Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
3 exciting takeaways from 6 decades of Southern Living
Reading time: 4 minutes
If you live in the South—or just not under a rock—you’re familiar with Southern Living. This voice of American South-inspired recipes, travel and design is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026, so we’re giving you three lessons we learned about the legacy of Southern Living and the impact this Birmingham-based brand has had on our community and across the globe.
At a recent event hosted by the Birmingham Sunrise Rotary Club, we heard from Sid Evans, Editor in Chief of Southern Living, about how the publication is making waves in the digital age while staying true to its roots.
Here’s a rundown of three things you should know about Southern Living as the publication celebrates six decades of success.
Explore 3 takeaways from SL’s 60th anniversary
1. Southern Living is not just for Southerners
In the 60 years since its first issue, Southern Living has become a household name. As it currently stands, Southern Living is one of the biggest monthly publications in the country—the fifth largest to be exact. And it’s created largely right here in Birmingham.
That scale can be hard to digest, so let’s break it down:
- 2.5 million paid subscribers
- 9.5 million social followers
- 17 million unique site visitors per month
- 400+ digital articles per month
Another impressive figure? Around 50% of Southern Living’s audience lives outside of the South. That many non-Southern readers reflects a trend that Evans pointed to: more people are moving to the south than ever before.
2. Birmingham has a place in Southern Living
Did you know Southern Living was founded in Birmingham?
The publication is still based here, but our story with Southern Living doesn’t end there. From our restaurant scene to our record stores, Southern Living is telling readers nationwide why the Magic City is just that—magical.
One Birmingham event you’ll want to keep an eye on is Food & Fire, part of Southbound Food Festival celebrating Birmingham’s dynamic culinary scene.
- When: Sept. 26, 2026 | 12PM-4PM
- Where: Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Cost: $100.55, tickets available now
With recipes being a primary focus of Southern Living, it’s only right they host one of the biggest food events in town.
3. Collaboration is key to design in the South
The visual component of Southern Living may be our favorite.
Southern Living’s annual Idea House, a tradition nearly four decades old, calls attention to the South’s innovation in architecture and lifestyle.
The idea behind their Idea House is to bring together local architects, builders, designers, landscapers and more to create a home that showcases living in the modern South. Evans estimates 15,000 visitors from across the country will tour the Idea House this year in Fredericksburg, Texas.
Want to check out an Idea House for yourself? The Birmingham-area is home to Southern Living’s 2016 Idea House, constructed in the town of Mt. Laurel.
A portion of ticket sales to tour the Idea House each year goes to charities in that community. For Birmingham in 2016, that meant over $32,900 went to Children’s Hospital of Alabama and Mt. Laurel Public Library.
As Southern Living celebrates its 60th anniversary, we like to remember its beginnings, deep connection to Birmingham and how it showcases the South in a modern light.
The publication is growing, but the focus remains on food, travel and home.
Evans quoted Jimmy Carter, saying “We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.”
Have a favorite story from Southern Living? Tell us about it on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn!
