Take all the graciousness of southern living, mix it with a family-friendly environment, stir in affordable housing with a dash of modern amenities, and you just might come up with the lovely city of Birmingham, Alabama. Although it’s among the 60 largest cities in the United States, it is considered to be one of the most livable.
Founded in 1871 just after the end of the Civil War, Birmingham became known as “The Magic City” because of its extraordinarily fast growth. It was founded to be an industrial town, and its main industries were steel and iron production.
Now it is the largest city in the state of Alabama, boasting a population of over 1.6 million. It is the largest banking center in the Southeast, and its industrial and business base has greatly diversified since the early days. Its downtown boasts high end stores and first rate restaurants, but its suburban lifestyle hearkens back to gentler and simpler times.
The suburbs offer just about any kind of living situation a family could wish for. There are sprawling estates, lovely historic homes both large and small, old trees and fresh air. Reports have named Birmingham as having the 8th most affordable housing market in the nation and one of the top 25 cities where homeowners fare best. Flanked by the ends of the Appalachian Mountains, and flowing with rivers, the area is forested and boasts some beautiful scenery.
Of course, if your housing tastes run more toward urban living, chic areas of the city offer convenient lofts and apartments. You can walk to work, and enjoy the great shopping downtown offers.
Educationally-minded families with children will enjoy living in the Birmingham area! Its school system is renowned as being one of the best in the whole country. In fact, one of its suburban high schools was named #1 in America in 2005, and has consistently ranked in the top 5 ever since. A branch of the University of Alabama is located here, along with 18 other institutions of higher learning.
The proximity of Oak Mountain State Park as well as various bodies of water makes this area an outdoorsman’s paradise. The climate boasts four distinct seasons, yet its overall temperatures are generally mild, allowing for year round fun.
Of course, a city the size of Birmingham has a variety of arts and cultural activities to enjoy. It has its own symphony, ballet, zoo, and a plethora of other wonderful experiences for the whole family.
Take the time to get to know “The Magic City:” you too may find it magical indeed!
For more information about living in Birmingham, and for professional Alabama real estate advice and service, contact the best: RE/MAX of Alabama (http://www.remax-alabama.com). Art Gib is a freelance writer.
[tags]Alabama real estate[/tags]
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