Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Why do people move to Birmingham? Local relocation agent shares top reasons
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Why do people move to Birmingham? What are the most popular neighborhoods in Birmingham for new transplants? Are more people moving out of Birmingham than in? These are some of the questions we asked Lynn Pruitt, a “Birmingham Matchmaker” who runs the Relocation and Referrals department at LAH Sotheby’s International Realty®.
Keep reading to learn more.
Meet Lynn Pruitt, the “Birmingham Matchmaker”
A lifelong resident of the Birmingham area, Lynn Pruitt owned and operated a dance studio—Lynn’s School of Dance—in McCalla for 12 years before starting her career in real estate.
“As my son got older, I wanted to have a flexible career that allowed me to be at home when I needed. Plus, I’ve always had an interest in real estate.”
Lynn Pruitt, Director of Relocation and Referrals, LAH Sotheby’s International Realty®
Lynn joined the LAH Sotheby’s International Realty® team several years ago as an office coordinator, then studied through the LAH School of Real Estate to prepare for her current role.
Now the Director of LAH Sotheby’s International Realty®’s Relocation and Referrals Services, Lynn manages client referrals from her network of 1,075+ real estate offices and 26,000 sales associates in 81+ countries worldwide.
“If any agent has a client moving out-of-state or even out of the country, they come to me. I analyze the client’s wants and needs, then consult with my connections in other real estate markets around the world to see where will fit them best. In the same way, if someone is moving from out-of-state into the Birmingham area, their agent will contact me. I’ll put them in touch with the agent I think is best!”
Lynn Pruitt, Director of Relocation and Referrals, LAH Sotheby’s International Realty®
Why do people move to The Magic City?
As the relocation and referrals director, Lynn’s days mostly consist of making recommendations to prospective transplants. Recently, she helped find a home for someone relocating from Pittsburgh to Birmingham for work.
“Coming from Pittsburgh, one of this client’s top requests was to have a big yard, so I introduced him to a space in Pelham that he loved. But beyond that, I told him about all of the amazing parks and green spaces he will have access to—Oak Mountain State Park, Red Mountain Park, even Railroad Park downtown. He was very impressed!”
Lynn Pruitt, Director of Relocation and Referrals, LAH Sotheby’s International Realty®
Job relocation and being closer to family are two of the most common reasons Lynn hears from people wanting to move to Birmingham. In fact, a recent Bham Now LinkedIn poll identified the top reasons Birmingham transplants moved to The Magic City:
- Job opportunities — 45%
- Education — 28%
- Family and/or friends — 23%
- Other — 3%
“It’s close to 50/50, in terms of people moving in and out of the area. I would say that our growing businesses are a big incentive for people moving into Birmingham. For example, the railroad industry is big here—I have noticed a lot of people moving to Birmingham to work for Norfolk Southern.”
Lynn Pruitt, Director of Relocation and Referrals, LAH Sotheby’s International Realty®
According to Lynn, Edgewood, Country Club Highlands, Crestline and Bluff Park are among the most sought-after neighborhoods for people moving to the area. However, there are several “hidden gem” neighborhoods that transplants tend to overlook, including Leeds, Crestline Gardens, Avondale, Helena and Alabaster.
Need helping moving to or from Birmingham?
Thanks to their global network as an affiliate of Sotheby’s International Realty®, the Relocation and Referral Services department can assist your next move regardless of your reason for moving or your new location.
“I want people to know that we have the ability to help them move anywhere, with the absolutely best representation that you can find.”
Lynn Pruitt, Director of Relocation and Referrals, LAH Sotheby’s International Realty®
Visit the website, email relocation@lahsothebysrealty.com or call 205.423.3163 to learn more about LAH Sotheby’s International Realty’s Relocation and Referral services.
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