Top Reasons to Do Business in Birmingham Alabama
There’s more to establishing a new business than deciding what products and services you’ll offer. You must also consider where you’ll work and the town, city, or state you’ll call home. While business owners are spoiled for choice, Birmingham, Alabama, might just capture your attention for some of the following reasons.
If you’re a history buff who wants to incorporate your town or city’s heritage into your business model, Birmingham might be the perfect place to lay down roots. Birmingham was established after the Civil War in 1871 as an intersection of the railroads for Alabama and Chattanooga. Its proximity to iron ore, coal, and limestone made it the perfect spot for a new city.
Since then, Birmingham has made a name for itself in other ways, such as being the founding city for Veterans Day and a leading industrial center in the south.
Whether you’ll be selling vintage engagement rings in a jewelry store or delicious meals in a restaurant, you can’t help but be impressed with the thriving business district in Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham is home to over 197,000 people, withmore than 31,000 businesses servicing their every need. These businesses range from sole proprietors and small businesses to national corporations. There are also more than 1,300 lawyer offices, 400 offices of physicians, 170 beauty salons, and 130 confectionery and nut stores.
While a number of businesses are now operating online to reach a broader customer base, many still rely on foot traffic. Birmingham’s vast transportation network means shoppers typically have no problem entering this north-central city tobrowse and shop to their heart’s content.
Birmingham has five interstates providing entry for more than 250 million consumers, or nearly 80% of the United States population. These interstates offer access to Birmingham within a two-day drive.
The United States is facing a skilled worker shortage, and many businesses are finding it challenging to hire talent to take their business to new heights. However, that might be less of a problem in Birmingham.
Not only is theUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham a world-class facility with top-ranking programs, but over two dozen accredited colleges and universities are located within 100 miles. Employers will also be pleased with Alabama’s recognition for having one of the best state training programs in the country.
There can be many costs associated with doing business, and you won’t avoid these no matter where you are in the country. However, the costs of doing business in Birmingham can generally be described as competitive.
Alabama has the second lowest property taxes in the country and ranks sixth regarding area development for doing business. Wages in Metro Birmingham are also just 94% of the national average, giving business owners breathing room and opportunities to provide their employees with incentive packages.
Work-life balance is important, even for busy professionals who want to put all their time and effort into their business to see it succeed. Birmingham lays a strong foundation for this coveted work-life balance. There is more green space per capita than anywhere else in the nation, and the commute time is far less than many other major US metropolitan areas at just 25 minutes.
Business owners and employees can also enjoy plenty of fun activities in their spare time, such as the Vulcan Park and Museum, Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, and theBirmingham Botanical Gardens.
You could open your business anywhere in the United States, but it’s important to do your homework. Competitive business costs, work-life balance, and a skilled purpose are just a few of the top reasons why Birmingham, Alabama, might make it to the top of your list.