Corvette Couple of RE/MAX Cornerstone Plus. We live here, we’ve helped families buy and sell here since 2022, and we’d love to help you land in the right spot.
Why people move here
- Your money goes further. Home prices and everyday costs are generally lower than the national average, and Alabama’s property taxes are among the lowest in the country.
- Steady jobs. Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex, state government in the capital city, Hyundai’s Montgomery plant and its suppliers, and major hospitals all bring people to the area.
- Easy to get anywhere. I-65 and I-85 meet in Montgomery. Birmingham is about an hour and a half away, Atlanta about two and a half hours, and the Gulf Coast beaches about three.
- Room to breathe. The Coosa, Tallapoosa and Alabama rivers, Lake Jordan and Lake Martin, and plenty of homes on land if you want space.
Where to live
Want more space? The country areas around Holtville, Eclectic, Deatsville and Tallassee offer more land for the money, and some may qualify for USDA loans with no down payment.
Schools
The River Region has several public school systems, including Elmore County, Autauga County, Montgomery Public Schools and Pike Road Schools, along with private school options. School zones can change from one street to the next, so tell us what matters to your family and we’ll make sure every home we send you fits.
Good to know before you move
- Summers are hot and humid, winters are mild, and spring brings storm season. Many homes have storm shelters or safe rooms, and we can point them out.
- Check flood zones near the rivers. They affect insurance costs, and we’ll flag them before you fall in love with a house.
- Alabama is largely a “buyer beware” state, so a good home inspection matters. We’ll help you line one up.
- City or country? A subdivision lot and a few acres outside town feel very different. We’ll show you both.
Buying from out of state
You don’t have to fly in for every step. We can walk you through homes on a live video call, send neighborhood videos and photos, and keep inspections, appraisals and closing on track while you handle the rest of your move. When you do visit, we’ll make every hour count.
Questions people ask us
Is the Montgomery area a good place to live?
For many families, yes. The River Region offers a lower cost of living than much of the country, a mix of city, suburban and country living, steady jobs in the military, state government, manufacturing and healthcare, and easy drives to Birmingham, Atlanta, Auburn and the Gulf Coast.
Which River Region town is best for families?
It depends on your budget, commute and school needs. Prattville and Millbrook are popular for established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions, Wetumpka offers small-town charm and room to spread out, Pike Road is known for its own school system, and Montgomery has the widest range of homes and prices. We help you compare them for your situation.
How far is the River Region from the beach?
The Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast beaches are roughly a three-hour drive from Montgomery, which makes weekend trips easy.
Can I buy a home here before I move?
Yes. Many of our relocating buyers start from out of state. We can walk you through homes on a live video call, send neighborhood videos and photos, and coordinate inspections and closing details so you are not making extra trips.
Are property taxes high in Alabama?
Alabama’s property taxes are among the lowest in the country, though rates vary by county and city. We’ll help you estimate the full monthly cost of any home you’re considering.
Get your personal relocation plan
Tell us a little about your move. We’ll send you neighborhood suggestions that fit your budget, commute and school needs, plus homes that match, and answer every question along the way.