California transplant Tracy Chavis shares her favorite parts of The Magic City

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Tracy Chavis
Tracy Chavis with her gorgeous cat, Grace. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

Whether you’ve lived in Birmingham for 10 days or 10 years, The Magic City has a palpable charm that attracts people from all over the world. Just ask Tracy Chavis, a recent Birmingham transplant who landed in the new Cortland Vesta apartment community in Five Points South. We met with her to find out a few of her favorite things in Birmingham so far—here’s what she had to say.

Meet Tracy Chavis

Tracy Chavis
As a proud graduate of ASU, Tracy always comes prepared with Arizona merch—like her jacket and cactus candle holders! Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

Last week, I met Tracy Chavis at her new Birmingham home, Cortland Vesta. She just moved into her new apartment last month, but she’s already got great things to say about The Magic City!

Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to Birmingham.

Tracy: “I’m originally from Los Angeles, but I’ve been in Phoenix, Arizona for a number of years. I went to college and studied nanotechnology as a postgraduate at Arizona State University, and became interested in Artificial Intelligence, so I’ve worked with several Silicon Valley startups. I was in San Francisco working for Lime Electric Scooters when COVID-19 hit. Then, I heard from a recruiter from EBSCO and I decided to become a permanent member of the team in Birmingham!”

What was the moving process like? Was it nerve-racking to move across the country?

Tracy: “When I moved to Birmingham, I knew that I wanted to live somewhere downtown, since I really enjoy that environment. I only had a day and a half to find my new home, and although I had looked at several apartments, none of them clicked with me. I was starting to get disheartened when I got lost and turned into the Cortland Vesta apartment community. Right away, I knew that was where I wanted to live.”

Cortland Vesta
Tracy is an avid cyclist, so the gym at Cortland Vesta comes in handy when it’s too cold outside for a ride. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

What have you liked about living at Cortland Vesta so far?

Tracy: “It’s been wonderful! Everyone I’ve met has been so warm and welcoming. I have a west-facing corner apartment, so I have a beautiful view of the sunset. The apartment itself is perfect—I love the modern, industrial feel and there is a ton of natural light. Plus, it’s been great to have access to all the amenities. The gym has everything I need in one area!”

Click here to learn more about the amenities at Cortland Vesta.

What stands out to you about Birmingham so far?

Tracy: “Definitely the people. I moved to Birmingham not knowing a single person, but everyone I’ve met has been so warm and welcoming. In fact, the gentleman who helped me move in even drew me a map of things to do and places to check out around town!

I really enjoy walking around town and discovering new places. I’ve really enjoyed the Vulcan Walking Trail—it feels like I’m in a fairy tale! I really am floored by the beauty of the city.”

Cortland Vesta
The Birmingham skyline from Vulcan Walking Trail. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

Do you have any Birmingham favorites?

Tracy: “So far, it’s a three-way tie between The Atomic, Mayawell and Paper Doll. The Atomic is definitely one of the neatest and most unique bars I’ve ever seen. It’s funny, the first time I visited each of those bars I ran into and struck up a conversation with each of the owners. Birmingham really feels like a small town where everyone knows each other.”

What are you looking forward to in Birmingham?

Tracy: “I am just excited to learn more and more about the city. Each weekend I find more cool, hidden things in town and get to meet new people. I can’t wait to see Birmingham in the springtime. I really am having a wonderful time in the South!”

Want to learn more about living at Cortland Vesta?

Cortland Vesta
The rooftop lounge at Cortland Vesta is the perfect spot to relax or get some work done. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

Whether you’re moving from across the country or just down the road, the apartment community at Cortland Vesta is the perfect place to settle down. At Cortland Vesta, you’ll have access to:

  • One of the best views in all of Birmingham,
  • A ton of amenities including a rooftop pool,
  • Walkability to some of the best restaurants, bars and retail shops in The Magic City.

Want to learn more? Cortland Vesta has a variety of one- and two-bedroom apartments available, in both the high-rise AND the mid-rise. Click here to view available floor plans.

If you see something you like, you can schedule a tour to learn more. Cortland Vesta is offering in-person & virtual tours through FaceTime and Google Duo. 

How long have you been in Birmingham, and where did you move from? Tag us @bhamnow on social media to share your story!

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Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Senior Content Producer + Photographer

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