Birmingham 88 Exceptional
Birmingham Livability #11 ranked city in Michigan#135 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Birmingham

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

New Real Estate Listings in Birmingham Area
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What's it like Living in Birmingham?

Birmingham is a medium-sized city located in the state of Michigan. The city has a population of 21,272 people. With a population density of 4,438 people per square mile, Birmingham is well above the nation's average density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (89% White). Given that fact, Birmingham could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Birmingham your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 23 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Birmingham is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Michigan, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Birmingham and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Birmingham to Michigan and the national average.

Birmingham, MI receives 88 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #11 in Michigan and #126 in the USA. Based on this score, Birmingham would be considered a very livable city! Birmingham has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Birmingham has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). Birmingham does not fare well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Birmingham has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Birmingham has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Birmingham, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 32 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Birmingham, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.23% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Birmingham have an average test score of 70%, which is well above the US average.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Birmingham can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Assuming that Birmingham meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Birmingham. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Birmingham are simply unattainable. The median home price for Birmingham homes is $538,900, which is 321.7% higher than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Birmingham, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.3, which is 72% higher than the Michigan average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Birmingham

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Birmingham?

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Compare Birmingham, MI Livability

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      Birmingham transportation information

      Statistic Birmingham Michigan National
      Average one way commute23min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.0%82.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.9%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.1%1.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.6%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home12.6%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Birmingham, MI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).