Greater Birmingham, whose official name is actually the Birmingham-Hoover-Cullman Metropolitan Area, is home to nearly a quarter of the population of Alabama. So there must be something great about this city that's drawn in 1.1 million people, right? Well, here at BirminghamZip.com we're here to tell you that there are countless reasons why people choose to live in and visit the great city of Birmingham, Alabama. From the low cost of living at 81.6 to the many annual festivals, Birmingham is a city full of life and personality.

There's no doubt about it; people are starting to discover the great city of Birmingham more these days. If you need proof, just look at their real estate numbers. Where the majority of the nation is in a buyer's market with home sale prices much lower than their listing price, Birmingham is the opposite. Homes right now are being listed for an average of $279,000 and are selling for closer to $287,000. In Crestwood North, one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city, homes are going for as much as $30,000 above asking.

That's because there are so many great reasons to move out to Alabama's greatest city. Birmingham is a leader in banking, telecommunications, construction and engineering and the dairy industry. They have also been given the honor by several magazines and websites of being one of the best places to work and live in America. Salary.com recently gave them a second place ranking for the best cities to build one's personal net worth. That means Birmingham is a place for those movers and shakers looking to make something of themselves in this country.

Birmingham is an excellent city for those looking to learn as well as the workers of the world. Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in the eastern suburb of Irondale was named the top high school in the nation. There are also five other secondary schools located in the city that have reached high rankings. Those at the post-secondary level can take advantage of nearly twenty different places of higher learning with campuses in the city. These include the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Samford University and Birmingham-Southern College.

Just minutes from Oak Mountain State Park and with such events as the Southern Heritage Festival and the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, there is always something to do and see in this great city. Come to visit and you may never want to leave the wonder of Birmingham, Alabama.