Birmingham vs. Atlanta? (Mobile, Hoover, Alabaster: transplants, 2014, rentals)

[Abuckeyeleaf]

Hello all. I'm currently living in one of the northern Atlanta suburbs. Originally from Ohio, I moved to atl 3.5 years ago. I've come to love the south, but realize I hate Atlanta. It's too big, too busy too expensive and I'm not happy. I want to stay south and my company has an office in Bham (vestavia/cahaba area) so that would be great. I hear Bham has most amenities of a city but is substantially smaller than atl, so it has that small town/southern hospitality feel.

My ex and I had also planned on moving to Bham together...just because we broke up doesn't mean I can't live out the dream!

I figured there had to be some folks who have lived in both areas and I'd love your take on things!

About me: 25 single white female, baptist and attend church, no kids, two dogs. Are there any good dog parks in the area? Very important!

[Onthemove2014]

A single 25 year old who wants a smaller city... willing to move from
ATL to Bham? You think ATL is too expensive? Compared to where? Are you sure you want a smaller town at your age?

[Tourian]

Its everything you've said in comparison. Not too big, not too busy and not too expensive. Yet you will find it has all the amenities you need. No you won't have 12 Best Buys or 4 Lexus dealers to choose from, but you will have everything you will want or need in this city. And if not, the ATL is just a short drive away.

[Abuckeyeleaf]

Like I said I'm from Ohio...much lower cost of living. Plus living in the northern burbs has cost me all but the promise of my firstborn. I've got a lot of student loan debt so the lower the cost of living the better. I grew up in a smaller town and prefer it...never been into the barhopping/clubs/city nightlife.

[Abuckeyeleaf]

Originally Posted by Tourian

Its everything you've said in comparison. Not too big, not too busy and not too expensive. Yet you will find it has all the amenities you need. No you won't have 12 Best Buys or 3 Lexus dealers to choose from, but you will have everything you will want or need in this city. And if not, the ATL is just a short drive away.

Sounds great...Plus it's about the same distance from Ohio so Going home to visit really wouldn't change things. Did you live in Atlanta previously?

[Tourian]

Originally Posted by Abuckeyeleaf

Did you live in Atlanta previously?

No.

[Onthemove2014]

Oh, well that's understandable then. Honestly though, I'd suggest Mobile if you want a smaller slower atmosphere with all that you need and cheap rents.

[Abuckeyeleaf]

Originally Posted by Onthemove2014

Oh, well that's understandable then. Honestly though, I'd suggest Mobile if you want a smaller slower atmosphere with all that you need and cheap rents.

Thanks for the suggestion. I don't think mobile is an option though as I want to stay with my company and their office is in Bham. Plus I drive back north when I visit and don't think I could stand a longer drive.

I did look and rentals near our Bham office and they're priced the same if not cheaper than where I am now. Depending on the housing market I may sell my house here and be in the position to buy something.

Heres a question for the single transplants...did you find it difficult to meet new people and make friends? My experience in atl has been like pulling teeth...everyone is so cliquish and uppity.

[cpg35223]

If you're a Baptist, you'll find a rather large support network in place when you move here. Just join a church and you're pretty much set. But Birmingham also has a lot of offerings in terms of places to eat and things to do. No, it's not Atlanta, but tumbleweeds are not exactly blowing through the streets. If your dog is important to you, I'd recommend Southside, particularly along Highland Avenue. There are three good-sized parks one after another where dogs can romp. Plus that area has a lot more single people and a lot more things to do.

[jakabedy]

They've started frowning a bit on off-leash dogs in the parks on Highland since the actual dog park was constructed at George Ward Park. Hoover also has a dog park down in that older neighborhood in the NE crook of 65 and 459. And Alabaster is about to get a brand new $500K dog park at Veterans Park on 119. So the metro is catching up finally in the dog park arena.