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Welcome to Birmingham
I have lived enough places I can speak these words with confidence: Birmingham is a true U.S. gem and a healthy balance of classic styles mixed with modern amenities. I am surprised Birmingham has been able to fly slightly under the radar as long as it has. 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. Some in particular are that it is large enough to have a diverse culture, host unique events, and attract most major concert tours; but not so large it’s overwhelming or a place where you will easily get lost in a whirlwind or end up just another unrecognizable face in a sea of faces. My path to Birmingham was not a direct one. I spent my growing 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, one big small town.” This is evident by the fact my high school graduating student body class was in the low sixties. With that being said, community and being able to count on neighbors are both attributes I’ve grown accustomed to appreciating in my living environment… Values I continue to see in the community of Birmingham. My next stent 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 from my home university while continuing to work part-time. Birmingham and Brisbane are very similar in they both have a thriving restaurant scene, a unique wholly owned cultural experience, close proximity to the Gulf beaches, city events for anyone’s tastes, 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. The type of flavor that makes you brave the long buffet line and head back for second and third helpings. Boston has its over cooked 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 Time Square, Manhattan. Similar to NYC, Birmingham has that “buzz” in the air of a city where you’re assured people are focused, activities are being accomplished, and important decisions are made. Though now I am a short trip from family, my relocation to Birmingham has continued to be positive decision. It’s been a city that has been good to me. I see attributes of my humble upbringing and many good aspects from the other larger cities I’ve 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 Southside 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 all Birmingham has to offer? Derrek G. Smith Helpful Cumberland Navigator: Related Pages |
WELCOME TO BIRMINGHAM! I’m glad you decided to make the trip to the southeast and explore a city worth discovering.