The name Arab doesn't have to do with the Middle East. In fact, it actually came from a spelling mistake made by the U.S. Postal Service in 1882! The town was supposed to be called Arad after a man named Arad Thompson (who was the son of the guy who founded the town). However, the postal service made a spelling error... and it stuck.
If you're looking for a suburban town in the heart of Alabama, there might be nowhere better than Arab. Arab isn't quite a commuter town; it's about an hour's drive from Birmingham. But it is close enough to a bunch of big cities (Birmingham, Nashville, and Atlanta) to be considered a good place for people that want to have a mix of a quiet country town and the big city when they want it. Arab is known for its beautiful outdoor scenery and vibrant community. People here value time spent outside, and the city has a whole host of suburban amenities like restaurants, shops, and businesses. You won't get bored in Arab, and even if you do, you can hop in the car and go somewhere great whenever you're feeling up to it!
Moving to Arab
If you're planning to look for a rental homes in Arab, the first thing to do is to figure out your priorities in housing for rent . You have to think about what you want from a home before renting an apartment. Some things to consider are size, location, community, and amenities. Once you decide what's important to you in a home for rent, you can really begin your housing search.
Clear Your Schedule
The easiest way to do this is to use an apartments locator and then make appointments with realtors and management companies. It's important to see as many homes as you can on your housing hunt, since it can be hard to land the first house you see that you like!
Organize Your Paperwork
One of the best ways to ensure that you do snag the home you love is to come prepared. Coming prepared means being ready to put down a deposit (which is usually equal to three times the monthly rent) and to put in an application for the apartment. Applications usually have several components, and the most important one is the part where you prove to your potential landlord that you can pay rent -- and you can pay it on time. You'll need to supply your bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, a letter of employment, proof of income, and anything else that shows how much money you make. If you are worried about applying, consider also getting letters of reference from former landlords. There's no better proof that you'll be a good renter than the word of someone who has seen how good of a renter you are!
Neighborhoods in Arab
Another important part of finding the right rental housing for you is finding the right neighborhood to be in. Do you want to be somewhere that is convenient to get out of town? Do you want to be somewhere that feels like a quiet Alabama town? Or do you want to be in the heart of all of Arab's action? Once you decide what you care about in a neighborhood, you can narrow down the places you'll search and then figure out where to hunt for a house in Arab. If you want to know more about Arab neighborhoods, check out the list below. It contains some helpful information that will ultimately save you time and money on your housing search.
Southern Arab: Southern Arab is actually the heart of town. It's home to South Main Street, which has a lot of the city's cute and historic businesses and shops. If you want to live in a part of town that has suburban residential vibe, but also amenities, this is the place for you.
Northern Arab: Northern Arab has lots of businesses in it, but it also has tight-knit communities and tree-lined streets with lovely homes. If you like spending time outside and playing golf, you might want to consider living in the northern half of town. In its western portion is the Arab Country Club, which is both a place to participate in sports and to socialize with friends and neighbors.
Living in Arab
Arab feels like a small town in the middle of Alabama. It's pretty country, but it also has its fair share of businesses and quaint historic sights. For people who like spending time outside, the city has parks. Thompson-Edison Park is one of the most popular in town, and the area has its own parks and rec department to maintain it. For dining options, the city has a plethora; try places like Southern Hickory Barbecue, Downtown Pizza and Subs, Sicilian Italian Restaurant, and more. There's something here to appeal to anyone's taste buds! In terms of shopping, there's also a good selection of places in Arab. Along Highway 231, there is a huge slew of international chain stores. South Main Street is also the location of many smaller local businesses. You might enjoy small town life, but what about when you want something bigger? There's no transportation to get you there, but if you have your own set of wheels, you can easily get to nearby big cities like Nashville, Atlanta, and Birmingham. Birmingham is just a short one hour drive away, while Nashville is 2.5 hours away. If you're feeling really adventurous, Arab is also only 3.5 hours from the big Georgia city of Atlanta!