Unfortunately for me, I do not hail from the great state of Alabama. In spite of the fact that I'm a transplant, I decided to pack up from the comforts of my home state and come down to Tuscaloosa and spend my four incredible years at the University of Alabama -- one of my best decisions. Although there have been times that it would have been convenient to say I was a native Alabamian, in many cases, my out-of-state status has given me a unique perspective to view things from different vantage points then my in-state counterparts. What might some of those be you ask?
It's quite apparent that students are very prideful of their hometowns. Whether you grew up in the hills of Huntsville or way down on the bay of “Mowbeel,” natives will more than likely argue that their city is superior. So, after three and a half years here at the University of Alabama, let me tell you my observations about five towns. Let’s begin in the northern part of the state and make our way down, shall we?
Huntsville. All cities in Alabama seem to have their own characteristics that make them unique from one another, and Huntsville is no different. For example, you won’t find many of Alabama’s biggest cities with as many large hills as Huntsville. Geographically speaking, Huntsville is the most northerly located major city in Alabama, however, it is still as culturally southern as anywhere else within the state. People from Huntsville tend remain close with friends from back in their high school days, regardless if they attended school at Randolph, Huntsville High or Grissom. Overall, natives of Huntsville seem to be less content on shoving their high school affiliation in people’s faces (I’m looking at you, Brookie’s), and for that, we thank you.
Birmingham. B’ham is a great city, there is no denying that. It offers several great neighborhoods, schools and bars to go to. But it is certainly not without its flaws. Although Birmingham boasts great places to live, the rivalries between these suburbs runs deep. Natives of Mountain Brook and Vestavia, at times, act like they live in completely separate cities divided by a make believe wall. Whether you reside in Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills or Homewood, it is almost inevitable that your friend group rarely ventures out and intermixes. Despite some of the triviality that runs rampant throughout the suburbs of Birmingham, the overall quality of the city, its suburbs and people are evident. Being Alabama’s largest city, it is sometimes just too easy to poke fun at Birmingham’s flaws.
Tuscaloosa. In the eyes of its natives, the rest of the world ends outside of T-Town. The spirit and pride that runs through Tuscaloosa stems from the university that its citizens cherish, and what’s not to love? It may or may not be a fair assumption to say that Tuscaloosa natives are homebody’s. What is fair to say, though, is that people from Title Town, more likely than not, intend on keeping their roots in the ever growing city.
Montgomery. Plenty of students on our campus hail from Alabama’s capitol city, and from a wide array of schools -- Montgomery Academy, Saint James, Trinity Presbyterian and Montgomery Catholic, to name a few. Montgomery is a city filled with old and new developments. Many Greek students on campus grew up in the city’s historic Cloverdale District, filled with many tradition southern style homes, or further out in newer neighborhoods like Wynlakes. Although high school graduates in Gump-Town often split up fairly evenly between attending Alabama and Auburn, they remain united in supporting their favorite team of all: The Montgomery Biscuits.
Mobile. There is no place quite like good ol’ “Mowbeel” Alabama. Culturally speaking, the city differs the most from any other town located within the state. Mobile’s distinct differences, such as its love for Mardi Gras, over the top deb balls and freshly caught seafood, are all part of what makes it one of a kind. If Mardi Gras beads and seasoned red snapper don’t seem to thrill you, then maybe a visit to Mobile’s notorious leprechaun tree may change your mind. In all seriousness, these Costa sporting, AFTCO wearing natives love their city, and family roots run deep throughout the area.
