Overview

Like its namesake in Great Britain, Birmingham has long been known as a leading industrial center. That said, the waters here run far deeper than iron and steel production these days, and this graceful Southern city has also emerged as a vital cultural and economic center for the region. Today, Birmingham serves as headquarters for one Fortune 500 company and five Fortune 1000 companies, and numerous opportunities draw young people to this bustling part of the New South.

Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama and has been a key contributor in the history of not just this state, but the entire United States. At the forefront is the pivotal role the city played during the era of the Civil Rights Movement, a soul-stirring story that's recounted at the famous Civil Rights Institute.

In fact, the local Convention and Visitor's Bureau dubbed a tagline for Birmingham in 2006, calling it "The Diverse City." Take a few days to explore the area, and you'll no doubt see the CVB's handle is a good fit, as Birmingham's neighborhoods represent a wealth of culture and diversity. The downtown area and Five Points South are particularly thriving areas for eating out and having fun, but new options for living accommodations, restaurants, retail and other pursuits continue to spring up all over town, especially in places like SoHo in Hoover.

Geographically, Birmingham stretches in all directions, figuratively and literally presenting visitors with all types of things to do. There's the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame for music lovers, and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame for sports fans The International Motor Sports Hall of Fame and the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum are other nearby attractions. Families flock to Alabama Adventure, an exciting theme park, or McWane Center, a hands-on science museum. And finally, golfers hit the links by tackling area courses that help make up the esteemed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Recent User Activity in Birmingham