Founded in 1871, Birmingham, Alabama is an up-and-coming metro city with the feel of a smalltown community. Park Moving is proud to be a local family-owned business that has served the greater Birmingham area for over fifty years. Are you considering making the move to Birmingham? In today’s article, we have outlined a few of the many reasons why you should move to the Magic City.
Move to Birmingham – The Magic City
Birmingham was founded in the post-Civil War Reconstruction period and quickly grew to be an industrial hub in the South. The city was primarily founded on the steel industry with many historic mines still standing today. The city grew rapidly between 1881 and 1920, earning the nickname The Magic City.
Birmingham’s Anchor Industries
Steel
The city was founded on this industry and it still continues to thrive to the current day. The outskirts of Birmingham’s metro area are filled with thriving industrial establishments.
Healthcare
Birmingham is also known for its medical industry, particularly the teaching hospital at the University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB). Ascension St. Vincent’s is also a state-of-the-art facility.
Education
Birmingham plays host to a handful of prestigious universities. UAB, Samford University, and Birmingham Southern College are all within fifteen minutes of downtown.
Finance
Birmingham is also known as a financial hub thanks to Region’s Bank being founded in the city in 1971.
Birmingham’s Neighboring Communities – Move to Birmingham
Homewood
Just a few minutes south of Birmingham’s downtown center is the community of Homewood. Homewood features several great eateries and coffee shops. Downtown Main Street also hosts excellent boutiques and shops. When it comes to downtown establishments, we recommend visiting O’Henry’s Coffees, Caveat Coffee, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Savage’s Bakery, and Little Professor Bookshop.
Mountain Brook
Mountain Brook is a sprawling residential community just a few minutes southeast of Birmingham’s downtown center. Known for its beautiful homes and established estates, Mountain Brook also has great restaurants, entertainment, and shopping opportunities. If you have children (or just enjoy zoos), the Birmingham Zoo is located near Mountain Brook. Some popular Mountain Brook restaurants include Mountain Brook Creamery, Church Street Coffee and Books, Continental Bakery and Chez LuLu, Brick & Tin, and Daniel George.
Avondale and Crestwood
The adjoining neighborhoods of Avondale and Crestwood are cozy communities located just minutes due east of downtown. Avondale is known for its casual entertainment spots like the craft brewery and sour room, Avondale Brewing Compan and the coming brewery, Ferus on 41st. Crestwood is primarily a residential community but also hosts a few great restaurants like The Filling Station, Ampersandwich, and The Rougaroux.
Vestavia Hills
The community of Vestavia Hills is just south of Homewood. The local shopping district, The Shops at the Summit, is in Vestavia. The community is also home to gorgeous residential neighborhoods and a great school district.
Hoover
A fast-growing suburb about twenty minutes south of Birmingham, Hoover offers something for everyone. The Riverchase Galleria mall is in Hoover, as are several well-known public schools, dozens of restaurants and bars, and outdoor recreation.
Day Trips from Birmingham
Another great reason to consider moving to Birmingham is the easy access to nearby destinations. The beach is just four hours south and the cities of Atlanta and Nashville are two hours and three hours away, respectively.
Atlanta, Georgia – 150 Miles
Nashville, TN – 200 Miles
Orange Beach, Alabama – 280 Miles
Outdoor Recreation Near Birmingham, AL – Move to Birmingham
Birmingham is a hotbed for outdoor recreation opportunities. Below, we have outlined some of the best places to go for a variety of recreation. Additionally, Birmingham has many great metro green spaces scattered throughout the downtown area.
Oak Mountain State Park
A 940-acre park located about 20 minutes outside of Birmingham. Oak Mountain offers hiking, mountain biking, road biking, water recreation, camping, dirt biking, horse riding, golf, a petting zoo, and more.
Red Mountain Park
Red Mountain Park is a popular trail running and hiking hot spot. You can also spot some historical steel mines located in the park.
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve – Move to Birmingham
Established in 1977, Ruffner Mountain is a privately held nature preserve set on over 1,000 acres just outside of Birmingham. The park features an educational nature center and hiking trails.
Cahaba River
The Cahaba River Watershed is the longest stretch of free-flowing river and the most bio-diverse river in America. The 1,870 square mile river begins just northeast of Birmingham and ends in Selma, AL.
