Birmingham, Alabama
Magic City reinventing itself
U.S. News (2025)
#85 Best Places to Live
Livability (2025)
#72 Top 100 Best Places to Live
WhereAtHome Score
75
Cout of 100
Overview
Birmingham has worked to reinvent itself from its industrial past, with downtown revitalization and a growing food scene. UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) has become a major healthcare and research institution. Very affordable housing and Southern culture attract those seeking value, though the city faces challenges with crime in some areas.
Key Highlights
- UAB - major medical and research center
- Very affordable cost of living
- Growing food and brewery scene
- Civil Rights history and museums
- Vulcan statue and Red Mountain
- Proximity to beaches and mountains
Key Metrics
2024 Presidential Election
Jefferson County (county-level results)
Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more
Climate
Summer High
91°F
Winter Low
33°F
Annual Rainfall
54"
Sunny Days
213
Amenities & Infrastructure
99+ Parks
Green spaces and recreation
8 Major Hospitals
Healthcare access
4 Universities
Higher education institutions
Public Transit Available
Bus, rail, or metro service
Major Employers
Score Breakdown
6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.
Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)
How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)
Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)
Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)
Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)
Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)
Location
Compare with another city
Start ComparisonLast Updated: 2026-07-01
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.
Similar Cities by Score
Oxford, AL
Small Alabama city with local appeal
Median Home
$198,245
Population
22,078
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
10
Montgomery, AL
Mid-size Alabama city with community character
Median Home
$152,082
Population
195,287
Crime
High
Walk Score
26
Gadsden, AL
Small Alabama city with local appeal
Median Home
$116,676
Population
33,229
Crime
High
Walk Score
25