Help me decide between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa! (Bessemer, Vincent: crime rate, safe area)

[Parrot Pitcher]

I know I'm beating a dead horse here with this question, but I was hoping there was someone on this board who could help me make this decision. Long story short, I'm from Southern California and am graduating from LVN School (LPN to you Dixies) in May. I am strongly considering moving to Alabama after the summer, having fallen in love with the South when I was a Marine stationed in NC a few years back. I'm sick of the a-holes, the crowding, and the high cost of living out here; and I've longed to return to a place where people are actually decent to eachother and have values other than what car you drive. Based on the reviews I've read here and my personal experiences visiting both cities, I've decided it's either Birmingham or Tuscaloosa for me. I'm 25, single, and the proud parent of a three year old mutt I rescued from a local shelter.

I'm specifically looking for anyone who previously lived in or visited SoCal for an extended period of time to help guide me. However, I will certainly be grateful for any and all advice given by the members of this board. I always told my folks I never met a man or woman from Alabama I didn't like!

I checked the wage for a 1st year LPN in Birm and Tusc, and while they both start at slightly over $30k, Birmingham has a much higher ceiling on their pay scale. What are some quality hospitals in these areas?

Most importantly, how good is the food down thar?

Oh, and it's my first post!

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by Parrot Pitcher

I know I'm beating a dead horse here with this question, but I was hoping there was someone on this board who could help me make this decision. Long story short, I'm from Southern California and am graduating from LVN School (LPN to you Dixies) in May. I am strongly considering moving to Alabama after the summer, having fallen in love with the South when I was a Marine stationed in NC a few years back. I'm sick of the a-holes, the crowding, and the high cost of living out here; and I've longed to return to a place where people are actually decent to eachother and have values other than what car you drive. Based on the reviews I've read here and my personal experiences visiting both cities, I've decided it's either Birmingham or Tuscaloosa for me. I'm 25, single, and the proud parent of a three year old mutt I rescued from a local shelter.

I'm specifically looking for anyone who previously lived in or visited SoCal for an extended period of time to help guide me. However, I will certainly be grateful for any and all advice given by the members of this board. I always told my folks I never met a man or woman from Alabama I didn't like!

I checked the wage for a 1st year LPN in Birm and Tusc, and while they both start at slightly over $30k, Birmingham has a much higher ceiling on their pay scale. What are some quality hospitals in these areas?

Most importantly, how good is the food down thar?

Oh, and it's my first post!

I would say Birmingham, due to the sheer number of opportunities in the market. After all, Bham is a huge regional medical center, with UAB, St. Vincent, Baptist, Brookwood, and a host of feeder institutions. The newspapers always have tons of jobs, and you'll have more opportunities to climb the ladder in terms of both pay and career advancement.

Don't get me wrong. Tuscaloosa is a nice place. But Birmingham will lead to more opportunity.

[Guntersville Boomer]

I second the Birmingham recommendation. My 22 year old daughter went to college in Birmingham and graduated last May and wouldn't leave for anything, she just loves it. If you go there, look around the southside/highland ave. area downtown, lots of great 1 bedroom apts and wonderful parks all over to walk your dog, meet folks. My daughter has a dog too and just loves taking him on walks and knowing she is around other people and it is a safe area. Good luck to you!

[Back Again]

Semper Fi Devil Dog!

I was stationed at El Toro MCAS (now closed) for 13 years. This was about half way between LA and San Diego. I retired from the Corps after 22 years.

I now live in Bessemer which is about 20 Miles from downtown Birmingham and about 45 miles from Tuscaloosa.

Depending on what your needs and likes are will determine which area you may like better. For a young single guy, you may like Birmingham better. It has a better night life.

Both Birmingham and Tuscaloosa have some GREAT food!

Best of luck to you and if I can be of any help to you, just ask.

[Alatex]

I live in Tuscaloosa and enjoy it for many of the reasons you gave, to be away from the "rat race" and enjoy an uncrowded, low-cost area.

That said, Birmingham has a lot more job opportunities in your field, so
if I were in your shoes, I'd choose Birmingham.

[bhamkaren]

birmingham is your best bet but remember to visit t town also. lots of road trips to outskirt towns with nice parks with your furry baby to run and play. there are some parks on highland ave too. if my job gets sent back to bham i'm moving to there.

love new orleans but i sure do miss the ham.

[HillScoggin]

I would live in Tuscaloosa and drive to Bham. Mainly because Bham has one of the highest violent crime ratings in the nation. Especially murder.

Personally I refuse to work or go to Bham unless I just have to. I usually only go there when my job requires me to take a client there to be committed.

[HillScoggin]

According to statistics reported to the FBI, Birmingham has the seventh highest murder rate among US cities and is ranked eighteenth in violent crime.

IT should be noted that Bham out ranked several cities will several million people. Some ten to twenty times larger than it.

[3am green coffee]

Originally Posted by HillScoggin

Personally I refuse to work or go to Bham unless I just have to.

It must suck to be afraid of your own shadow.

[HillScoggin]

Originally Posted by 3am green coffee

It must suck to be afraid of your own shadow.

I spent 9 years in the US Army 3rd and 75th. I spent time in places that would make you **** your pants at the mere prospect of being there. I am also 6'3'' tall and almost 300 pounds and I am NOT fat.

I deal with mentally ill people all day. People that are considered clinically insane. Some that are violent on a daily basis.

My father retired from the Bham police force in 1987.

I am not scared. Just smart enough to stay out of an area that is predominantly filled with slums and crack heads. An area that has a murder rate and violent crime rate worse than cities much larger than itself.

I like to call it "common sense" to not purposefully put myself and others in known areas that are more dangerous than some third world cities. If you have none then that is not my issue.