Birmingham is an exciting, growing, and progressive city nestled in the lush, green foothills of the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains.  A busy urban center in a setting of great natural beauty, Birmingham has nearly a million people in the greater metropolitan area.  The warm hospitality of the people complements the temperate climate.  Birmingham’s economy continues to experience considerable growth in the areas of engineering, finance, telecommunications, and biomedical research.  Health care and education have replaced other industries as Birmingham’s economic base, and UAB is now the city’s and the state’s largest employer.  Birmingham also has exceptional cultural and recreational offerings including museums, historical landmarks, concerts, festivals, and sporting events.

The beauty of Alabama’s lakes, rivers and forests is a source of pride to its residents and a pleasant surprise to its visitors.  Birmingham’s mild climate encourages almost year-round outdoor activities.  The state’s largest park, located just 15 miles south of town at Oak Mountain, offers boating, swimming, camping, hiking, golf, sailing, tennis, and fishing.  The beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico are within a 5 hour drive to the south and the mountains, snowslopes, and white water rivers of Tennessee and North Carolina are 5 hours to the northeast.  Atlanta is just 2.5 hours to the east, and New Orleans just 5.5 hours to the southwest.

Housing
Birmingham offers a variety of housing choices ranging from the large, old houses on the city’s Southside to modern apartment complexes, most with a wide range of amenities.  A limited amount of university-owned campus housing is available.

Schools
Several of the Birmingham areas’ elementary, middle and high schools have received the United States Department of Education Award of Excellence, which is granted to only a few schools throughout the nation.  Birmingham is home to the Alabama School of Fine Arts, a uniquely focused high school for teenagers aspiring to artistic careers and the only state-supported high school of fine arts in the country.  In addition, there is one nearby high school with both residential and day students and a population comprised of students from various countries.  There are also Jewish and Catholic schools in the area.