$145k in Atlanta vs. $110k in Birmingham? (Buckhead: apartments, condo)

[IHeartIthaca]

These are the two job offers I have on the table right now (with a slightly more lenient hours requirement in Birmingham). How different is the cost of living between these two cities, including tax, housing, food, etc? Birmingham seems generally more accessible than Atlanta (less traffic, less sprawl, etc), but Atlanta has more nice city perks. Any insight would be great!

[SouthernBoy205]

I think that both cities will be great. Birmingham does have alot of traffic, but compared to Atlanta, it's nothing. Birmingham tends to sprawl more to the far south and to the east. Atlanat spreads everywhere. This statement can help you figure out which city has the worst traffic. Birmingham and Atlanta's home prices are somewhat similar....I think Birmingham's is a little more reasonable.

[kaday]

If you are single I'd chose Atlanta. I have a very good friend who moved here from Birmingham and has repeatedly said it is not a good place for singles in any regard. I have been there a few times and the suburbs are very nice. It never really seems like there is a lot going on though. Atlanta is definitely bigger and has many perks but you also can find a quiet suburb if that is what you are seeking. I don't think there is too much difference in the cost of living but maybe someone else can comment on COL.

[DPAT]

Originally Posted by IHeartIthaca

These are the two job offers I have on the table right now (with a slightly more lenient hours requirement in Birmingham). How different is the cost of living between these two cities, including tax, housing, food, etc? Birmingham seems generally more accessible than Atlanta (less traffic, less sprawl, etc), but Atlanta has more nice city perks. Any insight would be great!

Umm...Can I have whichever job you turn down!?

But seriously, I'm assuming you are single with no children (since you didn't mention either). $145K should afford you a quite comfortable life in ATL, as long as you don't have any crazy out of control spending habits or debt. I don't know about Birmingham - but I would imagine you wouldn't have a problem there either.

Cost of living aside, I would choose Atlanta over Birmingham any day.

[amd1588]

I would pick Atlanta over Bombingham any day of the week.

[goozer]

Congratulations on the two job offers. Financially, you should be able to get by in either city. I agree with posters who recommend Atlanta for singles though. Also, you may want to consider which job has the better job security. In this economy you can't be too careful!!!

[blondandfun]

most people in ATL would kill to have that income, that's tight... IF you want to LIVE, move to Atlanta.

If you want to stay in your suburbia enclave with your kids and live a sheltered life than this ain't the place for ya, but if you want to party come here and we know how to treat our guests.

and if your feelin generous hit me up LOL!!

[IHeartIthaca]

Thank you all for your replies. i am a single-26 year-old, so from what you say, ATL sounds better. If possible, I'd actually like to live fairly near where i work. I'm from NYC, and am used to walking everywhere (I know it's not completely possible to do that in the South, but I'd like to make as little use of my car as possible). Is there decent housing around the Peachtree/17th st. area? Even a small condo would fit my needs if it's safe, clean, etc.

Thanks again.

[samiwas1]

Depending on what you are looking for, there is tons of housing around 17th/Peachtree. Just across the interstate, less than one mile, is Atlantic Station. Atlantic Station is one of the new shopping/entertainment centers of Atlanta. Some bars, movie theater, several restaurants, shops, grocery store, Target, Ikea, etc. And all much nicer than a strip-mall type atmosphere.

Also in/around Atlantic station are a load of single family homes, townhomes (basic to nice), apartments, and high-rise condo buildings. All of this is easily walkable in 15 minutes from 17th/Peachtree.

Just to the east is a neighborhood of nicer homes and mostly quiet streets.

Not too far away is Buckhead, which is easily the top area in Atlanta for the bar scene. Virginia Highlands isn't far either, and it's a decent bar/shop area as well, much more "laid back" than Buckhead.

As a single guy, 145k will buy you a very nice life in this city (as it should just about anywhere!). With that kind of salary, you can live just about anywhere...take your pick.

[onemanarmy]

Originally Posted by IHeartIthaca

Thank you all for your replies. i am a single-26 year-old, so from what you say, ATL sounds better. If possible, I'd actually like to live fairly near where i work. I'm from NYC, and am used to walking everywhere (I know it's not completely possible to do that in the South, but I'd like to make as little use of my car as possible). Is there decent housing around the Peachtree/17th st. area? Even a small condo would fit my needs if it's safe, clean, etc.

Thanks again.

Well, I guess the good news is that if you job is probably in Atlantic Station and you could virtually walk to everyday things like, grocery store, shopping, movie theater, work. There are plenty of excellent housing options for you in the area, the downside being it's not quiet, especially on the weekends.