Considering relocating from New Orleans (Birmingham, Hoover: transplants, neighborhoods, high schools)

[tranquil9]

Hi,

I would like honest opinions on the quality of life for a Black family with young children (2 under 5). We are considering Nashville and Birmingham as places to move. There are a lot of things to love about New Orleans but a lot of everyday issues that are too much (i.e. schools, general dysfunction).

We have visited Birmingham and like the Homewood area. I wonder about real diversity in the area and diversity of the schools. What is the day to day like for transplants to the City? Is this an 'if you aren't from here town, you can't really get ahead'

We have lived and worked in MD/DC and although we love it there, the pace is just too much. We want to have access to amenities, great quality of life, and cultural/social diverse experiences.

Any thoughts, experiences appreciated.

[MinivanDriver]

Originally Posted by tranquil9

Hi,

I would like honest opinions on the quality of life for a Black family with young children (2 under 5). We are considering Nashville and Birmingham as places to move. There are a lot of things to love about New Orleans but a lot of everyday issues that are too much (i.e. schools, general dysfunction).

We have visited Birmingham and like the Homewood area. I wonder about real diversity in the area and diversity of the schools. What is the day to day like for transplants to the City? Is this an 'if you aren't from here town, you can't really get ahead'

We have lived and worked in MD/DC and although we love it there, the pace is just too much. We want to have access to amenities, great quality of life, and cultural/social diverse experiences.

Any thoughts, experiences appreciated.

From the people I know, Homewood, Hoover, and Spain Park are school systems that have worked hard to support a culture of diversity. Vestavia as well. As someone who lives in Mountain Brook (And can't wait to move downtown), I would like to say we're making headway, but it remains almost exclusively white. In the professional sphere, a lot of the ossified social structure has broken down over town. For example, UAB, BCBS, and the banks such as Regions and Compass have really worked at breaking the Old Boy network. With that in mind, what kind of industry are you in?

So I guess what I'm saying is that Birmingham has made a lot of progress in a lot of ways, but I can't tell you whether or not we've made enough. To me, I think there's no substitute for actually visiting and touring around.

Hope that wasn't too vague.

[jero23]

Originally Posted by tranquil9

Hi,

I would like honest opinions on the quality of life for a Black family with young children (2 under 5). We are considering Nashville and Birmingham as places to move. There are a lot of things to love about New Orleans but a lot of everyday issues that are too much (i.e. schools, general dysfunction).

We have visited Birmingham and like the Homewood area. I wonder about real diversity in the area and diversity of the schools. What is the day to day like for transplants to the City? Is this an 'if you aren't from here town, you can't really get ahead'

We have lived and worked in MD/DC and although we love it there, the pace is just too much. We want to have access to amenities, great quality of life, and cultural/social diverse experiences.

Any thoughts, experiences appreciated.

This thread will assist you with your relocation interest:

Moving Here? Need Advice? Help Us Help You.

[bluebeard]

I was a transplant to Bham and really enjoyed Bham and Homewood, after I settled in. By the time I moved to Homewood I had an interracial family, although neither of us are black. While Homewood can be insular and provincial in some ways, I think in general people like diversity. Young families that want a convenient, walkable, and pretty diverse high-performing school system often choose there.

I know many black families seeking a good suburban school in a nice community also choose Bluff Park in Hoover. I like a little tighter development pattern, and you can't beat the proximity of Homewood if you work in Bham proper, but I think that's a good choice... and you avoid what in the area what is considered a very high price/sq ft in Homewood.

I can't speak to specific neighborhoods, but Nashville is definitely going to be a more dynamic, larger metro. What you choose there depends on what you are looking for.

[bluebeard]

Originally Posted by MinivanDriver

From the people I know, Homewood, Hoover, and Spain Park are school systems that have worked hard to support a culture of diversity. Vestavia as well. As someone who lives in Mountain Brook (And can't wait to move downtown), I would like to say we're making headway, but it remains almost exclusively white. In the professional sphere, a lot of the ossified social structure has broken down over town. For example, UAB, BCBS, and the banks such as Regions and Compass have really worked at breaking the Old Boy network. With that in mind, what kind of industry are you in?

So I guess what I'm saying is that Birmingham has made a lot of progress in a lot of ways, but I can't tell you whether or not we've made enough. To me, I think there's no substitute for actually visiting and touring around.

Hope that wasn't too vague.

I agree that I consider Homewood, Hoover, and Spain Park high schools to generally be the most diverse in the region.

[bosshawk]

Homewood high school is 35% black. Birmingham is plenty big enough that there is definitely no "If you aren't from here, you can't get ahead" vibe. Come to Birmingham, and you will be pleasantly surprised.