How to Find an Apartment in Birmingham Without Getting Scammed
look, finding an apartment in birmingham isn't rocket science, but it's not exactly a walk in the park either. i've been burned before-like that time i thought "furnished" meant "has a bed" and ended up sleeping on a yoga mat for two weeks. so here's the messy, unfiltered truth about apartment hunting in the magic city.
*the neighborhoods to know
- avondale: artsy, walkable, kinda pricey. expect to pay $1,200+ for a decent one-bedroom.
- crestwood north: quieter, family-friendly, still close to downtown. rents hover around $1,000.
- woodlawn: up-and-coming, lots of rehab projects. prices are lower ($800-ish) but do your homework on safety.
according to the birmingham business alliance, average rent in the metro area is about $1,100/month as of late 2023. but that's just the average-some spots are way cheaper, some are way more.
red flags i've learned the hard way
- if they want you to wire money before seeing the place, run.
- if the photos look like they were taken with a potato, they probably are.
- if the landlord can't meet you in person or via video, that's a no-go.
overheard at a coffee shop in forest park
"i almost got scammed by a guy claiming he was out of the country. said he'd mail me the keys after i sent a deposit. yeah, right."
actual data tableneighborhood avg. 1br rent safety score (1-10) walkability downtown $1,400 6 9 southside $1,300 7 8 homewood $1,200 8 7 east lake $850 4 5
tips from a fellow nomad
- check out r/birmingham on reddit for real-time listings and warnings.
- use zillow and apartments.com, but cross-check with google street view.
- visit during different times of day-mornings can be quiet, nights not so much.
weather & neighbors
right now it's that weird in-between where you're not sure if you need a jacket or just a long-sleeve shirt. and if you ever get bored, atlanta's only two hours away, and nashville's about three. perfect for weekend getaways.
final drunk advice*
don't rush. birmingham's rental market moves fast, but not so fast that you can't sleep on it (literally and figuratively). trust your gut, ask questions, and remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
want more local gossip? check out birmingham alabama's subreddit or browse yelp for apartment reviews.
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