In the fifties and sixties, Birmingham, Alabama was a city filled with violence, hatred and prejudice. As much as any southern city, Birmingham was the embodiment of the civil rights conflict that was being fought to some degree throughout the U. S. The result of that conflict in Birmingham, Alabama was citywide destruction, loss of property, and social separation. Today there are still racial inequalities throughout the U. S. and Birmingham, Alabama has progress yet to be made. But today the idea of moving to Birmingham, Alabama is no longer seen as a frightening or foolish idea. In fact many would say that today Birmingham, Alabama is a pleasant and comfortable city in which to live. Proof of this improved atmosphere can be found in some of the best neighborhoods in Birmingham, Alabama.
Red Mountain Dominated by a huge statue of Vulcan, the Red Mountain section of Birmingham has experienced growth and development during the last half century that is emblematic of the overall growth that has led some to call Birmingham, America’s most livable city.
There is lots going on in Red Mountain despite its hilly terrain and torturous roadways. Red Mountain, for obvious reasons is home to most of the television and radio broadcasting stations in the area. But there is more to Red Mountain than communications.
Red Mountain is also considered one of the very best neighborhoods in Birmingham, Alabama because it is here that you will find the majority of multi-million dollar residences and estates in the entire city. The accumulated wealth in this relatively small area is also reflected in the presence of an outstanding college preparatory high school known as Altamont. With a small enrollment Altamont draws top students to a curriculum that concentrates on turning out students skilled in sciences and the arts. Its alums are leaders in business, industry and the arts.
Red Mountain now also boasts the presence of one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Red Mountain Park provides recreational land on a scale that even surpasses Central Park in New York. The Park draws the participation of families both in and outside of the neighborhood and has become the real gem of Red Mountain
Southside This neighborhood takes in most of the southern half of what is viewed as downtown Birmingham. Not only is it one of the best neighborhoods in Birmingham, Alabama, it is also one of the best known.
Southside includes some of the major attractions in downtown Birmingham. A major Birmingham landmark located in Southside is the University of Alabama at Birmingham or UAB . This University is part of the state wide university system and is known nationally for its science and medical programs. UAB houses one of the largest research centers in the Southeast and receives more grant money from the federal government than any southern school except Duke and UNC.
Adjacent to UAB is the medical complex and hospital campus that are associated with it. Between the University and the medical facility there are throngs of active people working in the health industry and often living right in Southside. The result is that Southside over the years has become the single most diverse neighborhood in Birmingham offering residential space to all races, social classes and ethnic groups. It’s as close to a melting pot as you will find anywhere in Birmingham.
Add to this the fact that Southside also provides the best entertainment, dining venues and nightlife in the city and you will understand why to many Southside is one of the best neighborhoods in Birmingham,Alabama.
Huffman A growing and somewhat diverse neighborhood, Huffman, like many southern neighborhoods, centers much of its community life around its churches. In the case of the Huffman neighborhood much community life swirls around the prestigious Huffman Baptist Church.
The Church has worship services and programs geared to the spiritual and social needs of the entire congregation, a fellowship which continues to grow. There are adult services but also children’s church, there is choir but there is also a bell ringers group. Much time is spent on the development of the young people at Huffman. There are special activities to bring youth into community and special bible study groups meant just for them. The staff at Huffman Baptist is large and supportive of the needs of the entire community.
Every neighborhood has one or two rallying points, places where people feel comfortable and at ease. In Huffman, one of these rallying points is surely the Huffman Baptist Church.
Birmingham for many decades had a reputation sullied by its civil rights struggle. Finally it is beginning to emerge as the kind of place where people can raise families in peace and harmony. Part of the reason for this dramatic change is the community structure led by the best neighborhoods in Birmingham.
