Located in the very center of Alabama, Birmingham is not only the second-largest city in the state, but it also serves as its cultural and financial heart. The former industrial town has undergone a dazzling transformation in recent years, with revitalization efforts going a long way toward making Alabama a popular choice for renters.
Enjoying a mix of big-city perks and amenities while retaining a friendly, small-town vibe, Alabama offers the best of both worlds. But, before making the move to Birmingham, it’s best to go in with eyes wide open.
In this guide, we’ll answer 5 essential questions to ask before moving to Birmingham, AL.
1. Is Birmingham an Affordable City?
With a cost-of-living score that is 8% lower than the national average, Birmingham is a fairly affordable place to live. Locals can enjoy the biggest savings when it comes to housing costs, both to buy and to rent. But beyond housing costs, Birmingham scores lower than the national average across all metrics, except utilities, which are about 10% higher.
However, the median household income in Birmingham is just over $44,350 a year, considerably lower than the national figure of around $80,600, and below other nearby cities such as Huntsville ($70,750) and Montgomery ($55,650).
2. Is It Easy To Find Work in Birmingham?
At just 3.1%, Birmingham boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country for a city of its size. Paired with a diverse economy, driven by various industries, renters from a range of professional backgrounds will find numerous job opportunities. The three largest industries are healthcare, education, and retail, but opportunities also abound across sectors such as tech, engineering, finance, and many more.
Just over 77% of the workforce works in white-collar roles, and almost 16% are employed by the government.
3. Is Birmingham a Good Choice for Renters?
Renters form the majority in Birmingham, with around 55% of homes in the city being renter-occupied. And, this figure is rising, having seen a year-on-year increase of 6%. As such, renters will find that there’s usually plenty of choice.
The housing landscape is predominantly comprised of single-family homes, making up just over 57% of the housing stock. Meanwhile, multifamily units, including condos and apartments, ranging in size from 2 units up to 50 plus units, make up just shy of 40% of Birmingham’s housing stock. This mix of housing stock makes Birmingham a competitive choice for many different types of renters, including families, young professionals, and students.
4. How To Prepare for Birmingham’s Weather?
For those moving from temperate climates, Birmingham’s summers of high humidity and heat can be uncomfortable at first. Summers tend to stretch on for several long months, too, so finding a home with air conditioning is almost essential.
Tornadoes are another thing to consider when moving to Birmingham, AL. Most common in spring, the region can experience strong storms and severe tornadoes. While it’s not usual for them to strike the city directly, it’s also not unheard of, so it’s wise to take precautions. Homes with a basement offer the best protection; however, there are also many public storm shelters throughout the city, so being aware of their whereabouts is wise.
Fall can also bring heavy rain, and some parts of the city are liable to flooding, particularly areas near creeks and brooks. Comprehensive renters’ insurance is worth considering to cover the potential loss or damage of possessions caused by natural disasters such as tornadoes or floods.
5. What Is There To Do for Fun in Birmingham?
As Alabama’s culture and entertainment capital, there’s no shortage of things to do in the city. Birmingham boasts a strong arts scene, with numerous galleries and performing arts venues dotted throughout the city. The Theatre District, once home to 27 theatres, remains the place to be for live music, stage shows, and much more. Plus, with countless restaurants and boutique stores, it’s easy to make a day of it.
For those seeking a little fun in the sun, Birmingham’s Red Mountain Park is the place to be. Covering 1,200 acres, it’s among the largest urban parks in the country and an impressive 78% larger than New York’s Central Park. The former iron ore mine offers over 15 miles of trails to explore, either on foot or by bike, as well as zip lines, playgrounds, and even a dog park.
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