MADISON – For Opie Balch, Madison is “absolutely the best place to live and work.”

Madison offers “small-town atmosphere with big-city extras. I do not know of another city that I can work AND live in that offers so many opportunities and events,” Opie said.

She owns and operates Opie Balch Realty at 106 Main St. in historic downtown Madison. “It’s such a pleasure to show clients all the many extras in Madison,” she said.

“As Opie Balch Realty works with clients to buy, sell and manage property, we work in many different areas of real estate and are delighted that so many options are in Madison,” she said.

Many of her clients come to Madison because of job transfers and then decide to retire here. “I’ve worked in real estate for over 15 years. It is not a job but a pleasure to work in the Madison area.”

Born in Lawrence County, Tenn., Opie came to the Huntsville area in the late 1960s to work at NASA. “After a job transfer to Birmingham for several years, my family was fortunate enough to move back to Madison in the late 1990s … and be closer to family and friends,” she said.

She and husband Elbert have three children and two grandchildren who live in Madison. “Elbert is a fifth-generation Madison County resident. I’m a ‘short-timer’ because I’ve been in the area less than 50 years,” she said jokingly.

Each year, the Balches enjoy working and participating in the Madison Street Festival. Her family entered a float in the Madison Christmas Parade and a tree in Madison Mayor’s Christmas Tree Decorating Contest. Opie Balch Realty was a sponsor for the recent home tour, sponsored by Madison Historical Preservation Society.

One of Opie and Elbert’s favorite events is the Madison Gazebo Concert series each summer. Opie is an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church.

Main Street Cafe and Cricket’s are Opie’s favorite restaurants, along with chocolate from Whistle Stop Sweet Shop. “My hobbies are my grandchildren and serving my community,” she said.