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Jobs--Charlotte
Housing--Birmingham (slightly more affordable. Lots of nice areas) Arts & Culture--Birmingham
Sports--Charlotte
Nightlife--Charlotte
Diversity--Who cares
Education (K-12, and higher ed)--Birmingham (metro)
Transportation infrastructure--Charlotte
Retail--Charlotte
Cost of Living -Birmingham
Taxes- Birmingham
Arts & Culture Birmingham????? I'd have to disagree with this one. They don't have much that can compete with Charlotte's new cultural campus, or Charlotte's theaters. You could even add in Charlotte attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Billy Graham Library which I would put above what they have, which the last time I was there, was not much beyond the Civil Rights Museum. In general, I'd put Charlotte's arts scene well above theirs, from facilities, performances, etc.
Birmingham is certainly underrated by many Americans and often written off as a noncompetitor, but it does have some very good merits. That being said, I would choose Charlotte every time over Birmingham simply because it is a growing and dynamic city...where Birmingham is sort of the opposite. I would love to see the Ham turn things around, and there are signs that this is happening; however, it isn't really good competition for Charlotte at this point in time.
Jobs: Charlotte
Housing: Birmingham
Arts & Culture: Birmingham
Sports: Charlotte
Nightlife: Charlotte
Diversity: Charlotte
Education (K-12, and higher ed): Charlotte
Transportation infrastructure: Charlotte
Retail: Charlotte
Cost of Living: Birmingham
Taxes: Birmingham
I love Birmingham and I think it's very underrated as well but it simply can't compete with Charlotte.
Better comparisons for Birmingham would be Little Rock, Columbia, and Jackson
Better comparisons for Birmingham would be Little Rock, Columbia, and Jackson
Birmingham's a bit larger than those cities and generally offers just a little more. I think cities like Jacksonville, Richmond, and Louisville would be better comparisons.
Birmingham's a bit larger than those cities and generally offers just a little more. I think cities like Jacksonville, Richmond, and Louisville would be better comparisons.
Those are great comparisons also esp. Richmond and Jacksonville.
Birmingham in the same league as Jackson, Columbia, and Little Rock??? LMAO!!. You must be kidding. I knew Birmingham was behind Charlotte in many aspects when I created this thread, but I dont think the gap is as wide as many on here think. A major difference is leadership and people's attitudes in both cities. Charlotte is more pro growth, while Birmingham is trying to remain stagnant for some insane reason.
I lived in Vestavia Hills when I was in my early 20s. I really like the burbs in Bham and the layout of downtown, with UAB and all. Five Points was a great area for the weekends, and the Late Night Cafe (if still there) trumps anything in downtown Charlotte. Little 24 hr cafe run by an Italian family, lots of character. The Bham Zoo was nice to have in town, and Sloss Furnace added to the historic feel of the Ham. Otherwise, Charlotte wins this comparison on the other criteria, other than taxes and cost of living. A couple art venues, but nothing like what Charlotte has developed in just the few years I have been here. The CLT area has waaaay more shopping and restaurant choices. More big business, tons of private schools, pro sports, etc.
Oh, and Birmingham is miles ahead of places like Jackson, MS for sure. Jackson is more like Montgomery or Columbus, GA.
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