College student looking to B-Ham in the future (Birmingham, Huntsville: job market, neighborhoods)

[Croye22]

Hi. I'm a college student majoring in Finance, and I expect to graduate in two to three years. Would B-Ham be a good city to start out in?

I've been to B-ham a few times, but most of the time it's been on the outside parts.

And what areas should I avoid because I do know about some of the violence in B-ham.

[cpg35223]

Well, Birmingham's a pretty good place to be because of all the banking that goes here. Compass and Region are based here, along with any number of smaller start-ups.

If you're single, you really want to live on Southside. That's a fun part of town.

[Guntersville Boomer]

My daughter went to Birmingham Southern College and graduated in May and had no problem finding a job, she lives on the southside and has just loved it, lots to do for young folks, nightclubs, sports bars, etc. Good luck to you, Birmingham is a great place to go to school and live!

[3am green coffee]

Originally Posted by Croye22

And what areas should I avoid because I do know about some of the violence in B-ham.

Most of the violence that gives the city a bad reputation is concentrated in the poor urban neighborhoods. You will likely want to avoid north Birmingham, the areas directly north of the city between downtown and Gardendale. You will also want to avoid Ensley and West End. I've driven and worked in these areas in the past and never felt particularly unsafe, but they aren't places I would really want to live.

Southside is really the best place to be if you work downtown and are young and single. It's not a rollicking party, but there are a few good bars and restaurants, and it's affordable. It does have its occasional crime, but it's generally safe.

Your best bet is to visit the city and see for yourself. Pretty much what you see is what you get.

[EnvGraph]

Try the Highland Park neighborhood in Southside. It has a nice historical flavor and is convenient to Five Points and Lakeview Entertainment Districts.

[oscarbrough]

The job market in Birmingham is a lot better than in other areas. (Check out the Orlando forum. People with college degrees compete for $10 an hour jobs.) Good luck!

[phyzzydud]

Originally Posted by oscarbrough

The job market in Birmingham is a lot better than in other areas. (Check out the Orlando forum. People with college degrees compete for $10 an hour jobs.) Good luck!

That is scary as all get out to a soon-to-be physics graduate. Do you think there are physics jobs in Birmingham?

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by phyzzydud

That is scary as all get out to a soon-to-be physics graduate. Do you think there are physics jobs in Birmingham?

Nope, because different towns have different industries. But Huntsville is rife with opportunities, what with NASA, the Redstone Arsenal, and about a zilliion defense contractors. Plus a pretty good good post-grad school up there in that area with all kinds of connection to industry and government.