Moving to Birmingham, Alabama, also known as the Magic City, should not be seen as a daunting task akin to scaling a steep mountain. Instead, embrace it as the initial stride towards an exciting new chapter in your life’s journey. Regardless of whether your move takes you across town or across the country, the act of moving is often met with a similar level of enthusiasm as a visit to the dentist. However, it is essential to recognize that this relocation represents more than just creating checklists and carefully packing belongings, including treasured family keepsakes. It signifies bidding farewell to the comforting embrace of a familiar and enjoyable place and venturing into the realms of the unknown.

For you, moving to Birmingham can be a bright future filled with endless opportunities, possibilities, and friendships.

Brief History of the Magic City

The city played a major role in the civil rights movement because of the lives of Rosa Parks, civil rights attorney Arthur Shores, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Historically, Birmingham was referred to as the “magic city” because its soil contained the three necessary elements to produce iron: Coal, limestone, and iron ore. Famous people who were born here include: Olympic gold-medal winner, Carl Lewis, NBA star, Charles Barkley, and former US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.

Cost of Living in Birmingham

Another plus of moving to Birmingham is that the city here is “wallet friendly.” The cost of living is 8% below the national average and home expenses are 19% lower than the rest of the nation. Birmingham is also rated as one of the top 100 places to live in the United States. One big reason for this is you can spend less and enjoy the amenities of a big city in a place that still retains its’ small-town charm.

Recreation & Entertainment

Birmingham has an abundance of public parks for residents to take advantage of. The Arthur Shores Park is named in honor for civil rights attorney and the first African American appointed to the Birmingham City Council. This 2.7- acre park includes walking trails, picnic facilities and sporting areas. 

Another great option is Altamont Park which most residents believe provides the best view of Birmingham. Altamont Ridge is located on the slope of Red Mountain and is a forested area located on 9.6 acres that includes numerous walking trails. 

Artistic Diversity

The Birmingham Museum of Art, (BMA), is home to more than 27,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and decorative arts. The Museum, which one of the largest in the southeast, also includes The Dwight & Lucille Beeson Wedgewood Collection. This is an eclectic selection of art including Wedgewood pottery, the largest collection of Asian art, impressionism, contemporary art and American landscapes. 

The Birmingham Zoo – Alabama’s Must-See Attraction

The Birmingham Zoo ranks in the top 10% of animal exhibitors in the nation and is the only accredited zoo in Alabama. This facility is situated on 122 acres and is home to 950 animals and 230 different species from six continents. Animals include bears, red pandas, tigers, zebras, giraffes, orangutans, elephants and much more. The facility features “Zoo Camps” that are educational and encourage active learning through games, age-appropriate hands-on science, animal encounter and nature play for students ages K-12. The zoo also sponsors safari trips to view animals up close on other continents. For more information on future trips and other activities check out the zoo’s website.

 Roll Tide or War Eagle? The rivalry of rivalries better known as the Iron Bowl

If you’re a true sports fan, moving to Birmingham literally puts you within driving distance of just about every sport you can imagine. Let’s face it, in the South, college football is king. Even if you visit the state during football season, residents will ask, “Who are y’all pulling for, Alabama or Auburn?” These two long-time rivals have provided many great thrills and memories over the years. There’s nothing like the electrifying atmosphere of being in the stands and watching one of the best rivalries in all of college sports. If you’re a real football fan and especially from the South, this game should be on your bucket list. 

Barons Baseball

Springtime means taking a bite of your hotdog, hearing the crack of the bat and rooting for the Birmingham Barons. The team is the Double AA affiliate of the of the American League’s Chicago White Sox. Regions Field offers a spacious 360-degree concourse which allows you to see the action on the field as you move throughout the ballpark. The stadium includes 23 fully furnished luxury suites as well as a 400-seat Club Seating section, which has access to a VIP Suite Level Lounge. Whether you take your family or go with friends, watching the Barons play is always a home run.

More Football

Another Spring favorite is watching the Birmingham Stallions of the United States Football League (USFL). This team is consistently a strong contender for the league title and plays in Protective Stadium. The league has some unique twists on traditional football rules to make the game more competitive and exciting. Who knows, you may get to first see a player here before he becomes a future star in the National Football League. 

Ice Hockey

The fall season just isn’t for football as you can enjoy watching the Birmingham Bulls play ice hockey. Many fans who love football are also drawn to this sport primarily for two reasons: its physical and the speed of the game. The Bulls are part of the Southern Professional Hockey League and play home games in the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Area. Always action-packed, this is a great opportunity to see a sport that’s mostly played in cold climates. The Bulls usually have a strong, competitive team so go out to the rink, cheer the team on and give it your best shot!

Dining in Birmingham

Once you move to Birmingham your taste buds will thank you. The city offers you a variety of choices when it comes to cuisine including, French, Italian, Cajun, Southern and more. 

Birminham is a Great “Date Night” Town

The next time you’re craving great Italian food, Gianmarco’s is an excellent choice here in town. The restaurant is family owned and operated in the Homewood neighborhood. They offer savory and authentic Italian meals plus daily specials including fresh grouper with andouille gumbo, braised veal ossobuco and grass-fed prime cut ribeye. When you combine great food in a sophisticated dining room with white tablecloths and romantic lighting, it all adds up to an incredible restaurant that is definitely “date-worthy.”

Dinner in Paris

Simply put, Chez Fonfon truly has a flair for French fare. This bistro is in Five Points South and radiates a classy yet cozy atmosphere featuring antique furnishings among which is a 100-year-old etched glass door from Lyon, France. Their presentation of classics including seared scallops, steak frites, and sauteed trout with brown butter and escargots has earned local and national acclaim. Once you taste the food and soak in the ambience, you’ll swear the Eiffel Tower is just a few blocks away. When you’re in the mood for comfortable and elegant French food, this is a wonderful choice.

Classic Southern Comfort

There is nothing more Southern than barbeque at Saw’s Juke Joint. Mike Wilson’s restaurant background and talent is reflected in his BBQ as well as his tasty and tempting side dishes. 

You can munch on fries or delight in cheesy grits, potato salad or other choices while you cherish every bite of mouth-watering barbeque. Wash that down with sweet tea or sip on a mint julep that is top shelf. This venue is comfortable, relaxing and fun. Saw’s restaurant has live music, several other locations and if that’s not enough, they even have their own food truck.

Check their website for more info regarding each establishment’s menu and location. The bottom line is that Saw’s Juke Joint is classic Southern BBQ at its’ finest. These are just a few of the great dining options you’ll experience after moving to Birmingham.

These are just some of the wonderful things about your new home in Birmingham. Embrace this new beginning as you put down roots, build friendships and create many new and lasting memories. 

Birmingham is a great place for new beginnings, as you put down roots, build friendships, and enjoy the beauty of a truly historical city that is redefining its history and future with every passing year.

Let the Lambert Moving Systems professionals help you move your family and business to Montgomery—we’ll get you there!

Photo: Birmingham, Alabama from Vulcan Park (Public Domain) en.wikipedia to Commons.