I love Birmingham. I have been to San Diego and I love it there too, and you can't compare beautiful beaches and perfect weather to inland cities. However, as mentioned above, traffic is nowhere near as bad as Atlanta. Yeah, its hot in the summer, but that is what sweet iced tea is for, lol. Spring and Fall are perfect, and the beach is a short drive. I won't argue with cashmoney about his negatives, but I don't think they are any worse than any other city. Crime is crime, but we don't have it as bad as Atlanta or probably even SD...its about size in that regard. Race relations are overblown from old news footage, imo. That was a different generation. I have many friends of all races and we never think twice about it. On the pro side, real estate is CHEAP compared to San Diego and inexpensive compared to Atlanta. I saw dumps in SD going for 500k and that would get you a castle in Bham. Median home price is probably under 200k. Its also not a socialist country like CA...taxes are very low compared to other states. As a result its a fend for yourself state (as it should be imo) rather than a suck the government teat state. All in all I am very happy here.
You can't get anything here for $500k anymore. Crime here in Carlsbad doesn't exist. Except for the cost of living, bloodsucking government and self centered Socialists this is as close to Utopia as there is. I should look in Bham myself especially since there are a lot of Alabama fans there!!. Actually that is one thing living away from the state has done for me. I am no longer ate up with Alabama Auburn thing. I should look into Bham myself I guess!! Too many Auburn fans in Montgomery for me to seriously consider and a little too close to family. Just kidding. John
The high crime would scare me. I wish I could find a town or even a small city where I could live on a main street. like a house or even apartment above stores. where I could walk or bike just about everywhere. also so I could see a vibrant street below me but again, the crime is a major concern to me being young, single and female...
How about Charleston, S.C? I have driven thru there and that was about it but for some reason, I find myself thinking about it at times...close to the ocean, lot of history but I don't know how crime is or housing or cost of living is...Anyone here know?...Wilmington, N.C is another place I have heard nice things about but again, I don't know anyone living there to fill me in.
Hot as hell. Sorry but I grow up in the south and I hate hot humid weather. I lived in New Orleans 5 years, Houston briefly. Did I mention I hate hot weather?? Charleston is an old town with old money. Small minded uppity people. Only matter of time until big hurricane hits it. Savannah same thing. If you must live in Florida consider Tampa area. John
Why Tampa and do you have any other places to suggest with warmer climates?..I am open to any and all suggestions ..and when you said "Small minded uppity people", you read my mind because those are the kind of people and places I want to avoid..thanks again.