Welcome to Birmingham
I have lived in several regions, so I can speak these words with confidence—Birmingham is a true U.S. gem and a healthy balance of classic styles and modern amenities. The City can offer the opportunity for both city and rural activities at a very affordable cost of living. I am surprised Birmingham has been able to fly slightly under the radar to date. A few years back after a 15 hour, 1200 mile trip south The Magic City welcomed me with a spectacular glowing red sunset as I unloaded my jam-packed car. Many attributes standout about Birmingham. It is large enough to have a diverse culture. The City plays host too many unique events and attracts most major concert tours. However, Birmingham is not so large it becomes overwhelming. This is not a place where you will easily get lost in the whirlwind of congestion. In Birmingham you will not end up as another unrecognizable face in a sea of faces. My path to Birmingham was not a direct one. I spent my years through college in Maine, where my family still resides in a small rural town. Mainers, the name given to people from Maine, have a saying: Maine, the nation's biggest small town. With that being said, community and being able to count on friends and neighbors are attributes I’ve grown accustom to and appreciate in my living environment—Values I continue to see in the community of Birmingham. My next stint for over a year was on the east coast of Australia in the thriving metropolis of Brisbane, the nation’s third largest city. I engulfed myself in Aussie’s traditions while attending Griffith University on an exchange program. Birmingham and Brisbane are very similar, they both have a thriving restaurant scene, a unique wholly owned cultural experience, close proximity to ocean beaches, city events for anyone’s taste and an outstanding year round climate to engage in all activities both in and surrounding the city. After Australia I found myself living and working on the North Shore of Boston, Massachusetts for the next several years. Birmingham, like Boston, has a lot of timeless culture and history that adds to the flavor of the city. City flavor that will make you brave the long buffet line and head back for a second or a third helping. Boston is known for it's baked beans—Birmingham has its unexpected mouth watering French cuisine. From Boston I made the 200 mile move south to New York City’s Metro North area where I worked for a company based in Times Square, Manhattan. Similar to NYC's air, Birmingham's air has that BUZZ of a city where you’re assured people are focused, activities are being accomplished, and important decisions are being made. Years later my relocation to Birmingham has continued to be a positive decision. The City had been good to me. I see attributes of my humble upbringing and many good aspects from the other larger cities where I lived. The growing social and economic environment coupled with the lower cost of living and high quality of life, continues to paint a good future for my family and others in the Birmingham community. So won’t you come join me south side at Twenty Six for a modern twist on a classic dish or at Billy’s in the English Village for a live band and see what else you can find in Birmingham. Derrek G. Smith • Learn more about Birmingham in the law school's online viewbook.
Helpful Cumberland Navigator: Related Pages Page last updated: Thu, 01/20/2011 - 11:24 |
WELCOME TO BIRMINGHAM!