Moving to Birmingham, AL

Birmingham At-A-Glance

If you’ve been in search of a little Southern hospitality coupled with modern amenities, Birmingham has it all. Birmingham’s strong identity comes with deep historical significance, a passionate community of over 200,000 people and small-town vibes you don’t always get in large hubs. It’s definitely a diverse and interesting place to settle down. 

Although it was born out of the iron and steel industries, today Birmingham is known for its low cost of living, diversity and world-class food. Of course, if you’re new to the South, you’ll also want to get a quick education in college football—it’s a way of life in Alabama!

Keep reading to learn more about what to know before moving to Birmingham.

Birmingham is Known as “Magic City”

Is there a greater nickname for a city out there? We doubt it! Birmingham earned its magical moniker in the early 20th century following an improbable industrial boom that grew it into the hub it still is today. Although iron and steel are no longer as prominent in Birmingham’s industrial makeup, remnants of its legacy can still be found at the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark and the Vulcan Park and Museum, where the cast iron statue of the Roman god of the fire and forge still looks over the city.

Today, the city’s magic comes from its lively arts and cultural attractions. From the Birmingham Museum of Art to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the Vintage Motorsports Museum, it’s likely you’ll find something for all interests and tastes here. Live music and performing arts are also thriving in Birmingham. Nights out will no doubt have you stopping at Iron City Bham, WorkPlay, the Alabama Theatre or the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.

Birmingham’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement means that the city is steeped in a rich, although often difficult history. You’ll also want to check out the Civil Rights Trail and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to better understand the city’s place in history.

Birmingham Has Seen High Employment Growth in Recent Years

Between 2022 and 2023, Birmingham’s employment growth outshone most of the nation. With over 16,000 jobs added, this metro area had the fifth-highest percentage of growth in the U.S. It’s also kept its unemployment rate below the national rate, coming in at just 2.3 percent in November 2023.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is by far the largest employer in the city, both in the education and healthcare sectors, followed by Regional Financial Corporation, St. Vincent’s Health System and Children’s of Alabama. Big names you’ll find among top employers also include Publix, Honda, AT&T, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Mercedes-Benz and Wells Fargo.

The city’s economy relies heavily on its medical industry, but you’ll also find opportunities in trade, finance, research, government and manufacturing. 

Birmingham is More Affordable Than Many U.S. Cities

While Birmingham is more expensive than other cities and towns in Alabama, it’s 8 percent lower than the national average. You can expect to pay a higher average in utilities (thanks to the extreme weather), but your money will go farther in just about every other expense category, especially housing—Birmingham housing costs are a whopping 20 percent lower than the national average. This might be why WalletHub listed Birmingham as one of the most affordable places for retirees out of nearly 200 cities in their study.

At the end of 2023, the median home sale price was just $183,000, reflecting an 8.5 percent drop since the end of 2022. Although the market is still considered somewhat competitive, homes are staying on the market longer with the occasional price drops. If you have your heart set on buying a home, this may be the place to make it happen.

Good news for renters: Birmingham rent prices have been on a similar downward trend for the first time since before the pandemic. The median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment was $1,047 in January 2024, with the median for a 2-bedroom just $50 more a month at $1,097. 

The low cost of living does reflect a lower income expectation. As of the most recent Census, the median household income in Birmingham was recorded as just $42,464—over $30,000 lower than the U.S. median.

Neighborhoods Full of That Southern Charm

Full of vibrant culture and a rich history, Birmingham boasts unique neighborhoods sure to suit just about everyone, from young professionals to families, or prospective homebuyers to renters. Check out these highly recommended neighborhoods for those moving to Birmingham:

VESTAVIA HILLS

One of the more upscale neighborhoods, Vestavia Hills is considered one of the best places to live in Birmingham and it has earned its reputation. Not only does it boast prestigious schools, fine dining and shopping, it’s also known for its close-knit community.

HOMEWOOD

Now technically a suburb, Homewood combined several smaller communities together to become this family-friendly hub. It has its own vibrant downtown area with great places to eat and shop, while still providing proximity to Birmingham’s urban amenities.

CRESTWOOD

Another suburb of the greater Birmingham area, Crestwood residents enjoy a strong sense of community. Its affordable housing options also make it a great option for young professionals, couples and other first-time home buyers.

AVONDALE

Full of breweries, cafes, entertainment venues and barbecue joints, Avondale has been undergoing a revitalization in recent years and has no shortage of fun things to do. 

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Quality of life is high in Mountain Brook, or “the Tiny Kingdom,” as it’s sometimes called. This is one of the more affluent neighborhoods in Birmingham, full of gorgeous natural preserves, picturesque streets, great schools and upscale shopping.

Other neighborhoods to include in your Birmingham home search:

• Forest Park
• Five Points South
• Trussville
• Edgewood
• Highland Park

Birmingham is a Car-Dependent City

While some of Birmingham’s neighborhoods are walkable, getting to work or running errands will most likely require you to have a car or to use public transportation. Thankfully, if you have a car, you should be able to find free parking near most attractions and hot spots. The city also experiences a much lower amount of traffic than other major metros, with commutes averaging about 10 minutes. 

No car? No problem. While there are no subway systems in Birmingham, the bus system is extensive and got a rapid transit upgrade in recent years. Depending on how far outside of that area you need to go, you may want to use Uber or Lyft.

Birmingham Has a High Concentration of Top-Ranked Schools

With nearly 70,000 K-12 students to serve, Birmingham has 116 public schools. The average math and reading proficiency scores outdo those of the state, bringing Birmingham into the top 20 percent of schools in Alabama. Of course, there are also plenty of private schools to choose from if you prefer. About 17 percent of K-12 students in Birmingham attend one of the city’s 81 private schools.

If you’re ready to get that degree (or maybe get another one!), there are several great universities and colleges in the area to check out. The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham-Southern College and Samford University all rank nationally.

The Weather Can Be Extreme

It’s no secret that summers in the South are hot and humid. Located in the Cahaba River watershed, Birmingham is no different. Known as a humid subtropical climate, Birmingham has long summers that get muggy and will require strong AC to keep you happy.

The winters can be mild with highs reaching the 50s and 60s. They also bring a lot of rain—this city is no stranger to big storms and tornado warnings! That’s not to say you won’t also experience some beautiful sunshine but be sure you know how to keep yourself safe and cool when needed.

Although winter months don’t see too much variation, January is usually the coldest by a few degrees, with average low temperatures of 35 degrees Fahrenheit. July and August are the hottest, with highs reaching into the 90s.

10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Birmingham

Once the center of the American Civil Rights movement, Birmingham is known for its place in the country’s history. But in recent years it’s become known for its dedicated sports fans, art scene, great food and more. Here’s a list of 10 must-dos in the Magic City: 

1. Take one of the city’s Civil Rights tours and visit the Civil Rights Institute to better understand its place in the historic movement.
2. Explore over 24,000 works of art in the Birmingham Museum of Art’s permanent collection.
3. Snap a selfie in front of the Rotary Trail sign before strolling down this repurposed railroad track.
4. Get your steps in at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, filled with fountains, an art gallery and the Moon Tree, carrying seeds that traveled to the moon with Apollo 14.
5. Go less than an hour out of the city to catch a NASCAR race at the infamous Talladega Speedway or book your own driving experience.
6. Relax and enjoy cultural events at Birmingham’s Living Room (or the Railroad Park Foundation as this 19-acre oasis is officially called). 
7. Don a mask for a masquerade dinner at the Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens (or just take a tour of its stunning architecture and art pieces).
8. Get a taste of the prehistoric with life-sized dinosaur topiaries at Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village.
9. Step onto Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the country and home to the Birmingham Black Barons until 1960.
10. Check out the replica of the Statue of Liberty (with real flames!) at Liberty Park or Vulcan, the largest cast iron statue in the world.