looking to move to birmingham, al (Hoover, Homewood: middle-class, job market, neighborhoods)

[spoilette]

what is it like to live in birmingham, al? What is the job market currently like. I have been thinking about moving there. Can anyone answer this?

Thanks.

[cpg35223]

Well, Birmingham's unemployment rate is typically 1 to 1-1/2 points below the national average, due to a strong economy and a nice balance of industries. That being said, it's a tough economy all over, and plum jobs will prove hard to find no matter where you look.

We moved to the 'Ham 15 years ago and have really enjoyed it here. It has most of the amenities of a large city, while maintaining a more intimate character. There are excellent restaurants, entertainment, and things to do. We've been very happy with our move here.

[EASYMORININGREBEL]

Not a bad place to live as long as you get in the suburbs depending on where you are moving from

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by EASYMORININGREBEL

Not a bad place to live as long as you get in the suburbs depending on where you are moving from

Well, the Redmont, Highlands, Forest Park, Avondale, and Crestwood parts of Birmingham proper are awfully nice, too.

[RebelPhotog]

A lot of those working in B'ham live in Shelby County, which is quite affluent and a great place to raise a family. The job market depends on your field, but the B'ham area is thriving.

[valentine1110]

Well it's been good to us so far...not all together sure about the job market. From what I can see when looking at job ads I see lots of IT and Engineering Jobs. I know the banking industry is big but I haven't ran across a lot of oppoturnities when browsing the classifieds.

[A&M Bulldawg]

I think Birmingham is a great place to live because it offers a lot! It is growing a pretty good rate!

[Highland Mr. Todd]

Birmingham itself offers terrific, safe, quiet neighborhoods, from expensive (BUT NOT GATED) to affordable. If you're looking for a dash of New Orleans or Charleston, there's Highland Park/Highland Avenue. Forest Park is next door, as is South Avondale (both centered on a HUGE natural park called Avondale Park. It also has a lake, softball fields and nationally recognized library branch). Avondale Elementary school is the institution for the neighborhoods mentioned. UAB professors like to send their children there, along with creative class types. YES, it's a majority African-American school, but we're also talking middle-class kids with two-parent income households, too, and many enrichment programs. BIG DIFFERENCE.

I live downtown in a converted department store with my partner. We love it. Birmingham has TREMENDOUS suburbs. Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Trussville, Gardendale, Helena & McCalla come to mind. Hoover is a whole 'nother world: HOOVERLAND! It rocks!! Metro Birmingham has a place for just about any kind of lifestyle.