BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham has been named one of the best places to live in the United States, according to an annual list from Livability.com.
The Magic City ranked sixth on the organization’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list. Birmingham was one of two Alabama cities to make the top 10.
Livability.com selected Birmingham from around 2,300 cities across the country with populations between 75,000 and 500,000 people.
“Those places that are really awesome, but aren’t always as top of mind for people, versus some of our largest metros in the U.S.,” said Amanda Ellis, Editor-in-Chief of Livability.com. “So we’re really dedicated to highlighting, celebrating those places and how they really hit so many high notes in terms of quality of life and affordability.”
Livability.com analyzes more than 100 data points in essential categories like housing, amenities, health, education and transportation.
To make the list, cities also have to have a median home value under $500,000.
“Affordability and the housing cost piece is especially top of mind right now with where we’re at with a lot of just weird uncertainty going on in the bigger picture and in the economy,” Ellis said.
Birmingham residents said the city offers a unique blend of small-town feel and urban amenities.
“It’s kind of a big, small town,” said Kacey Bennie, a Birmingham resident. “I feel like we can walk around and know a lot of people when we go out to eat or go shopping. And at the same time, we’re able to own a house and we love our neighborhood.”
Tony Arkulin, another Birmingham resident, said, “Like I feel like I belong here more than I do in my hometown.”
Sydney Grooms said, “I really love just the nature and the community that surrounds Birmingham.”
“I used to live in a few different states in the country and everyone always asks, why’d you move to Alabama?” said Natalie Bennie. “And I love defending an underdog. This is a beautiful place. It’s so affordable. I like the weather. There’s amazing restaurants. It’s a great place to raise our daughter.”
Grooms said Birmingham is a good place for young adults to put down roots.
“I think especially for young adults, this is where you start building your village,” she said. “And so I think I’ve been really lucky building my village in the city.”
Huntsville, Alabama, was ranked the number one place to live on the list.
To see the full list, you click or tap here.
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