Moving to Birmingham means you can enjoy inexpensive living. Located in one of the most affordable states in the U.S., Birmingham’s cost of living is 14% lower than the national average. In fact, living in Birmingham is more affordable than in other similarly-sized Alabama cities like Huntsville, Montgomery, or Mobile!
What is so great about Birmingham Alabama?
Here are a few: –
With a metropolitan population of nearly a million people, Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. No need to pigeonhole Birmingham as serving only fried pies and barbecue. The city is home to “the Oscars of dining,” with James Beard Foundation award winners and nominees. Birmingham is a national leader in urban green spaces. Thousands of wooded acres for biking and hiking are within minutes of downtown in area parks. The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s UAB Hospital is an international leader in health care and one of the top transplant centers in the world. Though iron and steel production gave rise to the city of Birmingham, the area’s largest employer is now the health care industry. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum has the largest collection of vintage and contemporary motorcycles in the world. Adjacent is Barber Motorsports Park, one of the finest racing facilities in the world and beautifully landscaped in the rolling hills just outside the city. Barber Motorsports Park hosts the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, making Birmingham the only Deep South city on the North American Indy circuit. USA TODAY calls Birmingham’s Sidewalk Film Festival one of “Ten Great Places for a Fabulous Film Festival.” Since its debut in 1999, the festival has attracted filmmakers from around the world to screen their work for fans of independent cinema. The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), the global Catholic Television giant, is headquartered and broadcasts from its studios in Birmingham to millions of viewers around the world. In 1995, Mercedes Benz chose a site just west of Birmingham to build its first assembly plant outside Germany. Their visitors center indoctrinates guests on the automaker’s history. Tours of the plant are available by appointment. Birmingham’s role in America’s Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s placed the city at the center of the most significant domestic drama of the 20 th The city’s Civil Rights District is now designated a National Monument. Birmingham is known as the founding city for the recognition of Veterans Day and hosts the nation’s oldest and largest Veterans Day celebration, Birmingham is the only place in the world where all the ingredients for making iron are present—coal, iron ore and limestone, all within a ten-mile radius. Vulcan, the mythical god of metalworking, is the largest cast iron statue in the world and is second in size only to the Statue of Liberty. The statue sits high atop Red Mountain as a symbol of Birmingham’s birth in the iron and steel industry. Vulcan’s bare buttocks, facing the suburb of Homewood, measure as wide as a Greyhound bus. The Club’s multi-colored dance floor was the inspiration for a key icon in the 1970s movie Saturday Night Fever starring John Travolta. The Birmingham Museum of Art houses 10,000 pieces of Wedgwood, the largest museum collection outside England. With the opening of Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, the state became the “Godfather of Great Golf.” Two of the RTJ courses are in Birmingham. Birmingham is home to the nation’s oldest baseball park, Rickwood Field, which opened in 1910 and hosted baseball greats such as Jackie Robinson, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Lorenzo “Piper” Davis, Willie Mays and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. Tours are available weekdays. The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Kirklin Clinic was designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei. Sloss Furnaces produced iron for nearly 90 years during the early days of the city’s emerging as an industrial giant. Today it is a city-operated museum and recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the only facility of its kind being preserved anywhere in the world. Country singing legend and Alabama native Hank Williams spent the last night of his life at Birmingham’s Redmont Hotel before leaving for a New Year’s Day performance January 1, 1953, in Canton, Ohio. Somewhere along the way, Williams’s friend and driver found him dead in the back of the famous blue Cadillac. The Alabama Theatre is one of only a handful of 1920’s movie palaces still in operation. The “Mighty Wurlitzer” pipe organ still rises from beneath the theater floor for live accompaniment to silent movie screenings and other events. The Irondale Café is a home-style cafeteria with strong Hollywood ties. The café was the inspiration for author and actress Fannie Flagg’s successful novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café and hit movie of half that name.
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Why is Alabama a good state to live in?
Cost of Living – Finding an affordable place to live is essential when choosing somewhere to move. Alabama is known as one of the cheapest states to live in the country. The cost of living in Alabama is 1.1 times less expensive than the average in the United States.
The average price is $35,859 per year for a typical single individual. Due to its moderate climate and location in the country, housing, food, and most living expenses are some of the lowest in the United States. This southern state is one of the most affordable states in the country! Although Alabama is one of the five states that have not adopted a state minimum wage, its average salary ranges between $36,058 (25th percentile) and $64,071 (75 th percentile).
Finding jobs is a priority before moving somewhere new, and here in Alabama, the unemployment rates are at 2.6 percent, one of the lowest states. Some areas of Alabama cost more than others, depending on the location. Some places that are the most affordable in Alabama would be Attalla, Meridianville, and Tuscumbia !
Why you should move to Birmingham?
Living Costs In Birmingham – As far as living expenses are concerned, Birmingham is perhaps one of the most cost-effective cities in all of England – which makes it an excellent place to live for people who have just moved here from other parts of the UK! Living costs here are also reasonably affordable within the range of £637.26 to £2,213.46, especially in comparison to London, which is about 21.55% more expensive.
- Meal At An Inexpensive Restaurant – £10.00
- Meal For 2 At A Mid-Range Restaurant – £50.00
- Meal At A Fast Food Chain – £5.29
- Milk – £0.91/litre
- 1 Dozen Eggs – £1.85
- Chicken – £5.28/kilo
- Beef – £7.74/kilo
- Banana – £0.97/kilo
- Potato – £0.92/kilo
- Water – £0.61/litre
Aside from these expenses, you will also be required to pay council tax to the Birmingham City Council, Here, you will be charged a band value that depends on the overall value of your property. This council tax is usually based upon how much it would cost to replace all buildings and structures in your home as well as its land – or what’s known as “rateable value.”
Is Birmingham Alabama a nice place to live?
Posted at 16:27h in Community, News Birmingham, Alabama is ranked as one of the top 100 places to live in the U.S., and for good reason. With a recent increase in dining options, entertainment, sports, music, and job opportunities, those who call this city “home” love this best-kept secret of the South.
Why are people moving to Alabama?
U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Huntsville the Number 1 place to live in the United States. And while most of the nation might have been shocked that an Alabama city topped the list, those of us who live here weren’t surprised at all. We’ve known all along that our state is an underrated gem.
- And now others are also finding out that’s true and flocking here for our beautiful landscapes, affordable cost of living, unbeatable food, and, of course, our Southern hospitality.
- Jessica Johnson moved to Alabama from Austin this past December.
- A software developer who works from home, she could be anywhere in the world, but she chose Mobile even though she’d never been there before.
“I just absolutely love being able to be close to the beach,” she says. “Conceivably, I could get up on Saturday and just drive half an hour and get my feet into the white sand and spend the day walking on the beach.” 
Lake Guntersville is filled with gorgeous views. (Joe Songer) The great outdoors was also an attraction for Tristan Moore, a field supervisor with a construction company who moved to Huntsville from Southern Illinois about a year ago. An avid hunter and fisherman, Tristan cites Brindley Mountain and Guntersville Lake as two of his favorite places to spend a beautiful day – or evening.
“People need to check out the 4th of July on Guntersville Lake,” he says. “They have their fireworks show out there on the lake. Beautiful. If they can get a boat on the water, that’s where they need to be.” Renè Powell, an anesthesiologist, moved to Birmingham with her husband and twin seven-year-old daughters from Pueblo, Colorado.
Powell says that after living in the arid West, she loves Alabama’s humidity, and she also loves Birmingham’s central location. “I like that we’re close to the lakes. I like that we’re close to the ocean. Everything’s within a driving distance,” she says.
That was actually part of why we picked Alabama over the other places I interviewed. You can get to the mountains. You can get to the beach. You can get anywhere!” And with two active children, Alabama offers a lot to keep them busy. “We spend a lot of our time doing playground hopping. We go to all the ice cream places, all the donut places.
And we checked out a lot of the parks like Red Mountain and Oak Mountain,” 
Many people are attracted to living in Mobile. (Joe Songer) Last November, Carlos M. Diaz, a psychiatrist and New York native, also moved to Mobile with his wife and three daughters. For him, the low cost of living was a main attraction to the Yellowhammer State.
We lived in what was considered a huge apartment in New York City, 1,200 square feet, three bedrooms,” he recalls. “But the rent that we were paying, holy smokes, it was just incredible. And with our small apartment, we were able to purchase a seven-bedroom house.” Moore finds Alabama more affordable as well.
From his mountaintop home he can see for several miles around. “It’s just beautiful,” he says. But aside from sweeping vistas, Moore figures that compared to Illinois, he’s paying about 75% less on property taxes. “I love my neighborhood. It’s beautiful. 
The Huntsville skyline keeps on developing. (Joe Songer) While Alabama’s beauty and affordability might initially attract people to buy houses in our state, it’s Southern hospitality that turns those houses into homes. “The neighbors brought us gumbo. My wife had never had gumbo before.
It was delicious,” says Diaz. And he says the neighbors didn’t stop there, they brought beignets and a lot of other Southern treats. “I’ll tell you, we gained so much weight. Y’all know how to eat down here!” he says. “Austin was so much traffic, so many people. Nobody would give you a sideways look. Nobody would ever really say hello or help you with anything,” recalls Johnson.
“And the first week that I was here, every store that I went into, people would greet me and call me ‘Sweetie.’ And if anybody even noticed that I was having trouble or had a lot of things to take to my car – seriously, this really happened – people would stop and help me.
- Like, that does not happen.
- That did not happen in Austin.
- I was honestly flabbergasted.” And Powell appreciates the Magic City’s hometown vibes.
- I like that it is a bigger city with all the big city amenities, but it feels like a small town,” she says.
- And even though she just moved a few months ago, Powell says Alabama is already starting to feel like home.
Dare we say it is, indeed, a sweet home after all. This story is presented by Alabama Association of Realtors.
Is it worth buying a house in Birmingham?
Will house prices go up in Birmingham? – The outlook is good. Birmingham boasts an impressive forecasted house growth rate, with JLL predicting a 9.3% increase in house prices in the West Midlands region between 2023-2027. This outpaces the UK average of 8.9%.
Specifically, Birmingham property values are anticipated to rise by 19% over the next five years, which is a big jump in struggling economic circumstances. Furthermore, the high demand for rental properties is expected to persist in 2023, as the current cost of living squeeze and higher mortgage rates could cause potential homeowners to postpone their first home purchase.
JLL forecasts a 5% rental growth in Birmingham city centre for 2023, surpassing other cities like Leeds (3.5%) and Bristol (4%). Over the 12 months leading up to December 2022, Birmingham rents experienced an average increase of 15.8%. The report further projects an average rent hike of 19.3% between 2023 and 2027, solidifying Birmingham’s potential as an excellent property investment choice.
Which is better Birmingham or London?
Salaries and Career Prospects in London vs Birmingham: What’s the Difference? – London has a higher average salary, with a monthly disposable income (after tax) of £1,956.44 compared to £1,547.12 in Birmingham—a nearly 21% difference. The difference in graduate salaries is not so big.
- On an annual basis in London, it is £30,000, while in Birmingham it is £27,000.
- London has a low unemployment rate of 8.1%, while in Birmingham it is slightly higher at 9.3.
- A low unemployment rate implies better employment prospects and economic expansion.
- With HSBC moving their headquarters here back in 2015 and PwC ranking Birmingham as one of the top cities in Europe to invest in, the West Midland economic center offers plenty of career opportunities in practically every area.
London, the capital of the country, features a number of distinctive neighborhoods that are regarded as the country’s economic hub for that sector, particularly for positions involving creativity, finance, and technology. Because of London’s size, there are always a lot of job opportunities available.
How religious is Birmingham?
Percentage of usual residents by religion, Birmingham West Midlands England
| Classification | 2011_Birmingham_% | 2021_England_% |
|---|---|---|
| Christian | 46.1 | 46.3 |
| Buddhist | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| Hindu | 2.1 | 1.8 |
| Jewish | 0.2 |
Why are homes in Alabama so cheap?
Cost of Living Alabama – Alabama is known as one of the cheapest states to live in the country. The cost of living in Alabama is 1.1 times less expensive than the average in the United States. A typical single individual’s average price is $35,859 per year.
Due to its moderate climate and location in the country, housing, food, and most of the living expenses are some of the lowest in the United States. This southern state is one of the country’s most affordable places to live. On the other hand, Alabama is one of the five states that have not adopted a state minimum wage, and its average salary ranges between the 25th percentile ($36,058) and the 75th percentile ($64,071).
Finding a job is one of the most important things to do before moving somewhere new, and on the plus side, Alabama’s unemployment rates are at 2.6%, so finding a long-term career here is more accessible. Depending on their location, some areas of Alabama cost more than others, so finding somewhere comfortable to live for you or your family is essential.
| Cost of Living in Alabama | Comparison to National Average |
| Housing | 30 percent lower |
| Utilities | 1 percent higher |
| Food | 3 percent lower |
| Healthcare | 9 percent lower |
| Transportation | 8 percent lower |
| Goods and Services | 5 percent lower |
Why did Europeans move to Alabama?
History >> US Geography >> US State History Native Americans The land that is today the state of Alabama was originally settled by two groups of Native Americans: the Cherokee and the Muskogee peoples. The Muskogee peoples included the Choctaw, the Creek, and the Chickasaw tribes. They were organized into clans such as the Bear Clan and the Fox Clan. They lived in small villages in domed-shaped homes with thatched roofs. The Cherokee lived in the northern portion of Alabama. Europeans Arrive The first European to arrive in the area was Spanish explorer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda in 1519. More Spanish explorers arrived in the early 1500s including Hernando de Soto in 1540. The Spanish were only searching for gold, however, and did not settle the land. Early Settlers The first European settlement, Fort Louis, was established by the French in 1702. In 1711, the fort was destroyed by a flood and the location was moved to the current site of Mobile, Alabama. In the 1700’s, Europeans began to move to Alabama to farm the land. Many of them came from France and Canada. Originally most of the people settled around Mobile and left the rest of the land to the Native Americans. Alabama Capitol Building by Carol M. Highsmith Fighting over the Land Alabama was controlled by the French until the French and Indian War broke out in 1754 between Britain and France. The local Indians sided with the French because they didn’t want the British to take their land.
However, the British won the war and took control in 1763. Alabama once again changed hands after the War of 1812 when it became part of the United States. In 1817, the U.S. Congress created the Alabama Territory with the city of Saint Stephens serving as the first capital. During the War of 1812 the Creek Indians sided with the British.
Andrew Jackson of the United States fought against the Creek and won. The Indians were then forced to sign treaties handing over much of their land to the United States. Becoming a State Alabama became the 22nd state on December 14, 1819. The first capital city was Huntsville.
- The capital later moved to other cities including Cahaba and Tuscaloosa before finally moving permanently to Montgomery in 1846.
- Slavery In order to help work the land, slaves were brought in from Africa.
- Over the years, slaves became an important part of the local economy.
- By 1860, out of the 964,000 people in the state, 435,000 were slaves.
Civil War When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Alabama seceded from the Union of the United States and joined the Confederate States of America, Some battles were fought in Alabama including the Battle of Mobile Bay, the Battle of Fort Blakely, and the Battle of Selma.
Alabama also sent soldiers and supplies to the Confederate Army fighting in other regions of the country. After losing the war, the slaves in Alabama were freed. The state came under military rule from 1865 to 1868 and was under Reconstruction until 1874. Civil Rights Although the slaves had been freed after the Civil War, African Americans were still subject to discrimination and segregation.
Laws called Jim Crow laws created separate schools, restaurants, drinking fountains, and more. Alabama became the center of the Civil Rights Movement with African Americans such as Martin Luther King, Jr. leading the way. Major civil rights protests in the state included the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Birmingham Campaign, and the march from Selma to Montgomery. Rosa Parks by Unknown Timeline
Before 1500 – The land is settled by the Choctaw, the Creek, Cherokee, and the Chickasaw.1519 – Spanish explorer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda arrives.1540 – Hernando de Soto arrives looking for gold.1702 – The first settlement, Fort Louis, is established by the French.1763 – The British take over from the French.1813 – The United States takes over after the War of 1812.1817 – The Alabama Territory is established by the U.S. Congress.1861 – Alabama secedes from the United States and joins the Confederacy. The Civil War begins.1874 – The Reconstruction comes to an end in Alabama.1955 – Rosa Parks is arrested for not giving up her seat on the bus. The Montgomery Bus Boycott begins.1956 – Martin Luther King, Jr. ‘s home is bombed.1965 – Martin Luther King, Jr. leads protesters on a march from Selma to Montgomery.1970 – The Space and Rocket Center is dedicated in Huntsville.
More US State History: Works Cited History >> US Geography >> US State History
Is Alabama a fun place to live?
Birmingham, Alabama – Birmingham is a city in the North region of the state and is known as Alabama’s most populous county, with a total of 197,575 residents. This famous state is ranked as one of the top 100 places to live in the United States. Fan favorites love the various dining options, entertainment, sports, music, and job opportunities that this city offers.
This city has plenty of opportunities along the lines of arts, nature, and culture. Birmingham is known historically as the epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement and is consumed with many historical landmarks, museums, and attractions. You cannot miss out on this beautiful southern state! The city of Birmingham has a wide variety of family-orientated establishments that include local parks, restaurants, events, and more.
Not only does it have a lot to offer, but the cost of living here is also affordable! The median home cost is about $67,00, which is less than a quarter of the national average. Not only is it easy to raise a family, but you will also be able to enjoy the beautiful weather! Birmingham rarely ever gets cold, but it does have long, hot summers.
What is Alabama known best for?
What Is Alabama Known For? – Alabama is known for its Southern hospitality, its history of civil rights struggles, and as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. It is also a large producer of two commodities in the United States and is a significant home to space discovery. Here are some of the interesting things that Alabama is known for.
How did Birmingham become a great city?
In the Saxon 6th Century Birmingham was just one small settlement in thick forest – the home (ham) of the tribe (ing) of a leader called Birm or Beorma. Geography played a major role in the transformation of Birmingham from a hamlet worth 20 shillings in 1086 into Britain’s centre of manufacturing in the 20th Century.
- It was a dry site with a good supply of water, routes converging at Deritend Ford across the River Rea.
- There was easy access to coal, iron and timber.
- The de Bermingham family held the Lordship of the manor of Birmingham for four hundred years from around 1150.
- In 1166 Peter de Birmingham obtained a market charter from Henry II and in 1250 William de Bermingham obtained permission to hold a four day fair at Whitsun.
In addition the family allowed many freedoms to their tenants and there were no restrictive obstacles to trade. Developing as a market centre, Birmingham also saw the beginnings of small scale smithing and metal working. Craftsmen were listed amongst the taxpayers in 1327.
- When Leland visited Birmingham in 1538 there were 1500 people in 200 houses, one main street with a number of side streets, markets and many smiths who were selling goods all over England.
- By supplying the Parliamentarians in the English Civil War (1642-46) with swords, pikes and armour, Birmingham emerged with a strong reputation as a metal working centre.
By 1731 the population had grown to 23,000 and manufacturing business thrived. By the time of the Industrial Revolution Birmingham had become the industrial and commercial centre of the Midlands.