{"id":16983,"date":"2022-10-14T09:31:41","date_gmt":"2022-10-14T13:31:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.morningstarstorage.com\/?p=16983"},"modified":"2025-09-15T16:07:51","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T20:07:51","slug":"the-perfect-moving-guide-to-birmingham-alabama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.morningstarstorage.com\/storage-insights\/the-perfect-moving-guide-to-birmingham-alabama\/","title":{"rendered":"The Perfect Moving Guide to Birmingham, Alabama"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the past ten years, the population in Birmingham, Alabama, has grown exponentially. Today, the \u201cMagic City\u201d has a <\/span>population<\/span><\/a> of more than 200,000 people, and more than 1.1 million residents throughout the metropolitan area, making it the most populated city in the state of Alabama. \"guide

Thanks to the rise of the industrial revolution, Birmingham got its place on the map as it developed a reputation as the iron and steel centre of the south. In fact, it\u2019s still the only place in the world where all of the necessary ingredients for making iron \u2014 meaning coal, iron ore, and limestone \u2014 can all be found within a ten-mile radius.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even as this particular industry has lessened in demand in recent years, the city has seen rapid growth in recent years thanks to its exploding healthcare, tech, and manufacturing sectors. Let\u2019s explore more about why so many families and individuals have decided to make the move way down south, and call Birmingham their home in recent years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Climate Considerations<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Magic City is known to get an average of 56 inches of rain per year \u2014 but the US <\/span>average is around 38 inches of rain per year,<\/span><\/a> so it\u2019s a little wet for part of the year. But at least it\u2019s not blisteringly cold! The city only averages an inch of snow each winter, with an average of 213 sunny days throughout a calendar year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Birmingham\u2019s Current Job Market\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Birmingham has been <\/span>ranked<\/span><\/a> as one of the top ten metro areas for growth in a variety of different categories, one of them being its job market. Beyond its unemployment rate coming in at just <\/span>1.9%<\/span><\/a> in spring of 2022, the median household incomes have <\/span>increased<\/span><\/a> by more than 3% year-over-year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Back in the day, iron and steel production pushed the area to what it is today, however the area\u2019s largest employer in recent years has been the healthcare industry. The University of Alabama at Birmingham\u2019s UAB Hospital is known as an international leader in healthcare, and one of the top transplant centers in the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other large employers in the area include the United States government, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama Power Company, and American Cast Iron Pipe Co., Inc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are also a variety of Fortune 500 companies, as well as large banks and insurance organizations, who are headquartered in Birmingham.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Real Estate & Rental Markets<\/b><\/h2>\n

As of 2021, Birmingham was <\/span>listed<\/span><\/a> among the nation\u2019s best markets for buying and owning long-term rental properties. This is due in part to the city\u2019s home affordability (the cost of living in the area is 2% below the national average) and its overall stability as a healthy housing market. Plus, home values have increased by nearly 88% over the last five years, and continue to rise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, home values have increased over the last year, and median listing prices are around $170,000 on <\/span>average<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The rental market is also prime in the Magic City, despite rent prices on the rise. The <\/span>median rent<\/span><\/a> for a 3-bedroom home in the area is $1,245 per month. In the end, this rental market is all still relatively affordable thanks to the city\u2019s overall cost of living below the national average.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Educational Opportunities<\/b><\/h2>\n

Birmingham is a wonderful place for families and young adults alike, particularly because of the educational opportunities available for all. In fact, the Mountain Brook School System has been ranked as one of the best public schools in the state of Alabama.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And top-rated universities like the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham-Southern College, and Herzing University at Birmingham all call the Birmingham area home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Things to Do Around Town<\/b><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s never a dull moment when you live or visit the Birmingham area. Here are just a few of the must-do activities in the area:<\/span><\/p>\n