best area to live in Birmingham for young people (Southside: apartments, house)

[jen89]

I'm thinking of moving to Birmingham in august with my sister. Im 21 years old and will not have any transport of my own. i want somewhere lively and where i can meet other young people. i dont have a job there yet either.

[HipLib]

You''ll want to live somewhere on the southside of the city of Birmingham. Possibly near the UAB campus or 5 points south. There's a lot of bars, clubs, restaurants and parks. There are two main parts of southside for residential homes and apartments. The nicer more upscale part is Highland Park which is east of the red mountain expressway. Western southside, west of 5 points south is decent and more affordable.

[Gal from the South]

My son is going to attend UAB in the fall. We are looking at a place in Southside on 14th Ave. S. near 13th St. Wanted to make sure that's a good area. If so, how far away are the bad parts of town? Thanks.

[jakabedy]

Originally Posted by Gal from the South

My son is going to attend UAB in the fall. We are looking at a place in Southside on 14th Ave. S. near 13th St. Wanted to make sure that's a good area. If so, how far away are the bad parts of town? Thanks.

That area of Southside is better now than it was 10-20 years ago, because UAB and its students/staff continue to become an ever greater part of the presence over there. And by "that area" I mean the whole area of Southside west of 20th St., north of the mountain, east of I-65 and south of UAB. However, know that this area really suffered in the 1970s for lack of zoning, when old homes were razed and one-off apartment buildings were wedged onto the lots, perpendicular to the street. That means the area differs block by block. Some apartment buildings house students, some house some rough characters. I would visit the area in question at night, on the weekend, etc., to get a feel for the particular location. There could be a beautiful historic home flanked on each side by a crack den and a meth lab. Well, probably not that bad, but it's definitely worth taking a close look.

[Gal from the South]

Originally Posted by jakabedy

That area of Southside is better now than it was 10-20 years ago, because UAB and its students/staff continue to become an ever greater part of the presence over there. And by "that area" I mean the whole area of Southside west of 20th St., north of the mountain, east of I-65 and south of UAB. However, know that this area really suffered in the 1970s for lack of zoning, when old homes were razed and one-off apartment buildings were wedged onto the lots, perpendicular to the street. That means the area differs block by block. Some apartment buildings house students, some house some rough characters. I would visit the area in question at night, on the weekend, etc., to get a feel for the particular location. There could be a beautiful historic home flanked on each side by a crack den and a meth lab. Well, probably not that bad, but it's definitely worth taking a close look.

Thanks for the information!

[bosshawk]

Anywhere east of about 6th St. S in Southside is going to be fine. When you start getting into Green Springs and any points west of there it is bad.

[vezz77]

Definitely Southside. Try Highland Park.

[jdajsz]

Originally Posted by Gal from the South

My son is going to attend UAB in the fall. We are looking at a place in Southside on 14th Ave. S. near 13th St. Wanted to make sure that's a good area. If so, how far away are the bad parts of town? Thanks.

My son is attending UAB this fall - wondering how your sons experience was and if you can offer any advice?

[bluebeard]

If the kid has no transport, 5 points and "Southside" proper (area just south of UAB/west of 5 points) is more convenient than Highland Park. You could bike from Highland park and it would be more convenient. Walking or busing are totally possible, but might take a larger chunk out of your day.
As mentioned, those areas are all safe. People scaring you away from the area are likely referring to periods over 20 years ago.