Thinking about moving to Birmingham? Magic City offers residents a low cost of living, booming job market, unique dining options, fantastic live music, and more. Here are 17 things to know about living in Birmingham!
Enjoy Comfortable Living in the South
Moving to Birmingham, AL means enjoying a comfortable lifestyle in the South without the high price tag. Located in one of the most affordable states in the U.S., Birmingham’s low cost of living allows for money go further compared to more expensive Alabama cities like Huntsville or Mobile! Residents can also take advantage of the booming housing market in Birmingham, an emerging food and arts scene, and access to outdoor recreation both in and out of city limits. With a deep historical connection to the Civil Rights Movement, Birmingham has since evolved from a city that relied on iron and steel to one with an energetic urban core, arts sector, and burgeoning commercial districts—and organizations like REV Birmingham that continually work to invest in the city—making it more vibrant and desirable for new businesses and start-ups. With the diverse culture scene, live music, theatrical productions, dance numbers, and more at historical venues throughout the city, Birmingham offers something for everyone, no matter their lifestyle.
Join Birmingham’s Strong Job Market
One of the best things about relocating to Birmingham is the city’s employment opportunities! Birmingham boasts an impressive 2.6% unemployment rate and a range of opportunities. Though it was known for a while as “The Pittsburgh of the South” for its role in the production of steel and iron, Magic City offers careers in a variety of sectors. Looking for major employers in Birmingham? Pursue a job in the medical field at NaphCare and Children’s of Alabama. Hone your trade at Alabama Power, coal leaders Drummond Company Inc., or AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company. Help bring houseware magazines like Southern Living or Country Living to life. Seek employment with the City of Birmingham. Or work in finance at the Birmingham headquarters of Regions, First US Bank, and Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C.
Pursue Higher Education at Birmingham Colleges
Part of Birmingham living is getting to explore the opportunities for higher education. Review the countless degree options in areas like public health, finance, and more at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), one of the best colleges in Alabama. Dive deep into healthcare programs for nursing or behavioral health at Herzing University. Pursue a degree in accounting, criminal justice, or information technology at Strayer University. If you’re interested in Alabama trade schools, look to Fortis Institute for an HVAC or medical assistant certification. Receive training as a patient care technician, in cyber security, or as a welder at Birmingham community colleges like Jefferson State Community College. Or study cosmetology or esthiology at the Aveda Arts and Sciences Institute, a top-rated beauty school in Alabama.
Ride Around on Public Transit
Though most residents drive, there are a variety of Birmingham public transportation options available. Most of the public transportation in Birmingham, Alabama is managed by Max Transit, which offers Max On-Demand, paratransit services, bus routes, and has a centralized location at the Birmingham Intermodal Terminal. Residents can download the free myStop app to plan trips, determine bus capacity, and track down routes. You can also stay active by renting a bike or scooter to get around town as part of the Birmingham Micromobility Program. Or plan your next vacation and travel across the country at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
Learn About Birmingham’s Historic Role in the Civil Rights Era
Did you know Birmingham played a huge role in the Civil Rights Movement? In 1963, the city became the location of Project C, more commonly referred to as the Birmingham Campaign. Led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this influential series of peaceful demonstrations—which included marches, boycotts, and sit-ins—protested segregation laws. Thanks to the efforts of Civil Rights leaders and all who joined them, Project C was viewed as the “beginning of the end” for segregation and is considered one of the major turning points in the movement. Today, you can learn more about Black history in Birmingham and the city’s role in the Civil Rights Movement at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Explore more Birmingham history by visiting the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, consisting of historic landmarks spread across four city blocks—including the 16th St. Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park, an assembly point for participants in Project C.
Prepare for Birmingham Weather
If you’re a fan of warm weather, then you’ll enjoy the living in Birmingham. While the city does get more than 50 inches of rain a year, its southern location near the Gulf of Mexico means temperatures rarely dip below freezing—making it a perfect place for snowbirds on a budget. During the summer, you’ll want to adapt to the Birmingham lifestyle: wear light-colored clothing, stay hydrated, and be mindful of physical activity during temperature peaks to help beat the heat. And if you’re moving to Birmingham from a city without tornadoes, it’s important you learn how to take shelter, as Birmingham is located inside Dixie Alley, a region in the Southern U.S. that’s prone to tornado-producing storms.
Explore Birmingham Nature
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Take advantage of the warm weather in Birmingham with some of the city’s best outdoor recreation opportunities. Go hiking in Birmingham, enjoy a scenic outlook, and learn about the city’s mining history at Ruffner Mountain. Pedal through 18 miles of mountain biking trails, take your pup to Remy’s Dog Park, and relax on a hammock at Red Mountain Park. Hitch a ride on a horse, get out your fishing boat, spot native animals in the Alabama Wildlife Center, and more at Oak Mountain State Park. Explore the beautiful outdoors, overlook the city from the Observation Tower, see the world’s largest cast iron statue, or attend annual events and celebrations like the Thunder on the Mountain fireworks display at Vulcan Park and Museum. Stroll through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens—one of the top free things to do in Birmingham—where you’ll find adult garden classes, storytime at the gardens, and year-round blooms. Or head to the heart of Birmingham to throw frisbees, have a picnic, or walk through 19 acres of green space at Railroad Park.
Enjoy the Excellent Birmingham Museums
Art, history, and culture lovers will appreciate living here thanks to the many cultural attractions in Birmingham. Stop by the Birmingham Museum of Art, which features everything from modern photography and sculptures to classic paintings and major events like Art On The Rocks. Admire vintage motorcycles and classic roadsters from all over the world at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, sometimes considered the best museum in Birmingham—there’s even a racetrack that hosts annual events like the Barber Vintage Festival! Learn about jazz history, explore interactive exhibits, or attend a live jazz performance at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Marvel at over 100 aircraft, try out the Flight Simulator Lab, or check out the Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit at the Southern Museum of Flight. Take a self-guided historical tour at the 15-acre site, or attend one of many concerts, festivals, and other Birmingham events at Sloss Furnaces. Or see more than 6,000 pieces of sports memorabilia while learning about famous athletes like Jesse Owens, Joe Louis, and Hank Aaron at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
Find Family Fun in Birmingham
Looking for family attractions in Birmingham, Alabama? Plan a day out at the Birmingham Zoo—home to over 180 species of animals—with unique activities like the Lorikeet Feedings, Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter Feedings, and more! Venture 20 minutes outside Birmingham to cool off in the Kahuna Wave Pool or seek out thrills with rides like Drop Zone and Yo-Yo at Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure. Take the family out on Saturday mornings to pick up fresh produce, enjoy live music, observe cooking demonstrations, and more at the Pepper Place Market. Let your little ones interact with sharks, explore the distortion room, and launch tennis balls at the McWane Science Center. Foster a love for reading, enjoy storytimes, and go to crafting events at the Birmingham Public Library. Or help your kids burn off energy by letting them loose on the 7,000-square-foot splash pad, going to the climbing center, or signing them up for summer day camps at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex.
Don’t Sleep on Birmingham Music Venues
If you’re relocating to Birmingham, be ready to jam out to some amazing music! Take in a show at Iron City, a no-frills concert hall that showcases artists in every genre. Rent out the upscale bar, HARMONIC, and sing along to local and national acts at Birmingham’s WORKPLAY. Catch an underground rock concert or listen to other genres like punk, blues, and rap at affordable membership-only The Nick. Catch indie music favorites and play vintage video and board games at the cozy live music venue Saturn! Enjoy performances from up-and-coming artists at The Firehouse Community Arts Center. Support the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, catch a screening of classic films, and listen to touring musical acts at the Alabama Theatre.
Celebrate Birmingham’s Performing Arts
One of the best parts of Birmingham life is the thriving performing arts scene! Catch a variety of performances—from Patti LaBelle, to Smokey Robinson, to plays like Winnie the Pooh—at the Alys Stevens Performing Arts Center. Don’t miss high-quality performances of classics like The Nutcracker or Cinderella from the Alabama Ballet. Check out live concerts, symphonies, and more at the historic Lyric Theater. Spend an evening with your family watching The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Birmingham Children’s Theatre. Sign the kids up to build their stage skills in Theatre Camps or enroll in an adult acting class at Red Mountain Theatre. Or attend shows like The Season of Hope and BIG RIVER: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn at the Virginia Samford Theatre, originally opened in 1927.
Embrace Birmingham Sports
One of the best things to do in Birmingham is to immerse yourself in local sports culture! Take in baseball history on a group or self-guided tour at Rickwood Field, the oldest baseball stadium in the U.S. Cheer for the Birmingham Barons (MiLB) as they slide to home base at Regions Field. Stop at Protective Stadium to cheer on the Birmingham Legion FC (USL), Birmingham Blazers (NCAA FBS), or Birmingham Stallions (UFL). See the Birmingham Squadron (NBA G League) dunk over their opponents at Legacy Arena. Or pick a side in the Auburn Tigers (NCAA FBS) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA FBS) rivalry for the annual Iron Bowl.
Find Your Favorite Birmingham Festival
If you enjoy new experiences, Birmingham’s festivals are worth exploring! Celebrate the local Greek community with authentic food and performances at the annual Birmingham Greek Food Festival. Head to an annual freelance motion picture celebration that includes speakers, screenings, and parties at the Sidewalk Film Festival. Grab unique eats from Birmingham food trucks and listen to some of the best jazz musicians in the country at the Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival. Line up for the parade and catch creative floats and best-dressed pets to support homeless animals at Do Dah Day. Experience live performances and nature-inspired works from over 100 artists at the annual Moss Rock Festival. Or view the creations of nearly 200 artists at the Magic City Art Connection.
Taste the Best Barbecue in Birmingham
If you’re seeking the best barbecue in Alabama, Birmingham barbecue has several options to satiate your hunger. Try out the White Chicken Plate, Large Pork Sandwich, and Loaded Potato at Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q. Order Stuffed Taters, a Smoked Pulled Chicken Plate, or BBQ Fries at Saw’s BBQ. Feast on the Classic Rib Plate, Love Me Tenders, and Hickory Smoked Turkey at Full Moon Bar-B-Que. Sit down for a Beef Brisket Plate, Baggett Burger, or Classic BLT at Carlile’s Barbecue. Fill up on the Rib Sandwich, Smoked Sausage Plate, and BBQ Baker at Dreamland BBQ. Or indulge in the Red Neck Burger, Rib Combo, or Hamburger Steak at Ken’s BBQ.
Discover Delectable Dining
Looking for the best restaurants in Birmingham? Sample delicious dishes like Steak Tartare and Hanger Steak, and sample an expansive wine list at Chez Fonfon. Enjoy the Warm Sourdough Bread, Agnolotti, and Red Grouper at The Essential. Go out for date night to taste the Steamed Mussels, Beef Carpaccio, and Fried Calamari at Gianmarco’s Restaurant—a sophisticated Italian venue with some of the best homemade pasta in the city. Treat yourself to Queso Fundido, Carne Asada, Beef Barbacoa Quesadilla, and more at El Barrio. Treat yourself to Lebanese cuisine like Falafel, Grape Leaves, and Tabbouleh at Epice. Or cool off with ice cream flavors like The Decarlo, Harvest Farm Strawberry, and Coconut Lime Sea Salt at Big Spoon Creamery.
Birmingham’s Beer Is a Big Deal
An essential part of the city is stopping by Birmingham breweries! Stop in for samples, stories, or even live music at Avondale Brewing Company. Snag a variety of locally brewed beers like the Strawberry Blonde, Pale Ale, and Lager at Cahaba Brewing Co. Try the Todo Mal Mexican-Style Lager, the Nectar Passionfruit Guava Sour Ale, or American IPA at Uproot Brews. Taste the Good People IPA, Hazy Snake IPA, and Coffee Oatmeal Stout at Good People Brewing Company. Sip signature brews like a Lose Your Way IPA, Irish Stout, or Imperial Lanai from Birmingham District Brewing Company. Or try more experimental beers like Movie Snacks Sour Ale, Euphoria Now, and Trimtab IPA at Trimtab Brewing Company.
Soak Up the Nightlife
You might be looking for spots to kick back and relax—the nightlife in Birmingham will happily oblige! Watch up-and-coming comics or attend a drag brunch at StarDome Comedy Club. Relax and sample house cocktails like Buffalo Bill, Not My First Rodeo, or Fightin’ Words at Carrigan’s Public House. Ditch the cocktail menu and create your own drink concept at The Collins Bar. Sip on the Espresso Rocks, Strawberry Hurricane, and Magic City Mule at Tin Roof. Play a game of NBA Hoops Basketball while you drink unique cocktails and sample 16 beers on tap at Paramount. Or chill out at Oasis Bar, a true neighborhood dive bar with strong, inexpensive drinks, a small stage for local bands, and dartboards to share.
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