Downtown living...Memphis or Birmingham? (best, better, life, people)

[HellaGoose]

I know neither is really known for their downtown living...but in terms of vibrancy, amenities, and safety...which is most suitable for downtown living?

[Mutiny77]

Downtown Birmingham is on a roll these days, so I'd be tempted to go with it...although it doesn't have anything like Beale Street.

[BirdieBelle]

Memphis has a great combination of history, art, music, nature and retail that is hard to beat.

I used to work in downtown Memphis 30 years ago, and it has even come a long way since then.

In terms of safety, if you're street smart, you'd be fine.

[sleepless in Bham]

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

Downtown Birmingham is on a roll these days, so I'd be tempted to go with it...although it doesn't have anything like Beale Street.

I lean toss up, but a slight edge to Memphis because of Beale St.

I like what is going on in downtown Birmingham, hopefully this rebirth is a long term trend and it spreads to surrounding neighborhoods.

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

Downtown Birmingham is on a roll these days, so I'd be tempted to go with it...although it doesn't have anything like Beale Street.

Five Points can certainly hold its own on that score.

[brentwoodgirl]

I vote Memphis. Downtown Memphis has changed a lot in the last 20 years and areas like the South Bluffs are vibrant living, dining and entertainment areas. Plus I would consider Mud Island to be basically equivalent to living downtown (it's an island in the MS river right off of downtown), and it has been popular for many years.

[Mandalorian]

You're going to get shot in both.

These aren't cute little white cities like Portland, Austin, etc. In both, the suburbs offer the best quality of life.

For Birmingham it's Mountain Brook and for Memphis it's Germantown.

[HellaGoose]

Thousands of people already live in both...real, living, breathing humans lol. I am not saying anything about it happening 'en masse' im simply asking which city is BEST built for it, understanding that both cities are far from the ideal for it. Even if you believe they are the last two downtowns in the US that anybody would ever live in...the question of which is MORE livable is still legitimate.

[CrockettandTubbs]

I love the Peabody Hotel in Memphis.

[BlueRedTide]

I give the edge to Memphis...I hear a lot about Birmingham downtown changing for the better which is true but Memphis is doing the same thing. And Birmingham has nothing like Beale street or anything iconic like the memphis Pyramid or a NBA team which can make a downtown area more lively especially during the playoffs

Memphis has the Mississippi river Downtown Birmingham is surrounded by Scenic hills/mountains