Possibly moving to Birmingham from Indianapolis (Southside: apartment complex, low crime, job market)

[Gatoraide]

Hi everyone! I am pursuing Birmingham as a possible place for relocation. I am currently in Indianpolis. I few questions regarding the area if I could get some locals to answer them for me, it will really help my desicion.

1. How is the job market in the call center, customer service, general office (such as data processing, receptionist, etc.) areas with a non-degree applicant but with significant experience.

2. What is the average price of an apartment complex in the area.

4. What is the concentration of hispanic population in the area. ( I have already seen the statics, I wanting more of feel of the concentration, such as heavy, medium, light, none in site.)

5. Overall, how are the people in the area. ( Nice, Rude, etc)

6. How do locals respond to interacial gay couples?

7. What is the weather like?

8. What is the traffic like?

9. What is the crime like.

10. People who have relocated to the area from a similar area as myself, what is your overall opinion of the area.

I appreciate your help!

[Bravo35223]

Hello....I love Indianapolis having managed a business unit there for about five years. A great city!

Answers:

1) Birmingham has the lowest unemployment rate of any metro US area of at least 1 million: 2.7%....therefore employers are begging for employees...sometimes giving signing bonuses. AT&T announced that they were bringing 367 employees to the city for a new call center...not certain of the timing though.

2) The prices can vary widely as they would in Indy. From $750 and up.

4) There are a lot of hispanics in the area. Most of them perform unskilled jobs but that is changing as many in the construction trades are moving in.

5) Very Friendly.

6) I think your response would be fine. As a matter of practicality, I would suggest that you live on the Southside in one of the gay neighborhoods.

7) Birmingham has four seasons: Winter starts in mid-December and runs through the end of February. Average high in mid-January is 53. Snow is unusual. Spring runs from early March through mid-May and the highs run in the 60's gradually up to the mid-80's in mid-May. Spring is characterized by many beautiful blooming plants such as azealas Summer starts in mid-May and runs through mid-September. The average high is 90 with high humidity. High heat index. Stay inside with your AC on...as being outside will make you sweat very quickly. Fall starts in mid-September and runs to Mid-December and is beautiful with low humidity and generally drier weather. It is also a very beautiful time of the year with the traditional Fall colors of amber and red.

8) If you live in the suburbs and commute IN, the traffic is heavy. Commute times of 35-40 minutes are common.

9) It certain areas of dowtown, crime is bad. Suburbs are known for having extremely low crime, especially violent crime....virtually non-existent in some areas.

10. Cannot answer this as I am for all practical purposes - a native.