political atmosphere (Birmingham, Hoover, Homewood: fit in, condo, school)

[IHeartIthaca]

I just got a job offer in Birmingham, and the salary compared to cost of living, the hours, etc look hard to beat.

I'm from NY and am an athiest from a Jewish family, and am liberal/libertarian combo (but voted for Obama). My main concern in moving to Birmingham is that my perspective and background will be very unpopular and I won't fit in. I'm hoping that it's a large enough city to have a diversity of viewpoints, and there will be some like-minded people. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[3am green coffee]

You'll run across Jesus freaks, but for the most part there's a sort of "don't ask don't tell" attitude. When I was growing up here, religion was a huge deal. In the two years I've been back in town as an adult, I don't recall anybody asking at all. Often people will just assume you're Christian. How you react to that is up to you. I find that it's not worth the hassle of correcting them.

You won't find them on your lawn with torches, if that's what you're asking. There are like-minded people here.

[bhamkaren]

as an agnostic the only ones that were nosey about my faith was my family. everybody else don't really care as long as you're polite.

[Southlander]

You'd be miserable in this state. One of those people complaining when somebody invites you to their church.

[1size2smll]

There will be some like minded people, but they will be scattered around and you will have to work to find us if you live in the over the mountain areas ie. Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills etc. Your best bet to run into people of your mindset on a somewhat regular basis will be to live within the city limits. Look into areas like Crestwood (different from CestLINE) and Forest Park. The only reason I don't live in those areas is because the Birmingham school systems are dismal. You don't say if you have or are planning on having children, but private is really the only way to go after, say, 5k.

Church and Football. Church and Football. Church and Football. Church OF Football. Football stadiums full of churchgoers. If your atheism is from a relaxed, live and let live place in your psyche, then you'll be fine here. However, if your atheism is even the slightest bit of a chip on your shoulder, well, better keep looking.

BTW, have just started reading a book called 'Who's Your City' A very interesting read that might be helpful at this particular crossroad.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by 1size2smll

If your atheism is from a relaxed, live and let live place in your psyche, then you'll be fine here. However, if your atheism is even the slightest bit of a chip on your shoulder, well, better keep looking.

Bingo .

It's very unlikely that someone will nag you to go to church, most people probably won't care about your beliefs. However, if you have a problem being around Christians or seeing a church every few blocks you will have a problem.

[pennquaker09]

I'm from Hoover by way of Mountain Brook and to fully honest, every person in my family are Bible thumping Bush loving Republicans. The only exception is my stepmother, she goes to church regularly, but she's totally liberal. She pretty much keeps that to herself. And just smile and nod. That's the key.

[Rudbeckia]

Originally Posted by IHeartIthaca

I just got a job offer in Birmingham, and the salary compared to cost of living, the hours, etc look hard to beat.

I'm from NY and am an athiest from a Jewish family, and am liberal/libertarian combo (but voted for Obama). My main concern in moving to Birmingham is that my perspective and background will be very unpopular and I won't fit in. I'm hoping that it's a large enough city to have a diversity of viewpoints, and there will be some like-minded people. Any thoughts? Thanks.

you will be in the extreme minority, even among young people, the majority are hard core repubs (i dont think many bother to think, they just are b/c their parents are) and " Christians" that go to church sometimes........I lived in bham for 6 years and then moved to NY and when I come back to visit, it is much more obvious to me how everyone here seems the same

[Guntersville Boomer]

My daughter lives in Birmingham, she is 23 and she told me Birmingham voted a majority for Obama even though he did not win the State of Alabama. My daughter went to Birmingham Southern College and now works for a company there in the city, we had bought a condo on the southside 2 1/2 years ago she lives in and there is a real young vibe around there, she has never been invited to church by anyone, I think the younger set like her is of a more liberal mind.

[Rudbeckia]

Originally Posted by Guntersville Boomer

My daughter lives in Birmingham, she is 23 and she told me Birmingham voted a majority for Obama even though he did not win the State of Alabama. My daughter went to Birmingham Southern College and now works for a company there in the city, we had bought a condo on the southside 2 1/2 years ago she lives in and there is a real young vibe around there, she has never been invited to church by anyone, I think the younger set like her is of a more liberal mind.

Alabama was one of three states with the lowest amount of votes for Obama. Obama did win jefferson county, which is what your daughter may be talking about, but the county is majority african american, so thats not really surprising.

the majority of non african american people living in Alabama did not vote for Obama. I think Al will forever be a red state

but i am 28 so maybe the 23 year old crowd is different and more liberal minded