Is Birmingham Becoming a Relocation Hotspot?

Why Out-of-State Buyers Are Moving Here

As the Birmingham-area real estate market evolves, many out-of-state buyers are turning their eyes toward Alabama’s largest metro — and the Birmingham‑Hoover Metropolitan Area in particular. For the Taylor Jackson Group, this is an exciting opportunity: your local expertise, referral capability and broad listing mix position you perfectly to serve relocating clients. Let’s dive into why Birmingham is gaining traction as a relocation destination — and how you can leverage that for your buyers and sellers.

1. The Out-of-State Influx: What the Data Shows

Several indicators suggest relocation is driving growth in the area:

• According to the University of Alabama Center for Business & Economic Research (CBER) data, the Birmingham metro added 6,382 residents from July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024 — with 5,956 of those due to net migration (more people moving in than out). CBER+1

• Of that figure, international migration made up a substantial chunk — the Birmingham-area was the only Alabama MSA with higher international than domestic net migration in that period. CBER+1

• The region’s affordability continues to stand out: On Zillow, the average home value in Birmingham is listed at ~$132,921 (sizable variation by neighborhood). Zillow

• Media coverage is noting that relocation interest to places like Alabama is rising in 2025. Yahoo

What this means for you:
Relocation isn’t just a buzz-term — people are actually moving into the market. Your team can position the Birmingham area as a destination for buyers across state lines who want value, lifestyle, and opportunity.

2. Why Buyers Are Choosing Birmingham

Here are the top pull-factors attracting out-of-state buyers — relevance you can highlight for your clients.

• Affordability and home value – Compared to many coastal or high-cost metro areas, Birmingham offers lower home-price baselines and more purchasing power.

• Growing economy + job market – The region continues to invest in healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and services, making it attractive for relocators seeking stability.

• Lifestyle & amenities – Whether it’s lake-living, suburban convenience, or city amenities, buyers can find diversity in what Birmingham offers (important for your own listings: lakefront in Lincoln, large lots in Odenville, etc).

• Relocation friendly – For buyers moving from out-of-state, factors like lower cost of living, less traffic (in many suburbs), and strong community amenities matter. For example, moving guides cite Birmingham’s commute times, cost-of-living and lifestyle perks. MoverJunction

• Market timing opportunity – With some cooling in the market (more inventory, less frantic competition) the timing can favor planned relocators who are prepared and tactical. Alabama Association of REALTORS+1

3. What Relocation Buyers Should Ask (and What Your Team Should Be Ready to Provide)

When you’re working with out-of-state buyers, you can shine by guiding them through these relocation-specific criteria:

• Commute & growth corridors: Where will they work? How far is the commute? Suburbs like Trussville, Hoover, Odenville might offer different trade-offs.

• Lifestyle alignment: Are they OK with suburban or lake living? Do they care about schools, outdoor recreation, amenities? Your knowledge of listings like Logan Martin Lake is a strong advantage.

• Market differences: Educate relocating buyers on how the Birmingham-area market compares (pricing, inventory, days on market) vs their current market.

• Financing & out-of-state logistics: Relocation often involves coordinating remote tours, inspections, and many times shipping or moving services. Your network becomes a major value add.

• Resale and value growth: For buyers moving here to stay for many years (or invest), they’ll care about neighborhoods with future strength, not just the “lowest price.” You can highlight your local knowledge of growth zones.

4. Strategic Implications for the Taylor Jackson Group

This trend of relocation presents several strategic opportunities for your team:

• Targeted marketing: Create content aimed at out-of-state buyers: “Why move to Birmingham from Atlanta/Charlotte/Nashville” or “Coastal-state to Alabama: what you save & what you get.”

• Relocation packages: Offer downloadable guides or videos explaining the Birmingham market, suburban options, school systems, lifestyle highlights, and your team’s expertise.

• Leverage your listings: When showing listings in your markets (Trussville, Lincoln, Odenville, Birmingham suburbs), emphasize how the property suits relocating buyers (commute friendly, near essential amenities, value compared to their old market).

• Referral network: Many out-of-state movers need other support: moving companies, staging, inspections, local services. By providing a full-service experience you differentiate your team.

• Highlight the timing: With the market showing more inventory and shifting toward balance, you can position relocating buyers to take advantage of value before competition rises. Meanwhile, for sellers, you can show that the influx of new residents keeps demand alive.