Tips for Relocating to the South: The Best of Birmingham

Making the Move to “Sweet Home Alabama”

Birmingham, Alabama, is a vibrant city bursting with culture, history, and many unique experiences. Fueled by its iron and steel industries in the 19th century, Birmingham earned its nickname "The Magic City.” Today, the city has diversified its economy into healthcare, finance, education, and technology sectors, but the core of its early growth remains in the landscape and fabric of the community. 

Tip #1 - Rent Now, Buy Later

If you’re relocating from out of state or out of town, there’s never been a better time to rent before you buy. With resale inventory of existing homes struggling as sellers are reluctant to give up their low interest rates, the only real purchase options currently are brand-new homes. But guess what? At Fairin, you can lease a brand-new home instead of having to buy right away! You’ll have time to get settled, learn the traffic patterns, make friends, and explore the area without a 30-year commitment! 

Tip #2 - Community Involvement

You’re new in town, and you want to make some good friends quickly. Well, there’s rarely a better chance to make good friends than doing good deeds! Community involvement doesn’t have to be just do-gooders out doing good though. Local church affiliations, local parks, and community activities like intramural sports or youth sports, as well as volunteering, are great ways to meet like-minded people. When all else fails, join a Meetup and go paddle boarding or mall jogging with other Alabama fans!

Tip #3 - Be Prepared for the Nicest People You’ve Ever Met

It’s the South! That means people saying, “Please” and “Thank you”. It’s sweeter things, like tea and pastries with friends while you laugh about the rest of the fast-paced world that forgot how to live for the day. It’s smiles on any sidewalk around town from people you’ve never met before. The nods men give each other as they pass (up for “what’s up” and a slight down nod for “respect, my friend”). It can be overwhelming sometimes to hear total strangers exchange so much of themselves in casual greetings and accidental meetings in checkout lines, coffee shops, and pet stores. That lady behind you in line who tells you how her sweet potato pie recipe (handed down 5 generations by now) is simply the best in Birmingham; only because she saw 2 potatoes and a block of butter in your buggy. Buggy? Yes, buggy. 

Tip #4 - Food

If you’re from anywhere above the Mason-Dixon Line, Birmingham is about to blow you away with cuisine. We’re not known for the best food imported from another country, although there’s plenty of international-cuisine dining to be had around town. We’re known for BBQ! We’re known for knowing how nature intended corn to be eaten (roasted and toasted with butter, salt, and pepper - shame on you if you boil your corn). And, we’re known for pies. If it can fit into a pie shell, we’ll make it a pie. Mud pie, apple pie, pecan pie, sweet potato pie, and the holy grail of summer deliciousness - Lemonade Freezer Pie! Don’t be shy, get out there with your new friends and eat some pie. 

Tip #5 - Bypass That Apartment and Lease a New Home

Before you consider an apartment with its 11th layer of paint covering up 10 years of hard living, look at the value and comfort of renting a brand-new home! Not only are you about to experience all the benefits of leasing without being locked into a 30yr loan for a new home, you’re going to have an allergen-free, repair-free, worry-free life that only comes from living in a freshly built community. Often finding a new home to rent can be like looking for a unicorn in a koi-pond. Most new homes are sold owner-occupied with only flip-houses being offered for rent. For those that are smartly looking for a lease on a newer single-family home with central access to some of the city's best attractions, we’ve got you covered! In the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolis, Fairin Realty has built several communities that are perfect for new residents in the area. 

The Heights in Irondale is our luxury, single-family and townhome for-lease community that offers 1-3 bedroom floor plans with attached garages, a fenced backyard, and pet-friendly features. Our newest for-lease, single-family neighborhood, Patton Crest in Hoover, has 2-3 bedroom homes with open concept spaces, primary-on-main options, and fenced backyards with space to entertain. 

Live Large in Birmingham with Fairin Realty 

With its rich history, diverse culture, and array of attractions, Birmingham, Alabama, has something to offer every new resident. This Southern gem is a destination that promises a memorable experience no matter where you go. While you’re finalizing your relocation plans to Metro Birmingham, check out our new move-in-ready homes at The Heights and our move-in ready homes at Patton Crest. We look forward to helping you settle into the South and making your move as seamless as possible. Contact us today to learn more!