r/Birmingham Mar 17 '26

Recommendations Guide to Birmingham

87 Upvotes

It's Nice to Have you in r/Birmingham!

If you are looking for our sister city in the UK, please head on over to r/brum

The following guide is a great place for locals, transplants, and tourists to know more about the Magic City. Start here for general information, use the Search function to see if there are any recent posts that answer your question, and when in doubt, make a post!

Where to Live:

Here's a funny neighborhood map that is just true enough to be useful.

Here's a more serious neighborhood map so you can see where all the listed neighborhoods actually are.

Here's a list of the most-recommended neighborhoods and suburbs (arranged in alphabetical order):

  • Avondale - Apartments for rent, cottages being built that will be available for purchase. In Avondale there are lots of hip places to eat and drink, see a show, and play in the park. Safety may be a concern in some small pockets, but these are mostly car break-ins. Use common sense and don’t leave belongings in your car.
  • Crestwood - Houses for purchase and rent. Close to Avondale and Downtown, close to Ruffner Mountain park, and has a few local eateries/drinkeries/shoperies worth visiting. Very tight-knit community where neighbors know each other.
  • Downtown - Apartments and lofts to rent and purchase. Where the action is. You'll pay more in rent, but some would argue that you get what you pay for in terms of convenience and access to nightlife. Same as Avondale, there may be car break-ins if you are not careful. Also a high population of (mostly) harmless unhoused people.
  • Five Points South - Apartments and houses to rent. UAB campus area, so great for students. Lots of big old houses with many bedrooms for you and your roommates. Also some great historical apartments with lots of charm and pretty cheap rent. Great walking community, lots of restaurants, bars, and mini parks. Adjacent Glen Iris neighborhood also has lots of affordable housing great for students.
  • Highland Park - Apartments to rent. Houses for purchase also, but much, much more expensive. Historical properties as well as newly renovated ones. You'll find apartment buildings and giant mansions on the same streets. Incredibly beautiful neighborhood with 3 parks, great for walking. Dog ownership mandatory.
  • Homewood - Houses for purchase and for rent. Suburb full of young families and plenty to see, do, eat, and drink. Housing is fairly expensive here, but not as expensive as Vestavia or Mountain Brook. Don't live on/near Valley Avenue (with some exceptions).
  • Mountain Brook - Houses for purchase, some apartments. Technically OTM (Over the Mountain, i.e. not Birmingham proper) but since "Brookies" consider themselves to be special, we will too. "Old money" suburb of Birmingham with lots of little nooks and crannies full of quaint boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and parks. Apartments are hard to come by but they do exist, especially closer to the Zoo/Gardens area.
  • Over The Mountain (OTM) - Houses for purchase and apartments for rent, both considerably cheaper than in Birmingham Proper. Purists will tell you not to live there because of traffic and distance from "cool things", but if your budget is smaller and/or you have kids, OTM is the place to be. Hoover, Vestavia, the Hwy 280 area, even Pelham and Chelsea have enough to do in that part of town that you won't feel like you're missing out by not being IN Birmingham.

For more information on apartments, Rentmonster will tell you about individual neighborhoods and work with you to find the apartment of your dreams (and it's free!)

Looking for an apartment? Looking for a roommate? There's a Facebook Group for that.

If you have a unique renting situation not covered above, make sure you have the word “apartment” in the post title or body, and Automod will respond with some tips.

Need a Job?

Beyond Indeed and LinkedIn, here are some local job boards that might help you fine-tune your search:

Need help from the community?

Where to Stay

Whether you're here for a business meeting, a vacation, a local planning a romantic night out, or a soon-to-be Birminghamster getting the lay of the land, you'll need a hotel for that. Birmingham has a pretty good selection of AirBnBs, but if you're looking for a proper hotel, here are your best options:

  • Sheraton Birmingham and The Westin are both located in Birmingham's "entertainment district" near TopGolf, the BJCC, a short drive/Uber to the Coca Cola Amphitheater and a variety of restaurants and bars. They're both a a solid option for business/pleasure travelers alike.
  • The Tutwiler is a historic hotel in the city center, run by Hampton Inn by Hilton. Very popular for wedding parties and romantic evenings out.
  • The Redmont is another historic hotel in the city center, known for its rooftop bar with a view of the city. You don't need to be a hotel guest to enjoy the bar, so if you're staying somewhere else it's still worth a visit.
  • The Elyton is a restored historic property and is stunningly beautiful. It's in the Theater District of downtown so you can catch a show at the Lyric, visit the Alabama Theater, and check out the many great restaurants and bars within walking distance. The Kelly is another option downtown, across the street from the Elyton.
  • The Grand Bohemian in Mountain Brook is arguably one of Birmingham's best hotels. It is walkable to some of the Mountain Brook eateries and shops, but you'll need a car or rideshare to get into the city. Great for a romantic sleepover.

Getting Around

You'll need a car if you're going to live here. If you're just passing through and don't want to rent a car (the best place to do that is at the airport), we have Uber and Lyft. We have a bus system, but it's awful. We also have a bike and scooter share system within the city limits that is great for getting around when the weather is nice. Downtown is relatively flat and very walkable, but you will encounter some (gentle) hills in Five Points South and Highland Park. For trips out of town, Birmingham is serviced by Amtrak and Greyhound. You can get a ride to the Atlanta airport with Groome. BHM (our “international” airport) is small and easy to navigate, with short waiting times at check-in and through security.

What to do:

The most frequently recommended attractions in Birmingham are as follows. There are MANY others not featured in this list, but these are the top 6:

Several guides for Birmingham area attractions by IN Birmingham

Birmingham365 is a list of events going on around the city

Happenin's in the 'Ham - list of events, restaurant reviews, volunteer opportunities, and interviews with locals

We have r/Birmingham meetups sometimes, but not on a regular basis (yet). Turnout varies, but is usually around 15-25 people. We're very friendly and welcoming of newcomers!

Live Music (not an exhaustive list)

Local Sports

Where to eat: It would be impossible to maintain a comprehensive and accurate list of Birmingham’s favorite restaurants, as there are openings and closings every month. This is a great time to use the subreddit search function and see what others have posted recently.

Where to drink: Again, the search bar is your best friend here for finding the current best bars. 

  • In general, Downtown has many cocktail bars within walking distance of each other. Try not to park in a lot (paid or otherwise) as you may get towed. There is plenty of street parking if you don’t mind walking a block or two. Other areas with a high concentration of bars are Lakeview (walkable) and Avondale (not as walkable but still within a reasonable radius).
  • Birmingham has TONS of amazing craft breweries - here is a current list. If you can't pick just one, Hop City has a great selection of local beers on draft for you to sample, and most of the breweries are a short Uber away once you've made your selection.
  • A note on drinking in Birmingham: Bars close at 2am (at the latest) unless they have a private club license. One popular after-hours bar, The Nick, is Birmingham’s infamous dive bar, featuring live music and shows. Birmingham area police are VERY strict about drunk driving, so just don't do it. Call an Uber or Lyft, or get a ride with a (sober) friend.

Things to Know about Birmingham

  • The ever-helpful Bhamwiki
  • Bham Now is a great source of information about what's going on in the city, covering local businesses and events, but keep in mind that many articles are paid ads. Do your research.
  • al.com is our local mainstream news source, covering all of Alabama. Heads up - many articles are behind a paywall.
  • Alabama Weather Network, founded by local weather god James Spann, will let you know much more about any potential weather situations than whatever app you have on your phone. Remember to respect the polygon!

Isn't Birmingham dangerous? Okay, we do have a higher crime rate, but you have to understand that the neighborhoods listed at the top of this page are all popular areas to live because the crime rate is lower than average for Birmingham. The vast majority of violent crime happens between people who know each other and/or when drugs are involved. As long as you use common sense, you will be fine!

Is there anything else you’d like to see in this guide? Post it in the comments or DM u/bhambetty!


r/Birmingham 11h ago

Daily Discussion Thread Daily Casual Discussion Thread - July 22, 2026

2 Upvotes

BUH GAWD, BACK FROM THE GRAVE, IT'S THE DCDT!

Got something a little off-topic or not necessarily related to Birmingham? Want to tell us what's going on today/this week? Just wanna chat?

Well, get on down and holler here!


r/Birmingham 8h ago

SHITPOST Interesting job posting on Indeed for Bham area 👀

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124 Upvotes

I wasn’t even sure that Indeed allowed posting like this.

Anyone want to be a Bham famous porn star?


r/Birmingham 4h ago

Serious Missing Brother from Texas

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35 Upvotes

Brother missing since Sunday am. Possibly went to Birmingham, AL


r/Birmingham 2h ago

Events Upcoming Crafting Events at Red Mountain Makers

12 Upvotes

Red Mountain Makers is an independent 501(c)3 non profit run by an all volunteer Board of Directors. We have some upcoming classes to help people learn various crafts and arts at an affordable price!

7/26 Pewter Charm Casting Workshop:

In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to create several unique pewter charms, cast from tiny objects that you love, all while under the guidance of skilled metal artist, Julie Carpenter.

7/27 Create a Wood Turned Mesa Pen:

Learn the beautiful craft of pen-turning! In this introductory course to wood turning, you'll be shown how to turn a beautiful wooden pen on the lathe.

7/27 Hand-built Ceramics - Hanging Planter:

In this class, students will craft their own hanging pyramid planters from raw clay, all while learning foundational techniques for the medium. This is an introductory class that requires no prior experience with clay. 

8/01 Blacksmithing:

On the 1st, we are offering two separate blacksmithing classes, both taught by Kenneth Spivey, a master blacksmith with over 30 years of experience, and even crafted the Infinity Gauntlet used in Marvel's Avengers franchise. One class will walk you through making handcrafted nails, and the other will teach you how to create your own hammer!

You can view all of our upcoming classes at the link below! We are also always getting together with qualified artisans and instructors in the area, so check in frequently for more information: https://www.redmountainmakers.org/Calendar?EventViewMode=1&EventListViewMode=1

Our goal at Red Mountain Makers is to provide affordable access to tools, equipment, knowledge, and skills you need to create what ever you can think of! We are open to all ages, and would love any suggestions on potential classes that we can host in the future. Thank you!


r/Birmingham 4h ago

Looking for job Looking for a job in IT

11 Upvotes

I’m looking for an IT role. I only have some college but no degree. I have years of experience in system administration. Spent a few years in the military doing the same. I’ve tried UAB but always get nothing back. Any ideas? Thanks!


r/Birmingham 2h ago

Recommendations good lawn care service?

3 Upvotes

I have a rapidly emerging problem with my lawn health (grass and soil are dying) and my current lawn care service is being unresponsive about helping me solve it. I need a new lawn care company experienced in grass/soil health diagnostics and remediation. Are there any recommendations for an experienced lawn care service?


r/Birmingham 5h ago

Serious In-home physical therapy for elderly family member

5 Upvotes

I have an elderly family member who is going to need some in-home physical therapy sessions for a week or two after discharge from the hospital.

If anyone has any experience, good or bad, with any of the following companies, I would greatly appreciate your feedback!

Amedisys Home Health Care (Homewood)

Aveanna Home Health (Hoover)

Centerwell Home Health (Jasper)

Compassus Home Health (Vestavia)


r/Birmingham 5h ago

Advice Things to do with a lonely toddler in Bham???....wellll playdates?

5 Upvotes

My toddler is 3. He will be 4 in September. And at the moment I cannot have another child. Fertility issues. He is so lonely. We take him to the park and to the splashpad but he has a pretty tough time making friends and doesn't do well with a lot of kids. He is best 1 to 1. Or with 2-3 other kids at a max just due to limited exposure. Homewood park is amazing but he ends up playing alone because its so crowded. As well as the splashpad in Pelham. A couple of weeks ago we took him to pleasant grove park. There was a little girl there who said she was 8. They played for a few mins then she had to leave. He followed her everywhere. And almost cried when she left. I have one friend who has a child, she's going to be 6 next month. And they play together fine but they butt heads because their play styles are different. They're both only children and she can get a bit bossy and dramatic and yells at him often. I just have no idea what to do. I guess I'm asking does anyone have a lonely toddler as well who needs a playdate?


r/Birmingham 1h ago

Advice UAB hospital weekend diff

Upvotes

I’m aware of the evening and night differentials for nurses but is anyone aware of any weekend diff? Can’t seem to get a straight forward answer. New grad needing help deciding if agreeing to work all weekends (nights) is worth it


r/Birmingham 8h ago

Recommendations Best pho in Birmingham?

7 Upvotes

I’ve only had Pho Place on 280 and it’s SO good. But I wanted to see if there was another place?


r/Birmingham 2h ago

Recommendations Local Woodworker?

2 Upvotes

Does anyone know of any local woodworkers? I’m interested in having some custom solid doors made for my historic home. I know you can order such from lumber yards, but I was more so looking for a personal touch. Thanks!


r/Birmingham 4h ago

Job Opportunity Jobs hiring

3 Upvotes

Anyone know of any I.T help desk jobs hiring in the bham area?


r/Birmingham 2h ago

Recommendations Any bands/musicians looking for a bassist?

2 Upvotes

Mostly interested in indie/alternative, inspirations include Dinosaur Jr, Wednesday, Pavement, Built to Spill.


r/Birmingham 18h ago

News RIP to Charles Gaines, the author of "Pumping Iron" 💪🏼🏋🏾‍♂️

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al.com
33 Upvotes

He also wrote "Stay Hungry", which later became a movie that started a then unknown bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger


r/Birmingham 1d ago

News Waffle House Downtown

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128 Upvotes

Does anyone know why the Waffle House Downtown is closed permanently? I thought it received plenty of business in a great location.


r/Birmingham 3h ago

Events ISO lumineers poster

2 Upvotes

Does anyone know if there was a tour poster for the lumineers show back in March? If so, did anyone snag an extra that they’re willing to part with?


r/Birmingham 7h ago

Recommendations Nursing tutor?

4 Upvotes

My daughter is in her 3rd semester of nursing school and struggles with the exams. She has met with her teachers and they feel confident she knows the material. She has to make a 91 on her next exam and I am trying to see if there is anyone that can tutor her for it. Unfortunately it's in a week and a half. Anyone know where to look for a nursing tutor on short notice?


r/Birmingham 17m ago

Recommendations Can anyone recommend a good place for laser hair removal in Birmingham?

Upvotes

I’m looking for somewhere with good results and reasonable prices. I’d love to hear about your experience, including how many sessions you had and whether you think it was worth it.


r/Birmingham 6h ago

Recommendations Post Bell’s Palsy Botox Injector

3 Upvotes

Hi all,

As the title describes, I’m looking for an injector that specializes in facial balancing after Bell’s palsy.
I’ve used cosmetic/wellness spa injectors in the past, but I’m not getting the outcome I’m looking for - those seem to focus more on instagram face or removing all wrinkles whereas I’m trying to find a more targeted muscle movement approach to make my face look like it did before.

Thank you in advance!


r/Birmingham 4h ago

Advice Gutter installation and critter catchers

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2 Upvotes

Does this price appear to be appropriate for this ?


r/Birmingham 19h ago

Advice Central Alabama Water

21 Upvotes

For the last 3 months my water bill has been exactly the same. Over $181.00 saying I used over 9,000 gallons. My wife and I are the only 2 people in the house. One of those months we were out of town for 2 weeks. I’ve looked at the meter, and there are times the dial is not spinning, so I know there is not a leak. Called the utility, was number 84 on hold. Held for over an hour. They were unable to provide any information. Told me I had a leak. Duh, I’ve already disproved that. Told me they read the meters every 28 day, which I don’t believe. I have a home in Baldwin county, my water bill there is less than $30.00, and sewer less than $ 40.00.

Is there any agency looking in to this dysfunctional utility? Is Alabama’s Attorney General or anyone in Montgomery looking out for the consumers from this fraudulence over billing these jerks are getting away with?


r/Birmingham 8h ago

Advice Normandy butter

2 Upvotes

Anyone know where to get authentic Normandy butter?


r/Birmingham 22h ago

Events Free ticket for tonight!

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20 Upvotes

I have an extra ticket for Dinosaur Jr and Band of Horses at Avondale tonight! Totally free and I’ll transfer right over. I hate for it to go to waste!


r/Birmingham 10h ago

Recommendations Truck detail

2 Upvotes

Looking for recommendations on truck detailers in the area. Toyota Tacoma as an example