Sales tax is 10% in Montgomery, 9.5% in Prattville, 8.5% in Millbrook, and 8% in Wetumpka. Montgomery public schools are on the verge of a state takeover for a variety of reasons, Prattville public schools are getting overcrowded, Millbrook public schools are so-so (mainly discipline irregularities), Wetumpka public schools are so-so (same discipline issues).
One town you might consider is Tallassee. It is on the eastern edge of Elmore County, and east of Montgomery. It is about a 30 minute commute to East Montgomery / Gunter Annex area, mainly via interstate. The tax rate is 8.5% to 9% (don't remember which). The school system is a city system, but has some mutual benefits with the county system. Tallassee is still very much a small town, but real estate is reasonable, country living is available, and it does have a hospital, Walmart, etc. My wife is from there, and I sometimes joke with her about retiring there. I currently live in Millbrook and commute to Montgomery for work, but I did live in Tallassee temporarily while my house was being built.
Gunter Annex is sort of small, but there are some eating areas close to the base.
Feel free to ask for more info.