[MeMelissa]

My husband is being transfered to Gadsden, Al.. We have known for a little while it might happen but just found out this week that they want him there by the end of July. I'm really nervous bc we have always lived in South Carolina near family and friends. I would love any information anyone can give me.. We do have 2 boys that are 8 yo & 5 yo so information on schools and anything for the kids would be great too.. We will be looking for a place to rent until we find a home to buy so anything anyone can tell me I would be grateful for..


Thank you
Melissa

[The_Rambler]

My only advice would be to steer clear of southern and eastern Gadsden. I had a friend who got carjacked there and I had a gun pulled on me while working for a food vending company. Oh and the Johnsons grocery store downtown, on 5th I think, is the epicenter of meth trafficking for that part of town.

[Okiefrombama]

Hey there. I grew up in Gadsden. Try looking for a place in Rainbow City. Eura Brown, Mitchell, Westbrook, Southside, and Gadsden City are the best schools.

Eura Brown and Mitchell are good elementary schools.
Westbrook is a private school that does well academically.
Gadsden City is an inner city school but has the most to offer academically to students.
Southside is the best county school.

I'm never afraid of South Gadsden or East Gadsden...mainly because I spent most of my life in the city. The city does have its problems, but it's easy to avoid them.

To be quite honest, the only streets where I would say "don't go there at night in your car" is around Cansler Avenue and around Tuscaloosa Avenue. Anyways, it's the same thing where if you're not looking for trouble, you won't find it.

As for meth.....it is really bad in that part of Alabama. Sand Mountain and Ballplay are especially bad. As for Johnsons being a meth hub....that doesn't surprise me. But going to the store has never bothered me.

Anyways, it's good to hear people are actually moving to Gadsden for employment for a change!
PM me if you need any more advice.

[LHinsman]

I am from and currently reside in Gadsden. I live in Clubview and Eura Brown Elem. is a WONDERFUL school. I went to Westbrook and wish I had gone to EB. I ended up in the City system and did very well and went on to college and succeeded there as well.

As for safety, there are some crime-centric areas as with all towns of a certain min. population, but I drive all over the place...no problems. My mother taught in E. Gadsden...no problems. My father is a FF in downtown...no problems. I don't recommend Tuscaloosa ave at say, 2am. Other than that, it's fine.

And Johnson's grocery store is fantastic! It is absolutely NOT a location for meth trafficking. They are known for the best meats in town and local eggs too! It is small and has a wonderfully 1960's urban vibe that just can't be found at Winn Dixie or God Forsaken Walmart. And there are always the known top tier country club types shopping there. Its ridiculous to say it is a drug location.

The meth situation in Gadsden is mostly relegated to Duck Springs, Sardis, Ridgeville, and rural N. Gadsden (which is where I was raised). The real problem is in Marshall County on rural Sand Mountain. However, the goal of meth production is to not get caught. They tend to be excruciatingly private, so you'll probably never even know if you are near it.