Welcome to the Newto News for May of 2025. My name is Zack Cockfield, and my team and I created Newtomedia as a way for visitors or new residents to get information about a city. Each month we bring together resources that will update you on the history, amenities, culture, future opportunities and all other things inside a city that make it unique. We also hope to be a resource for connecting you with people and businesses that can help you live a better life. If you find our efforts useful, please click on the links to get more information!

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Birmingham, Alabama was founded in 1871 during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. The city’s location in the heart of Alabama’s iron and coal-rich deposits made it an ideal location for industrial development. As a result, Birmingham quickly became known as the “Magic City” due to its rapid growth and prosperity. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Birmingham became a major industrial center, particularly in the steel and iron industries. The city’s population grew rapidly as people flocked to the area for employment opportunities in the numerous factories and mills that sprung up around the city. Birmingham played a significant role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, with key events such as the Birmingham Campaign and the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing bringing national attention to the fight for racial equality. Today, Birmingham has evolved into a diverse, modern city with a strong focus on healthcare, finance, and technology industries. The city’s rich history and vibrant culture continue to attract residents and visitors alike.

Local Area Information

The top 10 industries that are hiring locally:

  • Healthcare
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Hospitality
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Construction
  • Transportation
  • Real Estate

The top 10 recreational activities the area is known for:

  • Hiking
  • Skiing
  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Golfing
  • Boating
  • Wine tasting
  • Sightseeing
  • Camping
  • Shopping

Weather Information:

Average low temperature: 50°F

Average high temperature: 75°F

Average precipitation: 2 inches

General Information:

Elevation: 1,000 feet

Average home price: $300,000

Average household income: $70,000

The top 10 tourist points of interest:

  • Historical landmarks
  • National parks
  • Museums
  • Specialty shops
  • Local events
  • Outdoor adventures
  • Restaurants and cafes
  • Wineries
  • Art galleries
  • Entertainment venues

The top 10 restaurants:

Highlands Bar & Grill

Five Points South

A celebrated restaurant known for its French-Southern cuisine, Highlands Bar & Grill offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients and local produce.

Hot and Hot Fish Club

Southside

Hot and Hot Fish Club blends Southern, French, and Californian influences to create unique dishes, with a focus on farm-to-table freshness and innovative flavors.

Café Dupont

Downtown Birmingham

Café Dupont offers a fine dining experience with a menu that emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant is set in a historic downtown building and is renowned for its New American cuisine.

Chez Fonfon

Five Points South

A charming French bistro, Chez Fonfon provides a cozy atmosphere along with classic French dishes, delightful wines, and a welcoming ambiance perfect for casual dining.

OvenBird

Lakeview

An exciting dining venture by Chef Chris Hastings, OvenBird focuses on live fire cooking featuring Southern ingredients with creative influences from Latin America and Spain.

Bottega Restaurant

Highland Park

Bottega combines Italian flavors with Southern ingredients in an upscale setting. Its menu offers a variety of creative dishes made with the freshest local produce.

Blueprint on 3rd

Lakeview

Blueprint on 3rd serves up contemporary American cuisine with Southern influences, known for its warm and airy setting and a menu that offers comfort food with a modern twist.

The Essential

Downtown Birmingham

The Essential focuses on providing a casual yet elegant dining experience with a menu that features modern American dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

El Barrio

Second Avenue North

A bustling Mexican eatery with industrial-style decor, El Barrio is known for its vibrant atmosphere and menu that combines traditional Mexican dishes with Southern flavors.

Automatic Seafood and Oysters

Lakeview

Offering a wide range of seafood dishes, Automatic Seafood and Oysters is praised for its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and modern, spacious setting that enhances the dining experience.

Current Events:

Dude Perfect: Hero World Tour
Jul 19
Thu • 6:00pm

Dude Perfect: Hero World Tour

Legacy Arena at The BJCC

Rick Springfield & Richard Marx 2025 - Acoustic Tour
Oct 06
Thu • 7:30pm

Rick Springfield & Richard Marx 2025 – Acoustic Tour

BJCC Concert Hall

Ali Siddiq: In The Shadows
Jun 13
Thu • 7:00pm

Ali Siddiq: In The Shadows

BJCC Concert Hall

Brad Williams: The Growth Spurt Tour
Jul 11
Thu • 7:00pm

Brad Williams: The Growth Spurt Tour

Alabama Theatre

Stayin' Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees
Mar 26
Thu • 7:30pm

Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees

The Lyric Theatre

Kings of Southern Soul Celebration
Jun 12
Thu • 7:30pm

Kings of Southern Soul Celebration

BJCC Concert Hall

Beetlejuice (Touring)
May 05
Thu • 7:30pm

Beetlejuice (Touring)

BJCC Concert Hall

demo
May 04
Thu • 3:00pm

demo

QPWZL – TM Test Facility

demo
May 05
Thu • 3:00pm

demo

QPWZL – TM Test Facility