Livability Score

67
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities C-

There are some amenities close to this location.
Coffee (11) F
June
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
The Red Cat
Coffee Shop
Unknown Name
Coffee Shop
O'Henry's Coffee
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (43) A+
Protective Stadium
Stadium
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Attraction
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
Museum
Birmingham Museum of Art
Museum
Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall
Theatre Arts
Boutwell Auditorium
Theatre Arts
Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Arena
Stadium
Legacy Arena
Stadium
Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Theatre
Theatre Arts
John W. Woods Theater
Cinema
McWane Science Center
Museum
The Lyric Theatre
Theatre Arts
Alabama Theatre
Theatre Arts
Sidewalk Cinema
Cinema
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Museum
Workplay
Theatre Arts
Iron City
Theatre Arts
Saturn Birmingham
Nightclub
Unknown Name
Museum
Unknown Name
Stadium
Unknown Name
Stadium
Unknown Name
Theatre Arts
Bartow Arena
Stadium
Zydeco
Nightclub
Alys Stephens Center
Theatre Arts
Food and Drink (114) D-
McDonald's
Fast Food
Rally's
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Sneaky Petes
Fast Food
Cook Out
Fast Food
Popeyes
Fast Food
Chipotle
Fast Food
Mojo Pub
Bar
Burger King
Fast Food
Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe
Fast Food
Dunkin'
Fast Food
Wendy's
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Taco Bell
Fast Food
Big Spoon Creamery
Sweets
41st Street Pub and Aircraft Sales
Bar
Arby's
Fast Food
Moe's Southwest Grill
Fast Food
Domino's
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
The Nick
Bar
Captain D's
Fast Food
Burger King
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Monday Night Social Club
Bar
Fitness (8) F
Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex - East Exhibit Hall and Meeting Rooms
Community Centre
Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex - North Exhibit Hall and Meeting Rooms
Community Centre
Magic City Acceptance Center
Community Centre
Evergreen Community Center
Community Centre
Groceries (29) F
Unknown Name
Bakery
Publix
Grocery Store
Birmingham Breadworks
Bakery
Piggly Wiggly
Grocery Store
Piggly Wiggly
Grocery Store
Montgomery Grocery
Grocery Store
Brito's Produce
Grocery Store
Piggly Wiggly
Grocery Store
GreenWise Market at Lane Parke
Grocery Store
Piggly Wiggly
Grocery Store
The Green Door Natural Foods
Health Food
Piggly Wiggly
Grocery Store
Bagel Bakery
Bakery
Publix
Grocery Store
Parks (181) A+
Unknown Name
Playground
Marconi Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Norwood Park
Park
Henley Park
Park
Barker Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Linn Park
Park
Unknown Name
Park
Norwood Boulevard Park Trail
Park
Norwood Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Arthur Shores Park
Park
Rotary Trail Park
Park
Unknown Name
Park
Eddie Kendricks Park
Park
Avondale Mills Park
Park
4th Avenue History Park
Park
Kelly Ingram Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Railroad Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Shops (93) F
Zephyr
Hairdresser
The Collective
Hairdresser
Family Dollar
Discount Store
Nail Time
Beauty
Martin Flowers
Florist
Southtown Convenience Store
Convenience Store
Burdock Book Collective
Books
Unknown Name
Convenience Store
Dollar General
Discount Store
Unknown Name
Convenience Store
Unknown Name
Convenience Store
The Snack Shack
Convenience Store
Unknown Name
Convenience Store
Unknown Name
Books
Unknown Name
Gift Shop
Pilot
Convenience Store
Unknown Name
Convenience Store
Queen's Beauty Supply
Beauty
Bob's Bikes
Bicycle
Homewood Toy & Hobby
Toys
Cahaba Cycles
Bicycle
Hiltz-Lauber
Furniture
The Lingerie Shoppe
Clothing
Bolin-Reeves
Florist
Trocadero
Hairdresser
See more Birmingham amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 1.9% take public transportation in Birmingham.
Public Transit Stops (1272)
Stops & Stations
A+
SW Corner of 8th Av N & 28th St N
Bus Stop
SW Corner of 8th Av N & 30th St N
Bus Stop
NW Corner of 8th Ave N & 31st St N
Bus Stop
NW Corner of Messer Airport Hwy & 31st St N
Bus Stop
SW Corner of Messer Airport Hwy & 31st St N
Bus Stop
NE Corner of 24th St N & 8th St N
Bus Stop
SE Corner of 12th Av N & 28th St N
Bus Stop
NE Corner fo 24th St N & 7th Av N
Bus Stop
SW Corner of 24th St N & 8th Av N
Bus Stop
NW Corner of 12th Av N & 29th St N
Bus Stop
SW Corner of 12th Av N & 30th St N
Bus Stop
SW Corner of 12th Av N & 27th St N
Bus Stop
SE Corner of 24th St N & Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N
Bus Stop
SW Corner of 24th St N & 7th Av N
Bus Stop
NE Corner of 12th Av N & 27th St N
Bus Stop
NE Corner of 12th Av N & 30th St N
Bus Stop
NW Corner of 24th St N & 6th Av N
Bus Stop
NW Corner of 24th St N & Richard Arrington Jr Blvd
Bus Stop
NW Corner of 12th Av N & US 31
Bus Stop
NE Corner of 24th St N & 5th Av N
Bus Stop
NW Corner of Carraway Blvd & 12th Av N
Bus Stop
NE Corner of 31st S N & 12th Av N
Bus Stop
SE Corner of 24th St N & 11th Av N
Bus Stop
SW Corner of Messer Airport Hwy & 33rd St N
Bus Stop
SE Corner of 5th Av N & 24th St N
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
1.9%
F
See more Birmingham commute data

cost of living A+

The cost of living in Birmingham is 88/100 - which is 1% lower than Alabama.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
A+
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more Birmingham cost of living data

crime F

Birmingham crime rates are 5,854 per 100k, which is 173% higher than Alabama
Property Crime
4,173 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
1,682 crimes per 100k
F
See more Birmingham crime data

employment F

The median income in Birmingham is $38,832 - which is 13% lower than Alabama.
Med. Household Income
$38,832
F
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
F
See more Birmingham employment data

health F

There are some hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (57)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
D-
Birmingham Fire Station Number 1
Fire Station
Magic City Wellness Center
Clinic
DaVita Dialysis
Clinic
Birmingham Police Headquarters
Police
VA Clinic
Clinic
UAB Lung Health Center
Clinic
Wallace Tumor Institute
Clinic
UAB Hospital
Hospital
Saint Vincent's Birmingham
Hospital
Davita Dialysis
Clinic
UAB Russell Clinic
Clinic
Boshell Diabetes Building
Clinic
UAB Liver Center
Clinic
UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center
Clinic
UAB Civitan-Sparks Center
Clinic
VA Medical Center
Hospital
Children's of Alabama
Hospital
UAB Callahan Eye Hospital
Hospital
UAB Callahan Eye Hospital
Hospital
UAB Personal Health Clinic
Clinic
Cooper Green Mercy Hospital
Hospital
Cooper Green Mercy Health Services
Clinic
Alabama Ophthalmology Associates
Clinic
Unknown Name
Dentist
Birmingham Fire Station #3
Fire Station
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
F
See more Birmingham health & safety data

housing A+

Birmingham home prices are $97,500 - which is 24% lower than Alabama
Home Price
$97,500
F
Home Appreciation Rate
11%
B+
Home Affordability
2.5x (home price to income ratio)
A+
See more Birmingham housing data

schools F

The Birmingham graduation rate is 81% - which is 3% higher than Alabama
School Test Scores
28%
F
High School Grad. Rates
81%
D+
Elementary Schools (97) F
Phillips Academy
Advent Episcopal Day School
Norwood Elementary School
Homebound Elementary School
Spain Rehab
Dmh Adolescent Education Program Uab
Hayes K8
Engle Day Treatment
Adolescent Day Treatment
Uab Engel Therapeutic School And Day Treatment
Avondale Elementary School
Tuggle Elementary School
I3 Academy
Hudson Keight School
St Rose Of Lima School
Wilkerson Middle School
Glen Iris Elementary School
Epic School
Alabama Waldorf School
The Renaissance Academy Prep School For Boys
Family Court Elementary School
The Altamont School
The Rushton Schoolgateway Center
Inglenook School
Cornerstone Schools Of Alabama
High Schools (35) F
Homebound High School
Spain Rehab
Dmh Adolescent Education Program Uab
Adolescent Day Treatment
Maranathan Academy
Parker High School
Arlington School
Ramsay High School
Dupuy Alternative School
The Renaissance Academy Prep School For Boys
Family Court High School
The Altamont School
Gateway
George Washington Carver High School
Cornerstone Schools Of Alabama
Islamic Academy Of Alabama
Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet
Mountain Brook Junior High School
Ephesus Academy
Metropolitian School Of Talent And The Arts
Spring Valley School
See more Birmingham education data

ratings C+

Birmingham has an overall rating of 67% from 22 reviews.
User Reviews (3)
From AreaVibes
C+
User Surveys (19)
From AreaVibes
C+
See more Birmingham user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Birmingham, AL
( 22 Ratings )

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Birmingham Reviews

Write a review about Birmingham Tell people what you like or don't like about Birmingham…
Do yourself a favor - don't bother 2 rating By Anonymous ( Nov 11, 2020) I've lived in Alabama all my life outside of a couple of years in Illinois. Birmingham is a very depressing city. The crime rate is high, the job market is only so-so and there isn't much to do outside of a bit of nightlife in Birmingham (and I have to admit they are trying to ...Read More revamp the downtown area, but it's slow at best). The best thing here is the low property taxes and housing costs. But when you think about a 10% sales tax in most areas, taxes on groceries and a few other things it doesn't really seem as appealing.
The crime rate in Birmingham is very high and you don't even want to drive through some neighborhoods during the day, much less at night. Compton CA feels safe compared to these areas.

I think Birmingham has a lot of potential, but the backward southern mindset has held it back and kept it from becoming more like Atlanta and growing rather than staying stagnant.

If you want to move to Alabama, move to Vestavia, Hoover, Mountain Brook or the Oak Mountain area. Don't bother with "Birmingham." Especially if you have children. The city funded schools are AWFUL. You will find excellent schools within the systems I listed, but none of the Birmingham or Jefferson County schools are well-funded or any good.

One good thing for many people would be the weather. And I do have to say the landscape is beautiful. Many trees and natural areas. As I mentioned, they are also trying to revamp the downtown area so there are some nice restaurants and interesting night life but it's slow at best.

If you are not a staunch Republican you will not want to live anywhere but Birmingham city limits proper (which is largely Democratic). It is also a southern tradition to be very nosy and intrusive, so if you value your privacy you might find it difficult to live here, especially in the more rural areas.

In any case, it's not the worst place in the country to live, but it's not the best. Jobs don't pay very well, the crime rate is high, sales tax is high but you do have the advantage of low property taxes and affordable housing. Read Less
Birmingham, AL - "Diverse City" USA 5 rating By Anonymous ( Nov 25, 2011) I am very grateful for the return of tourists, to our beautiful Birmingham, from the April and September tornadoes that cut a swath through many of our neighborhoods. Birmingham, Alabama is within the Dixie Alley or Tornado Alley and we are buffeted with hurricanes and storms com ...Read More ing mainly off the Gulf Coast. Due to its proximity to the central Gulf Coast, makes Birmingham a city which provides Appalachian mountain activities, the best in dining, world famous entertainers like American Idol, Ruben Studdard who calls Birmingham home and a recent Bob Seger concert, and other special events throughout the year.

Come and join me and my friends for half price bottle and wine Thursdays, at various downtown locations, or free wine tasting Wednesdays, or learn about our environment with daily, nature scope exhibits. The bright lights of Birmingham's nightline city scape, will allow us to parteee' at fun locations as the streets fill with people from all around the world. Birmingham, Alabama offers its visitors antebellum history tours, motorsports parks, museums, zoos, outdoor theatres, river boat tours, theme parks, and much more for family fun and eclectic tastes.

If you visit Birmingham and decide you want to relocate and live in Birmingham or any of its neighboring towns, your decision is a good one. Our nation's President is looking for youthful inspiration to plan for future trips to Mars, well, Birmingham can offer you jobs in the aerospace and aviation industries. Other Birmingham industries have provided employment for my family and will help your family in the telecommunication field, engineering, soft drink industry and more. A real estate app is available for your iPad to view the affordable homes and rentals among our many idiomatic neighborhoods. My Birmingham has gone through many nicknames, whose present title is "Diverse City," but with all the storms that hit us, we always bounce back, so I am campaigning for a new title of "Birmingham - Forever." Read Less
Birmingham, AL City Review 3 rating By Anonymous ( May 03, 2010) I lived in Birmingham, AL for fifteen years. During that time, I saw the tail-end of its transformation from a bustling industrial town to a commercial center. While Birmingham is not truly a tourist destination, those who happen to be there for family or business reasons can fin ...Read More d ways to entertain themselves should they be willing to spend some time in their rental car. Birmingham itself has little to offer, there are only a handful of things to do and attractions to see in Birmingham. The McWayne Science Center and the Art Museum are a few of the better attractions. There are many opportunities for shopping in Birmingham and some pretty good restaurants in the outlying areas.

The suburb of Hoover is home to the Galleria Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the southern United States. It is surrounded by additional malls and shopping facilities, as well as the home of the Birmingham Barons baseball team. An hour to the north is the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center, and within thirty minutes from the airport is the beginning of the Cahaba River. This region is home to the Cahaba Lily, one of the rarest lilies in the world. Read Less
Show All Reviews
Birmingham, AL City Review 3 rating By Anonymous ( May 03, 2010) I lived in Birmingham, AL for fifteen years. During that time, I saw the tail-end of its transformation from a bustling industrial town to a commercial center. While Birmingham is not truly a tourist destination, those who happen to be there for family or business reasons can fin ...Read More d ways to entertain themselves should they be willing to spend some time in their rental car. Birmingham itself has little to offer, there are only a handful of things to do and attractions to see in Birmingham. The McWayne Science Center and the Art Museum are a few of the better attractions. There are many opportunities for shopping in Birmingham and some pretty good restaurants in the outlying areas.

The suburb of Hoover is home to the Galleria Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the southern United States. It is surrounded by additional malls and shopping facilities, as well as the home of the Birmingham Barons baseball team. An hour to the north is the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center, and within thirty minutes from the airport is the beginning of the Cahaba River. This region is home to the Cahaba Lily, one of the rarest lilies in the world. Read Less

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Compare Birmingham, AL Livability

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      Birmingham, AL

      While it might not be the capital city of Alabama, Birmingham is certainly a world-class city that offers its residents a very high quality of life. Located in the central part of the state, the city is occupied by over 200,000 residents. The city is Jefferson County's Seat. One of the best parts about the city is the amount of time and attention that local government leaders pay to creating parks. Their Green Space initiative is an award-winning program that has beautified the city and help offset the harmful effects of carbon emissions.

      Home prices in Birmingham are surprisingly affordable, and those who are looking to purchase a home here will be able to choose from new construction to historic homes that have been meticulously preserved over the years. Forest Park, Avandale, Fountain Heights, and Bush Hills are four areas in the city that are popular with those who are looking to buy a home. Birmingham was once home to one of the country's largest iron and steel manufacturing operations, but today health care has supplanted these industries as the largest employer in the area. Many people in Birmingham also work at the university's local campus.

      Birmingham has a lot to offer those who like to get out and explore nature. Within minutes of the downtown area, a hiker or cyclist can get lost on the thousands of miles of trails that weave in and out of the forest. Those who are looking for an entertainment option that is a little bit faster will enjoy watching Indy Car Racing at Barber Motorsports Park. Birmingham is one of the only cities in the south where you can watch these amazing machines race around the oval.

      Interstate 59 is the primary road that is used to travel both inside and outside of the city limits, and residents of the city can also utilize the MAX Transit system if they prefer a public transit option. The service has been lauded for its simple to use applications and low fares.

      The cost of living in Birmingham is low when compared to other larger cities in the south, and the area has a surprisingly high number of amazing restaurants when you do not feel like cooking. Highlands Bar & Grill, El Bario, and Gianmarco's are just a few of the favorites in the Birmingham area. In addition to great dining, the city also has a thriving arts scene. You can take in a musical or enjoy a play in the city. The Birmingham Zoo and Botanical Gardens are great getaways within city limits where you can head to escape all of the worries and cares of daily life.

      C- Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Birmingham? Yes, there are some amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Unknown Name
      Marconi Park
      Unknown Name
      Norwood Park
      Henley Park
      Barker Park
      Unknown Name
      Linn Park

      Entertainment

      Protective Stadium
      Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
      Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
      Birmingham Museum of Art
      Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall
      Boutwell Auditorium
      Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Arena
      Legacy Arena

      Food & Drink

      McDonald's
      Rally's
      Subway
      Sneaky Petes
      Cook Out
      Popeyes
      Chipotle
      Mojo Pub

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Birmingham? Of all people who commute, 1.9% take public transportation in Birmingham.
      Drive to Work
      78%

      1% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      2%

      3% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      3%

      equal to the US average

      C+ Health & Safety

      Is Birmingham a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      UAB Callahan Eye Hospital
      Princeton Baptist Medical Center
      Grandview Medical Center
      UAB Hospital
      Saint Vincent's Birmingham
      Children's of Alabama
      UAB Hospital Highlands
      Hill Crest Behavioral Health Center

      Pharmacies

      Walgreens
      Walgreens
      Christ Health Pharmacy
      Walmart Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy
      Walgreens

      Doctors

      Tots 'n' Teens Pediatrics