📍 About MGM & Montgomery
Montgomery Tower is located at Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), just southwest of Alabama’s capital city. Montgomery blends rich history with Southern charm and a low cost of living. It features a revitalizing downtown, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a strong military presence due to nearby Maxwell Air Force Base.
🏡 Where to Live
Singles & Couples
- Downtown Montgomery – Historic lofts, bars, Riverwalk, close to attractions
- Cloverdale – Artistic and walkable, boutique cafes, 1920s homes
- Old Cloverdale – Quieter residential streets near nightlife
Families
- Pike Road – Highly rated schools, new subdivisions, ideal for families
- East Montgomery – Great schools, shopping, and suburban comfort
- Millbrook – Suburban/rural mix, good schools, 25-min commute
- Prattville – Historic core and new builds, excellent community vibe
🚗 Commute Times to MGM
- 5–10 min: Downtown, Cloverdale, West & South Montgomery
- 15–20 min: East Montgomery, Pike Road
- 20–30 min: Prattville, Millbrook, Wetumpka
🎓 Top School Districts
- Pike Road Schools – Top-rated, newer facilities
- Elmore County Schools – Millbrook/Wetumpka, well-rated options
- Autauga County Schools – Serving Prattville with strong test scores
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Riverfront Park: Walking trails, amphitheater, scenic river views
- Blount Cultural Park: Home to the Shakespeare Festival & Museum of Fine Arts
- Lake Martin: Just over an hour northeast – boating, camping, and lakefront dining
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Alabama Shakespeare Festival: Renowned regional theater company
- Legacy Museum & Civil Rights Memorial: Powerful and educational experiences
- Montgomery Biscuits Baseball: Minor league team with fun home games
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Montgomery Regional (MGM): Commercial service to ATL, DFW, CLT, etc.
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth (BHM): ~1.5 hours north – more flight options
- Atlanta (ATL): ~2.5 hours east – major international hub
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Safest areas: East Montgomery, Pike Road, Prattville, Millbrook
- Downtown: Active redevelopment, but varies block by block
- Southwest & West Montgomery: Pockets of higher crime – research recommended
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Median home price: ~$155,000–$240,000
- 1-bedroom rent: ~$800–$1,100/month
- Utilities: ~$150–$200/month
- Groceries: 10–15% below national average
- Gas: ~$3.20/gallon
- Taxes: Low property taxes, AL state tax ~5%
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Pike Road: Quiet, upscale, best school options
- East Montgomery: Convenience, shops, safe and newer housing
- Downtown: Trendy lofts, Riverwalk, restaurants
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Summer: Hot and humid (90s), frequent thunderstorms
- Fall: Warm, mild – October is especially pleasant
- Winter: Mild, occasional freezing nights
- Spring: Blooming and rainy, 70s–80s
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Traffic: Low congestion, quick commutes
- Highway Access: I-65 and US-80 connect to city and suburbs
- Public transit: Limited bus routes by MATS (Montgomery Area Transit)
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Baptist Medical Center South
- Jackson Hospital
- Urgent Care centers: Multiple options in East Montgomery and Pike Road
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young professionals: Downtown revival, live music, events
- Families: Family-focused suburbs, sports leagues, schools
- Military-friendly: Maxwell AFB creates a strong sense of support
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Vintage Year: Fine dining with local ingredients
- Martin’s Restaurant: Iconic fried chicken & comfort food
- Dreamland BBQ: Local Alabama BBQ chain
- Sa-za: Upscale Italian in Alley Station
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Facility: Moderate activity – mix of commercial, military, and GA
- Military traffic: Maxwell AFB patterns frequently enter airspace
- Team: Close-knit, experienced tower crew
📦 Moving Tips
- When to move: Late spring and early fall best for weather and housing
- Snow/ice: Rare but possible; usually no major impact
- Rental areas: Focus on East Montgomery, Pike Road, Millbrook
❓ FAQs
- How is the traffic in Montgomery?
Very light compared to large cities. Most commutes are under 30 minutes. - What’s the atmosphere like?
Southern hospitality, slower pace, affordable and welcoming. - How’s working at MGM Tower?
Balanced mix of traffic, with good exposure to both military and civilian ops.