9 reasons why one recent grad from Knoxville decided to call Birmingham home
Reading time: 5 minutes
You may have had a job lined up before graduation, just wanted a last summer break or still searching for a perfect job. No matter if you’re a recent grad or just on the hunt for somewhere new to live, here are the reasons why I fell in love with Birmingham and why I think you will too.
1. The community
First and foremost, let’s give it up to The Magic City’s community. The sweet, southern charm got me, y’all. With people, businesses and organizations working together to be better neighbors and to help Birmingham be the best it could be, you really can’t find a more meaningful community.
2. The best + growing food scene
Was living near a Taco Mama a non-negotiable for me? I can’t even be embarrassed by that fact—it’s just that good! No matter if you want casual dining, food trucks or a fancy sit-down dinner, The Magic City has it all. Plus, it’s all the best—we even just had a Birmingham chef win the James Beard Best Chef of the South. Here are some guides to help you find your favorite spots:
- 22 Black-owned restaurants in Birmingham you need to try now
- 20 must-try cheap eats for under $10 in Birmingham
- 25 places to get authentic tacos in Birmingham that Bham Now readers love
- These 19 barbecue spots near Birmingham make the ultimate pitstop
3. The quaint suburbs
Between sipping a coffee in Mountain Brook and strolling 18th Street in Homewood, my “Gilmore Girls” dreams have come true. Full of local coffee shops, bookstores and cafes, there’s no better way to spend a Saturday or fall afternoon than in the quaint suburbs of Birmingham.
4. The cups and cups of coffee
If you’re like me, a day isn’t started until a cup of coffee is in my hands. With so many options—no matter if you’re in downtown or a suburb—it’s hard to just have one cup. Here are my favorite places to get my caffeine fix:
5. The local breweries
Name a better way to unwind on a summer evening, watch Saturday football or attempt to win a trivia game with friends than at a local brewery. Lucky us, Bham has so many to choose from. Back Forty‘s Bama Mosa may just hold my heart, but here are some of the other Magic City breweries:
- Avondale Brewing Company
- Cahaba Brewing Company
- Ghost Train Brewing Company
- Good People Brewing Company
- TrimTab Brewing
If beer isn’t really your thing, fortunately, Birmingham has many bars to choose from, including some fun rooftop bars with stunning views of the city.
6. The way you can shop until you drop
Between local shops and big malls like The Summit, there’s no end of ways you can shop until you drop. Bham is the perfect spot if you’re on the hunt for a perfect present or want a girl’s day out. Here are some of my local shops:
- Clover + Bee
- Jim Reed Books and The Museum of Fond Memories
- Leaf N Petal
- Little Professor Bookshop
- Seibels Cottage
- Smith’s Variety Toy & Gift Shop
7. The Birmingham sports teams to root for
A sports game + hotdog + friends has to be the best combination. Here are the teams you need to get ready to root for:
8. The proximity for weekend getaways
Whether it’s heading back to my hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee or taking a weekend getaway to the beach, Atlanta or Nashville, Birmingham’s a central spot on the map. Isn’t it a wonderful thing to save money on gas and airfare with the short drives? Weekend getaways can include:
- Gulf Shores
- Mentone
- Mobile
- Tishomingo County, Mississippi
- Tupelo
- Oxford
9. The abundance of museums
Ready to geek out? Birmingham has so many museums to check out and has so many that are great for the whole family. Focusing on the city’s civil rights history, art, science and more, you can never stop learning.
If you’re debating whether to stay in or move to Birmingham here’s me giving you the green light to go for it—I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Why is Birmingham your favorite place? Let us know on Instagram @BhamNow.
