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Kennedy H. living

Honest thoughts on life in Birmingham

I'm retired and Rent is about $1,047/month for a decent place. With a population of 199K, Birmingham is a mid-size city. Poverty rate is 19.4%, which is higher than I expected. Average temperature is around 64°F, so the weather is moderate. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.

Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Diverse community
- Active local events

Cons:
- Limited dining options
- High property taxes
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Limited cultural events
- Not enough green space
Thanks in advance! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
57 upvotes

5 Replies

Lillian
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in West area are excellent. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Sofia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.

I've been here 10 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is excellent.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Good luck with whatever you decide..
14 upvotes
Eva Lopez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Chicago it's challenging.
4 upvotes
local_scarlett71
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Seattle for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.

**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
chloe_mama
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And traffic can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
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