Birmingham Apartments and Rentals

Birmingham Alabama one of the largest banking centers in the country and a wellspring of education as well. Rent a Birmingham apartment and you can add your own hard-earned strengths to those that make this city stand out.

From the beginning, Birmingham was envisioned as a city of industry. It's named after another such metropolis-the city of Birmingham, England. Here, at the crossing of railroad lines, residents found deposits of iron ore, coal, and limestone. Those are the three main ingredients needed to make steel. Birmingham grew with industry and commerce until the Great Depression landed a wallop. The post-war period put the city back on its feet, but air pollution from blast furnaces filled the air with soot. In the 1960s, Birmingham was the center of many intense civil rights conflicts. Police dogs, fire hoses, and the bombing of churches all darkened that period of the city's history. Today, Birmingham's transformation may be hard fought, but it's well underway.

If you're new to town, there are many city neighborhoods worth investigating. Red Mountain, with its huge statue of Vulcan, is emblematic of Birmingham's recent growth. Southside, known for its diversity, is where you'll find the University of Alabama. For nightlife, head to Five Points South or Lakeview. On the west side of town, Fair Park Arena is the place to head to immerse yourself in sports.

Steel is still big business in Birmingham. Many major national manufacturers of the metal operate here, including American Cast Iron Pipe Company and McWane. More recently, biotechnology and medical research investments have diversified the city's economy. The University of Alabama Hospital is the largest employer in town. Another area industry is banking. Both Regions Financial Corporation and BBVA Compass locate their headquarters in Birmingham.

Those seeking an education in Birmingham will have to choose between the University of Alabama, Samford University, Birmingham School or Law, Miles College, and others. There are opportunities to study medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, law, engineering, and nursing in town.

Birmingham is an inexpensive city to call home. Expenses here are 17.6% lower than the United States average and rents are also affordable. Expect to pay between $649 and $866 a month for a one-bedroom Birmingham apartment. You can also expect to find an excellent range of housing available-the vacancy rate is quite high at 15.88%.

Birmingham is the center of Alabama's cultural life, offering myriad opportunities to appreciate art in museums, on stage, and along the streets. For a glimpse of the city's heritage, head to the Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens or to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. There's also Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark if you want to investigate Birmingham's industrial roots. Hit the Alabama Adventure Theme Park to make the most of a hot day, or sit on the beach at Oak Mountain State Park. You can also cheer on the University of Alabama Blazers during basketball season.

You won't have any trouble finding something special to fill your weekends in Birmingham. The Sidewalk Film Festival hits in late September for three days of independent cinema. The Magic City Art Festival comes around in April and the Southern disComfort scooter rally revs in November. The Birmingham Folk Festival, the Magic City Classic, and the Tour de Cure are also worth keeping an eye out for.

To get started on your Birmingham apartment hunt, browse the listings here on Rent.com®. We're looking forward to helping you find your new home.