The Newcomer’s Guide to Birmingham: 6 Things You Need to Know
Birmingham is the largest and most populated city of the state of Alabama. We earned the moniker “Magic City” due to its impressive growth and industrial power from the early 1880’s through 1920.Today, The Magic City is considered one of the last major southern cities in the nation.
Downtown Birmingham is in the midst of a veritable cultural renaissance, with an expanded market for lofts and condos, and an increase in retail and eateries. Speaking of the food scene in Birmingham, we house the 2018 James Beard winner!
But before you make the move to our amazing city, there are a few things we should know. From our good food to southern manners, we’ve created a complete guide to help your transition into being a Birminghamian a little easier!
The Birmingham Basics:
- Estimated Population (2019): 217,158
- County: Jefferson
- Land Area: 148.6 square miles
- Rainfall: 53.71 inches
- Average Annual High Temperature: 73.8 Degrees
- Average Annual Low Temperature: 52.8 Degrees
- Average Annual Temperature: 63.3 Degrees
Our location is amazing
Dreaming of a beach weekend or a mountain getaway? You’re in luck because Birmingham is centrally located to both the gulf coast and eastern mountains. Within 5 hours you can get to 30A in Florida or the mountains of TN. We’re also a quick drive to Atlanta, Nashville and Chattanooga.
You’ll have to pick a side
Birmingham is in the heart of SEC country and we love our football. You will quickly be asked to pick between Auburn or Alabama – the 2 biggest public universities in the state. The 2 teams meet up in the Iron Bowl (arguably the greatest college football rivalry of all time) each year which was played in Birmingham until the 90s. While you have to pick between the Crimson Tide and Tigers, we can all agree to root for the UAB Blazers!
Southern hospitality is a way of life
As the saying goes, “There are no strangers, just friends we haven’t met yet.” Make no mistake about it, manners and southern hospitality are not lost on us. Whether we’re teaching our kids “yes ma’am” or “no sir” at a young age, hosting a dinner party or lending a helping hand to a neighbor, we know how to make people feel like a part of the family!
Our food game is strong
The amount of acclaimed restaurants in Birmingham is impressive enough to please any foodie. Hot and Hot Fish Club, Highlands Bar & Grill and Chez Fon Fon are just a few of the many neighborhood restaurants owned by James Beard award winning chefs Chris Hastings (famous for beating Bobby Flay in Iron Chef America) and Frank Stitt (the 2018 James Beard winner). Don’t think twice before ordering the burger at Chez Fon Fon–it’s out-of-this-world delicious.
…And our drink scene is even stronger
The craft beer scene in Birmingham is booming thanks to the state’s loosened liquor laws. Good People, Avondale, Cahaba and Trim Tab Brewing Companies are just among a few of the city’s go-to breweries for live tunes, food trucks and a frothy brew, like Avondale’s Miss Fancy’s Triple.
We love the outdoors
Between paddle boating at Oak Mountain, zip lining at Red Mountain and tube floating down the Cahaba River, there’s really no excuse to stay inside on a beautiful day. The best part? You don’t have to leave the Birmingham city limits to experience the great outdoors. If you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, people are always at Railroad Park, a 19-acre green space with ponds, a small skate park and a canopied plaza that’s smack dab in the middle of downtown.
Welcome to Birmingham!
We hope you love Birmingham as much as we do! If you’re still searching for a home, we’re here to help! Browse the many homes on the market in the area and contact an ARC agent to make the process easier.
