Concerned about Birmingham (Tuscaloosa, Dothan, Auburn: apartment, low crime, home)

[southernraised]

I am currently a student at the University of Alabama and I'm looking at UAB for jobs. I am either going to commute from Tuscaloosa (current location) or Cullman (hometown) until I get enough money put back to get my own apartment and live off of more than Ramen noodles and Wendy's. More than likely I would be working evenings or nights, so I would be by myself late at night. I'm a 22 year-old female so obviously I'm concerned about safety. Now I'm fully aware that Tuscaloosa has been experiencing an increase in crime, but I live right around campus and it's almost like the campus is its own little city. UAB is located right in the middle of downtown, so I was wondering if somebody familiar with the area could let me know what I need to do or avoid doing to stay safe around there. Another thing is, how easy is it to meet people there if you're not enrolled at UAB? I am concerned about that cause I'm from Cullman, and any of you who have been there/lived there know that is can be VERY difficult to be a newbie and meet people unless you have family there, and I'm afraid Birmingham is the same way. I would greatly appreciate any responses!

[jtla]

Well, if you'll be working FOR UAB, then you can always have security escort you to your car if you're afraid of the parking decks. If you're working AROUND the UAB area, then you're sort of on your own. Downtown Birmingham has bicycle security officers, called CAPS, to escort people, help with flats, etc. If you're in their service area, you can call them to help you. Go to capisdowntown.com to see. Downtown is a lot safer than it used to be.

I'm not sure what you mean about meeting people. I can't imagine the people you'll work with will shun you because you're from Cullman. How will they know unless you tell them? Of course, most of the people I know and are friends with are not people I met at work. I know them in other ways - from church, my neighborhood, parents to my kids' friends.

Birmingham is not a bunch of old timers. Most people are from somewhere else. I only know of one family in my group of friends that grew up here, went to school here, married here, and are raising their kids here. Everyone else is from Dothan, Tuscaloosa, Anniston, Auburn, out of state (me), etc.

[cpg35223]

Southside is pretty safe. That being said, you need to have common sense, especially in the Five Points South area after midnight. Also, the area immediately behind UAB has some seedy pockets, especially around Glen Iris. You would be better off living in the Highland Avenue section of Southside, which has a lot of people and low crime.

[heathanoah]

I agree with cpg35223. You will be pretty safe-I am a few years older than you, but I am female and I have rarely felt scared walking around downtown at night (oddly enough I have had more crime issues at my home in highland park). I always carry mase though just to be on the safe side. The best thing to do is walk with your head up and with a purpose. Don't keep your head down and look scared or you will be a target. If you work for UAB, yes you can get an escort to your vehicle. Good luck with your job search-I have been working with UAB HR for 6 months and have been on 8 interviews with no offers! I have had a very difficult time making friends, but some people will tell you this is my fault. I work full-time and go to UAB full-time, so my priorities are not on "hanging out." I don't do the bar scene at all and I don't go to church, so I don't have any kind of "alternative family" to pull from. I am pretty lonely here, but it has givien me time to focus, realize what is important to me and focus on my health. I think you will have an easy time making friends if you really try. The people here are pretty nice for the most part and no, you won't have a hard time just because you are from Cullman-a lot of people I work with drive from Cullman! Good luck!