Thank you for reading the blog, and for your kind comments. As it turns out, I’ve been working up in New York for the last few months and therefore the blog–which depends on physical access to Birmingham–has been mainly dormant. Regardless I continue to follow development news in my hometown best I can. I’m happy you are considering moving.

You’ve been to Birmingham so you already know it’s a different place from New Orleans (what place isn’t?). In terms of locations of character for people such as yourselves–I would recommend Avondale, Norwood, Woodlawn, Eastlake as neighborhoods that feel transitional (with Avondale being the trendiest, Woodlawn and Eastlake being the most pioneering, and Norwood in-between). My guess is Avondale comes closest to what you’re looking for–as it already has some “yuppie” amenities but still isn’t overpriced, and really feels like it’s undergoing a renaissance. The other places have some beautiful streets with old, very cheap houses–but lack the hip pubs or neighborhood market that Avondale has. Not to mention that Avondale borders Forest Park–an expensive neighborhood with more amenities and beautiful architecture.

There are good deals to be had downtown, as the city slowly recovers from the long real estate slump–but there’s nothing really edgy or pioneering about downtown anymore. It does have nice amenities and lots of historic character, if you’re looking for an apartment rather than a house.

I’d say a great resource would be Elisa Macon, an agent with Walton Brown: http://www.elisamacon.com She really knows the in-town communities. I hope that helps, and I’m happy to try to give you more opinions as you get further into your search. Thanks again.

That said, recent circumstances have primed us to consider a change of scenery. Though we haven’t formally declared it, Birmingham has decidedly become our destination of choice, hopefully as early as July or August. Jobs are being applied for, rentals are being researched, etc. It’s exciting.

While we have experienced a fair amount of the amenities and attractions Birmingham has to offer, we remain rather ignorant to the city with regards to its residential aspects. We’re in our mid 30′s, professional, renters, no kids, no pets (yuppies, in other words) that enjoy locations of character. We presently live in a VERY transitional neighborhood of New Orleans, and while we would like to potentially ‘upgrade’ a little, we are very open to neighborhoods that might be a little rough around the edges but otherwise have an abundance of offerings, are reasonably safe, and aren’t overpriced. I’ve done my due diligence online, but have found many conflicting views — some of which appear to be dubious at best. Suffice it to say that after now reading the entirety of your blog, I inherently trust your judgement. Given our proclivities, perhaps you could suggest a few areas to concentrate our focus or point me in the direction of a reputable resource? I realize you’re not a real estate agent, but your intimacy with the city, its neighborhoods, and its workings make you uniquely qualified to serve as an ambassador of sorts. Any ideas or advice you might have would be greatly appreciated.

Keep up your magnificent work.