Moving to Birmingham from San Diego

[kwest205]

I have traveled across the US but I have only EVER lived in Alabama. As a native I will admit there are things that outsiders will never understand. If you guys are single and looking for fun The Forest Park/Crestwood area is a great area to live in. Avondale is a little too close to the dangerous side for me. I did Pest Control in that area for 3 years and I would just steer clear. Southside has good areas and bad areas just like ANY city.

I beg to differ about our city being more violent. Compared to what??? NYC is much more violent than our city will ever claim to be. I think it is based off deaths per population. Racism is there on BOTH sides. NOT just the white folks. The hearts of the people will need to change before the community will. I hope it changes though because it is not healthy for anyone involved.

As far as diversity and culture, it depends solely on what culture you prefer. There is a lot of change happening in our city to add more restaurants and get more local fare. V Richards has a great gourmet grocery store and restaurant. There is a great happening SOHO style community in Homewood. It is really starting to boom.
We have the museum, School of Fine Arts, Alys-Stephens Center for concerts and Opera troupe that comes through. We get Broadway shows, ballet and we have a full Orchestra. BJCC, Oak Mountain and other venues for music concerts. We have a State park just out side of the city for hiking, biking and horse back riding. Many golf courses.

If you know where to look or look for a guide you can find a lot of great things to do in the city.
I suggest Meetup.com to find groups that have activities going on in the city.