Moving to Birmingham AL in 2023? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Birmingham, AL.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Birmingham, AL.

Is moving to Birmingham Alabama right for you?

If you’d like to live in a sunny city with lots of things to do outdoors, and thrilling nightlife, moving to Birmingham Alabama can be a great idea.

The city’s sturdy job market, affordable homes, and young population make it a great place for many young families and older people.

If you’re considering moving to Birmingham and wondering if the city is right for you, this guide contains all you need to know to make the right moving decision.

Jump right in to find out if moving to Birmingham is right for you.

facts of Birmingham

Quick facts to know before you move to Birmingham

  • Birmingham’s average one-way commute time takes 21.5 minutes
  • Up to 2.0% of Birmingham residents work from home
  • Birmingham's summer high in July is around 90 degrees
  • Birmingham averages 213 sunny days per year
  • Birmingham’s median home cost is $79,000
  • Birmingham’s future job growth is predicted to hit 29.22%
  • Around 41.1% of Birmingham’s residents are renters

Top 10 things to know before moving to Birmingham

  • The city is 20% cheaper than most US cities
  • The housing costs in Birmingham are about 14% lower than the national average
  • Tornadoes are disastrous in Birmingham
  • The city hosts festivals year round
  • At 10%, the city’s sales tax is significantly higher than the 7.25% US average
  • The economy is robust as job opportunities are growing
  • Birmingham is crazy about sports
  • The safety record is not positive in Birmingham
  • The summers are too hot and humid here
  • The city boasts of an amazing food scene

What's the population of Birmingham, AL?

As of 2020, there were 200,733 people in Birmingham. The city’s density is 1,365.37/sq mi. The population of the Birmingham Metro Area is 1,115,289, which makes it the 50th largest population in the US.

Here’s a breakup of the Birmingham population

  • Among the population, 22.8% are White, 71.3% are Black or African-American, 0.8% are Asian, 0.2% are Native American, 0.2% are from other races, and 1.2% are from two or more races
  • The population is made up of 47.3% males and 52.7% females
  • The median age in Birmingham is 35.7
  • 32.4% of the residents are married couples living together
  • 15.3% are divorced persons
  • 32.6% of the population have children but are single

How fast can you commute to Birmingham, AL?

At Birmingham, an average one-way commute will take 21.5 minutes, which is shorter than the US average of 26.4 minutes

As you’re moving to Birmingham, knowing a few facts about how people commute there will be helpful

  • About 80.3% drive their car alone
  • About 11.2% carpool with others
  • An average of 2.0% work from home
  • Approximately 2.4% take mass transit

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How is the weather like in Birmingham, AL?

Birmingham experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall

Here are a few facts about Birmingham's climate for you

  • The city receives 56 inches of rain, on average, per year
  • It snows on average 1 inch per year while the US average is 28 inches of snow per year
  • On average, there are 213 sunny days per year in Birmingham against the US average of 205 sunny days
  • Birmingham receives precipitation on average for 112 days per year
  • July is the hottest month when the temperature touches 90°F
  • January is the coldest month when the temperature drops down to 32 °F
moving to Birmingham

Top reasons to move to Birmingham, AL

Birmingham has got many reasons to claim it as a hot moving destination. To help you, we’ve filtered down just a few points

  • Affordable living costs
  • Comfortable weather
  • High diversity
  • Growing job opportunities
  • Amazing performing arts culture
  • Unlimited outdoor fun options
Birmingham pros and cons

Pros & Cons of moving to Birmingham

Yes, before you pack the bags to Birmingham, it is important to gauge both the pros and cons of living in the city.

To help, we’ve collated the pros and cons of moving to Birmingham.

Pros of living in Birmingham Cons of living in Birmingham
Highly diverse societyHigh crime rate
Rich local historyGrowing poverty
Amazing food sceneHigh sales tax
LivabilityEnvironmental issues caused by population
Good education
Vibrant sports culture
Unlimited outdoor fun
place to live Birmingham

Best neighborhoods in Birmingham

As you have almost finalized to move to Birmingham, you would be curious to know where to stay after reaching the city. Luckily, Birmingham has no shortage of quality neighborhoods to rent a home or later buy. To help you, we’ve listed out the 10 best neighborhoods in Birmingham.

Rank Neighborhood Population Home Value
1.Southside18,410$123,783
2.Red Mountain11,498$343,155
3.Maple Grove2,365$98,412
4.Airport Hills5,760$119,811
5.Evergreen 1,610$80,795
6.Norwood4,121$66,344
7.Five Points South12,236$14,391
8.Brownsville Heights1,071$154,974
9.Wood Lawn11,023$73,338
10.Smithfield7,31777,460

Tip:When you’ve got a home to move in Birmingham, AL, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

cost of living in Birmingham

Cost of living in Birmingham

Birmingham, AL is one of the best places to live as the cost of living is 6% lower than the national average.

The amount you would need to spend a month would be based on the expenses, which may include transport, groceries, health, housing, and much more.

Living Expense Birmingham Alabama National Average
Overall74.182.3100
Grocery93.394.4100
Health101.1102.2100
Housing28.355.9100
Median Home Cost$79,000$165,200$291,700
Utilities101101.2100
Transportation88.485.9100
Miscellaneous94.594.5100

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How is the housing market in Birmingham, AL?

After reaching Birmingham, your primary concern would be to get affordable housing. Fortunately, housing costs are much lower than the US national average. In Birmingham, you can afford to buy a house by shelling out approximately $79,000. And home rentals in the city are also lower than in many other neighboring cities. Similarly, the home appreciation in Birmingham is up by 20.2%

In Birmingham, renters make up 41.1% of the city population, and 4.7% of houses and apartments are available for rent.

To help you, we’ve got the latest housing stats in Birmingham

  • Birmingham’s average rent for a studio apartment is $611
  • Birmingham’s average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $655
  • Birmingham’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $753
  • Birmingham’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $974
  • Birmingham’s average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $1,051
jobs in Warwick

How is the job market in Birmingham, Alabama?

Maybe you’re moving to Birmingham for a job. And it is natural to be curious about the job market there.

Luckily, Birmingham has a booming job market and as a result, there’s no shortage of jobs.

To help you know more about the Birmingham job market, we’ve listed a few points.

  • The job growth in Birmingham has been positive
  • The future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 29.2%
  • The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 5.6%
  • Jobs have increased by 2.0% over the past year
  • The average salary in Birmingham is $37,217
  • The median home cost in Birmingham is $79,000

Here is a breakdown table to better understand the Birmingham job market

Employment Information Birmingham, Alabama United States
The income per Cap$21,851$31,177
Household Income$33,770$57,652
Unemployment Rate5.66.0%
Recent Job Growth-3.69%-6.18%
Future Job Growth29.22%33.51%

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Fastest growing jobs in Birmingham, AL

When you know the jobs that are high in demand, it becomes easier to apply. To help you, we’ve prepared a list of the 10 fastest-growing jobs in Birmingham

Rank Job Title % Growth Average Salary Openings in 2023
1Computer numerical controller machinist147.4%$36,6403,360
2Physical therapist assistant146.9%$53,9102,880
3Nurse practitioner137.1%$92,1302,400
4Occupational Therapist133.1%$82,2501,570
5Aircraft Assembler132.5%$51,1302,610
6Emergency Medical Technician132.5%$28,6704,650
7Home Health Aid131.7%$20,02011,540
8Personal care assistant131.0%$18,39015,240
9Web developer131.0%$58,7701,140
10Diagnostic Medical Sonographer127.8%$54,9401,470

Best companies to work for if you’re moving to Birmingham, AL

Once you reach Birmingham, especially for job purposes, you would be keen to join the best companies here. Knowing this, we’ve filtered out 10 companies that rank high in employee satisfaction

HHere’s the list

  • BL Harbert International
  • Burr & Forman
  • Alabama Power
  • Sterne Agee
  • Pro Assurance
  • Vulcan Materials
  • McWane
  • Thompson Tractor
  • Hibbett sports
  • Mayer

Top career options in Birmingham

Who gets paid the best in Birmingham? While moving to Birmingham, it is good to have an idea about the jobs that fetch you the best salary. Check our list of top 10 career options in Birmingham.

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary
1Physicians & surgeons$269,240$158,590
2Internists, general$250,560$124,980
3Chief executives$245,110$151,730
4Pediatricians, general$203,840$129,260
5Orthodontists$176,160$107,200
6Family & general practitioners$167,800$109,520
7Nurse Anesthetists$166,110$110,620
8Marketing managers$147.840$69,320
9Dentists, general$143,170$44,580
10Petroleum engineers$142,980$81,700

What's the average salary & income in Birmingham, AL?

As you’ve decided to relocate to Birmingham, you may be interested to know the average salary and income here. Birmingham has a thriving job market and the cost of living is lower than in many neighboring cities. As a result, you may be taking home a paycheck that is not that bad. Yes, the salary will be greatly influenced by many factors including the type of job, company name, and company’s profit. However, there would be some basic information common for all.

To help you, we’ve got a few facts about the average salary and income in Birmingham.

  • Birmingham’s average annual pay for average jobs is $59,612 a year
  • Birmingham’s average hourly pay for average jobs is $28.66 an hour
  • Birmingham’s average weekly pay for average jobs is $1,146 per week
  • Birmingham’s average monthly pay for average jobs is $4,967 per month
  • Birmingham’s top earners (90th percentile) make $85,919 annually

Major industries in Birmingham

It is good to have an idea about the major industries in Birmingham. This will help you how fair your chances of getting a job in Birmingham are. We’ve got a list of major industries in Birmingham

  • Healthcare
  • Primary and fabricated metals manufacturing
  • Tourism
  • Finance services
  • Life science
  • Digital information media
  • Electrical equipment manufacturing
taxes in rhode island

What are taxes like in Alabama?

As you start earning, the take-home paycheck will be greatly based on taxes charged by the state.

In Alabama, both the sales tax and income tax are higher than the US average, which may impact your income.

To know more about the taxes in Birmingham, here are some tax-related stats

  • The Sales Tax Rate for Birmingham is 10.0%. The US average is 7.3%
  • The Income Tax Rate for Birmingham is 6.0%. The US average is 4.6%
  • The average property tax rate in Birmingham is 3.33%
Birmingham to do

What are the best things to do in Birmingham, AL?

Birmingham is rich in history and culture. In addition, the city is located amidst a serene setting. All of these contribute to the unlimited fun, especially outdoors, in Birmingham

Here are the 10 best things to do in Birmingham

  • Tour the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church and the Birmingham Civil Rights District
  • Learn more at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
  • Explore the world at the McWane Science Center
  • Visit the Birmingham Museum of Art
  • Meet the animals at Birmingham Zoo
  • Prepare for a fright at Sloss Furnaces
  • Watch some racing at Barber Motorsports Park
  • Stroll the Birmingham Botanical Gardens
  • Feel nature at the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
  • Visit Vulcan Park and Museum

How safe is Birmingham, AL?

While you move to Birmingham, especially with the family, safety would be a major concern. How safe is Birmingham? Unfortunately, Birmingham rates very low on safety scales in different studies

Here are more facts about crime and safety in Birmingham

  • Birmingham is safer than 1% of US cities
  • Birmingham's violent crime is 75.2 while the US average is 22.7
  • Birmingham’s property crime is 89.0 while the US average is 35.4
  • Your chance of being a violent crime victim is 1 in 60 in Birmingham
  • Your chance of being a property crime victim is 1 in 20 in Birmingham
  • About 58% of the population feels safe in Birmingham

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schools in Birmingham

What are the top schools in Birmingham, AL?

Are you moving to Birmingham with the family? You’d be curious about the quality of education in the city.

You don’t need to worry as the city is home to some of the best schools and colleges in Alabama. We’ve made a list of the best schools and colleges in Birmingham, which may help you.

Top 5 Public Elementary Schools in Birmingham, AL

  • Deer Valley Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 766 students

  • Liberty Park Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 635 students

  • Brock’s Gap Intermediate School
    Public, K-5 | 438 students

  • Shades Cahaba Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 479 students

  • Edgewood Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 785 students

Top 5 Public Middle Schools in Birmingham, AL

  • Homewood Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 1,049 students

  • Robert F. Bumpus Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 1,122 students

  • Liberty Park Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 499 students

  • Berry Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 1,142 students

  • Mt. Brook Junior High School School
    Public, 6-8 | 959 students

Top 5 Public High Schools in Birmingham, AL

  • Mt. Brook High School
    Public, 9-12 | 1,043 students

  • Homewood High School
    Public, 9-12 | 1,223 students

  • Vestavia Hills High School
    Public, 9-12 | 1,514 students

  • Spain Park High School
    Public, 9-12 | 1,634 students

  • Hoover High School
    Public, 9-12 | 2,766 students

Top colleges and universities in Birmingham, AL

  • Samford University

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • Birmingham-Southern College

  • Miles College

  • Herzing University – Birmingham

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Birmingham AL a good place to live?

Birmingham is one of the most favored destinations to move in. The thriving job market backed by premium entertainment options, unlimited year-round festivals, high standard of living, scenic outdoors, and strong sports culture makes Birmingham the best place to settle in. As most people are moving to the city annually, the population is also highly diverse. And these factors contribute to making Birmingham a great place to raise a family

What are the downsides of living in Birmingham?

While Birmingham is highly diverse, has a thriving economy, and hosts unlimited fests, you may feel it is a perfect city. But just as any other place in the US, Birmingham has got its share of downsides. The climate is too harsh and also unpredictable. In addition, the population is declining in Birmingham and the presence of many businesses is also polluting the environment which is a serious concern among many people. The crime rate is high in the city and also while living here, you’ll realize that most of the places are closed on Sunday, which means you have fewer sources of entertainment.

What do I need to know about moving to Birmingham?

As you’ve decided to move to Birmingham, it would be good to know a few things about the city. This will help you determine whether your decision is correct.

Here are a few facts about Birmingham.

  • Beer is a big factor in life in Birmingham
  • Baseball culture is robust here and the country’s oldest team is in Birmingham
  • The city is famous for Greek food and restaurants serving Greek food
  • Vulcan, the world’s largest cast iron statue is in Birmingham
  • There is a lot to do outdoors in Birmingham
  • The city is affordable
  • The city is prone to tornadoes

What is the nicest part of Birmingham, AL?

Birmingham has many posh neighborhoods that are beautiful, safe, and properly connected with every part of the city. And if you’re moving here, it’s good to find a home in one of these areas. To help you, we’ve listed out 10 nice parts of Birmingham.

  • Highland Park
  • Forest park
  • Vestavia Hills
  • Lakeview
  • Mountain Brook
  • Southside
  • Five Points South
  • Homewood
  • Hoover
  • Trussville

What is the coldest month in Birmingham Alabama?

While winter in Birmingham is spread from November to February, the coldest month is January when Birmingham will experience an average low of 36°F and a high of 54°F.

What salary do you need to live in Birmingham, AL?

Anything over $35,000 per year is a good salary in Birmingham. This is because when you take home $35,000; you're earning more than what 50% of city residents get. As per the latest statistics, $2,916 per month is a good salary to live comfortably in Birmingham, which comes to $16.83 per hour.

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