| The greater metropolitan Birmingham area includes a number of
communities such as Alabaster, Bessemer, Fultondale, Gardendale,
Graysville, Helena, Homewood, Hoover, Hueytown, Irondale, Midfield,
Mountain Brook, Pelham, Tarrant, and Vestavia Hills.
A few statistics about Birmingham's population:
- City of Birmingham ..... 265,000
- Jefferson County .... 662,000
- Metropolitan Statistical Area (4 counties) ... 891,000
Brief History:
Birmingham was incorporated in 1871. Its location and resources
provided the impetus for growth of the city. Railroads crossed here
and there was an abundance of raw materials needed for producing
iron and steel: coal, iron ore, and limestone.
Early in its history, Birmingham was a major steel producer,
and was known as the Pittsburgh of the south. Today, iron- and
steelmaking no longer plays the major role it once did economically.
The city today is home to several major corporations' offices,
with varied interests. One source reports the major employer is
the local University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB). UAB includes
a major focus on health, with several schools devoted to medical
education and the UAB hospital. Birmingham is also the home of
several other major hospitals and clinics.
A more comprehensive history, and photos, can be viewed at the
Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau (there's a link at the
bottom of this page).
Housing, Employment, and
Cost of Living:
Housing choices are abundant and varied in the area. A home can
be purchased in virtually any price range and, of course, varies
depending on the area. There is also a large selection of housing
for rent--including houses, apartments, townhouses, and condos.
Employment opportunities are abundant in the Birmingham area.
While it no longer depends primarily on steelmaking, a number
of manufacturing facilities remain in the area. Birmingham is
also home to quite a few "white collar" jobs--medical, engineering,
and information services.
The cost of living could probably be called "average." Prices
for everyday items are not as high as in large cities. State income
tax is moderate, as compared to some states--perhaps in the range
of 3% to 5%. Jefferson County levies a non-resident occupational
income tax. State and local sales taxes are relied upon for a
substantial portion of communties' revenue; sales tax varies throughout
the state and generally ranges from about 6% to 9% levied on all
purchases of consumer goods and food. Real estate property taxes
are modest as compared to many states.
Churches and Restaurants
Are Popular:
Located in the southeastern United States, Birmingham is planted
firmly in what is known as "the Bible belt," an area in which
religion plays a significant part of life. A casual perusal of
the Birmingham telephone directory resulted in a rough count of
approximately 1,600 churches in the area. The predominant religion
is Baptist but a wide array of other churches are represented
(examples: A.M.E., Catholic, Church of God, Jewish, Latter Day
Saints, Mennonite, Methodist, Nazarene, Presbyterian, Seventh-Day
Adventist, and non-denominational).
Another popular activity in Birmingham is dining out. The telephone
book provides a count of approximately 1,200 restaurants in the
metropolitan area. Restaurant choices are varied, including Greek,
Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and Thai. A popular local fare is
barbequed pork, beef and chicken, cooked over an open hickory
flame and prepared with a barbeque sauce.
Birmingham became a focus of media attention during the civil
rights era of the 1960's. The racial strife of that period has
been indelibly linked to Birmingham. Today's Birmingham has changed
vastly, but the city has not forgotten the era. Found throughout
the area are historical markers commemorating the civil rights
actions of the 60's as well as an impressive and widely-acclaimed
Civil Rights Institute -
- which every visitor to Birmingham should include on his or her
itinerary.
Arts & Entertainment:
"BJCC:" Birmingham-Jefferson
Convention Center (formerly the "Civic Center") includes a large
auditorium and a theatre. A variety of events are held there during
the course of a year: home and garden show, boat show, musical
performances by big-name performers, theatrical performances,
performances by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (whose home is
Birmingham) and the Alabama Ballet (also based in Birmingham).
Birmingham is home to a number of theatrical groups, from professional
to semi-professional, to amateur. The Birmingham
Museum of Art is located downtown and includes permanent as
well as temporary exhibits.
An area known as "Five Points South" is generally recognized
as a "night life" area because it is home to a number of bars
and restaurants. Not much happens in the downtown area after about
5 p.m. weekdays, although people are attracted to the area of
the historic Alabama
Theatre and the McWane Center
(a great place for kids, and it includes an Imax theatre). Families
also enjoy visiting the Birmingham
Zoo. If you're a nature lover or just enjoy a peaceful walk,
the Birmingham Botanical Gardens
is a great place to visit. In recent summers the Gardens has also
been the site of "Garden Variety Shakespeare," performances of
Shakespeare's plays out-of-doors. Roller coasters and other rides
can be found at a recently-opened amusement park called Visionland.
Sports:
Birmingham is home to a minor league baseball team, the Barons,
whose games are played at a beautiful facility--the Hoover Met.
Several professional sports teams have lived a short life in Birmigham,
including hockey and arena football. Many residents of Birimgham
(and Alabama) are avid college fans, with a long-lasting rivalry
between fans of the University of Alabama and Auburn University.
Another favorite pastime is NASCAR racing at the nearby Talladega
Superspeedway.
Topopgraphy and climate:
The city itself is contained in a broad flat plain, bordered on
the south side by a high elevation which the locals call "Red
Mountain," the name derived from its seams of iron ore--visible
in the cut made for highway 280 expressway. Area topographic features
include rolling countryside, heavily wooded and covered with greenery.
Predominant in the area are tall longleaf southern pines seen
throughout much of the south and a source of raw material for
pulp and paper mills located widely about the south.
Birmingham's climate is generally mild, with winter daytime temperatures
usually no lower than 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. A few snow
flurries may occur during winter months, but snow seldom accumulates
here. Springtime is especially beautiful, with a multitude of
flowering trees, bushes, and flowers. Blossoms begin to appear
in February, with peak months being March and April for many flowering
plants, although the area remains colorful throughout the summer
and fall. Summer months are warm, with daytime highs often in
the 90's to low 100's.
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