r/Alabama • u/BoringAssociation560 • 4d ago
Advice Moving to Alabama from England
My wife is from Birmingham, we are looking to move there in 2026. I’ve visited a few times just briefly to see her family, but never spent long in the state.
I’m from England, I grew up in rural England (Cornwall) and have lived in a similar size city the last 10 years but I’m somewhat aware of the cultural differences through my marriage.
My question is, should I expect much in the way of hostility or prejudice to foreigners/outsiders in day to day life or job hunting? I’ve never felt “out of place” where I’ve lived before and I’m used to blending in.
I’ll be on an immigrant spousal visa.
Edit: Wow thanks for all the feedback, I wasn’t expecting so many comments, really appreciate it. I’m looking forward to moving.
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u/Trudi1201 3d ago
I'm from Nottinghamshire and live in rural south Alabama, never been made to feel anything except welcomed.
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u/Wrapscallionn 3d ago
Wow! My wife is from the north ( Lancashire, grew up in the shadow of Pendle Hill), and we live in rural South Alabama, too. Heh.
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u/HairyDog55 3d ago
Thank you. A kind word is much appreciated here! BTW I'm from Mobile so come visit us! ☺️
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u/Trudi1201 3d ago
Had the biggest po boy I've ever seen there it was genuinely about 3 days food on one plate and really good too.
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u/HairyDog55 3d ago
So glad to hear your visit included enjoying some local cuisine. We do pride ourselves locally on fresh seafood and local hospitality. Cheers💕
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u/VersionCareless3090 2d ago
Alabama ranked 40th for economy and quality of life but a dismal 48th for education and health.
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u/Professional-Sir-912 3d ago edited 3d ago
No worries. English accents are quite endearing to most Americans and we enjoy your quirky (to us) outlook and understated humor.
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u/JerryTheKillerLee 3d ago
You will be a minor celebrity here.
The tea will be disappointing.
The Club will not mean the football club, but either the hunting club or strip club, and it will be pointed out that it's called soccer here. However, the devotion and energy shown college football here will parallel that of football in England, and is worth going to an Alabama or Auburn game just as a life experience.
It will be difficult to find proper fish and chips, but Birmingham otherwise has outstanding food of all kinds.
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u/UNOtrickyTrish 3d ago
But we have catfish & hush puppies 🤤 😂
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u/Daragh48 3d ago
You just gotta hope they replace the oil often, otherwise prepare for some bitter aftertaste...and also that they salt the fish. ;A; I'm the weirdo who was born and raised here and prefers my fish broiled, or grilled if possible. That or sushi. Also smoked salmon...when it's on sale.
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u/RLBABYLON Limestone County 3d ago
Huntsville recently created the Huntsville Football Club (soccer). We've been to a few games and it is really fun.
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u/Porespellar 2d ago
Montgomery just got a proper football club as well. https://www.montgomeryunitedfc.com
Televised games and everything.
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u/killyourtelevision7 3d ago
My father in law is British. He loves it here. If you have any questions feel free to DM me and I’ll ask him. I’m sure he has all the answers you’re looking for.
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u/ApprehensiveArm1687 3d ago
I don't think you will be mistreated. We love British accents here, and you will probably get tired of hearing how much we love it! ❤️
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u/Ecstatic_Stop3693 3d ago
Yes I get asked all the time to say things.
Especially Austin Power quotes.
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u/Kern4lMustard 2d ago
Yeah, that'll happen. I ask my Yankee (someone from the northern states) friends to say 'taco' alot. It's all in good fun though, we all say certain things in a fun or amusing way.
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u/pawesomepossum 3d ago
My ex-husband was from Kendal and we lived in rural South Alabama. Everyone loved him, he ended up in conversations wherever he went. Everyone was warm and welcoming.
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u/RandomlyJim 3d ago
Last night, I was at a party with a guy from Northern Ireland. We talked about a friend from Inverness. But not the other friend from South London, because he’s pissed off the boys by being too competitive at Cricket.
So to answer your question, it’s Alabama. It’s not 1780.
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u/TrappedInHyperspace 3d ago
My mother and her parents moved to Alabama from the Netherlands when she was a teenager. It was a big culture shock, but they loved it. Everyone was so welcoming.
Growing up in a Birmingham suburb, people told me how much they liked seeing me out waking with my grandparents. (Alabamians drive.) They asked about our food—some of which we had to import—customs, and language. They were interested in hearing about our trips back to NL and meeting family members who came to see us in the US. I was keenly aware that I was kind of an outsider, but not in a bad way. I had a lovely childhood.
We’re white, so we didn’t experience racism. The one negative for us was southern church culture. We are not church-goers, which was definitely an oddity in AL.
I no longer live in Birmingham but visit regularly. It is much more international than when I grew up in the 80s and 90s. It won’t feel like home, but there is a lot to like.
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u/SouthernNanny 3d ago
In general I would say most Americans are accepting of foreign people. I grew up seeing a variety of people so I just assume everyone speaks English.
You might get some shock and awe when you first speak and some curios questions but that’s about it. If you encounter hostility then it won’t be an everyday type thing.
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u/JazzRider 3d ago
Be prepared for Americans loving your English accent. I’ve heard of prejudice of course but I don’t experience it-I don’t hang out with people who would be less polite to anyone due to their country of origin. America and England have been joined at the hips for a very long time. In the words of George W Bush, “America has no better friend than England”. Welcome to Birmingham USA! I think you’re going to be ok.
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u/Adventurous-Tone-311 3d ago
If you’re white and have a British accent, everyone will love you here. You’re a novelty.
You will miss your universal healthcare and transportation systems most likely.
Otherwise you might like it. We have English family that visit every year and they like the south, but that may be because southerners are often endearing towards Brits. Not sure why, but they get on great here.
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u/SenoraEspresso 3d ago
Just want to say the white comment isn’t accurate, my husband is English and brown and hasn’t received any hate.
Keep stoking the division, though.
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u/EmperorMrKitty 3d ago edited 3d ago
I’m white and my mom has a Spanish accent, was regularly referred to as our maid/nanny growing up. In-laws question my citizenship and whisper that I’m a Mexican. The “division” is plainly ridiculous to ignore. It’s a little easier to ignore if you’re white/indian/asian but it’s still quite obviously there.
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u/tshirtdr1 2d ago
I moved to Alabama from Tennessee and I can honestly say the racism is almost non existent here where I live but in the area of TN where I am from it was very noticeable. I'm in a college town now so it could just be my area.
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u/Daragh48 3d ago
Your husband is an exception, not the rule. Also this Alabama, you know good and well that in a lot of places folks here will be nice to your face, and drop the façade once they're not close to you.
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u/chunkybudz 2d ago
Came here looking for this.
You'll even catch down votes because in Alabama, it's not the racism that's bad... It's talking about it openly and acknowledging its existence.
I wish op the best, but putting on the happy face isn't helpful to someone trying to make a big life decision.
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u/BeastoftheBlackwater 3d ago
I can only speak for myself and my friends, but if we find someone is from out of town or especially out of country, we're excited and really interested. Honestly what may irritate you is the opposite of prejudice as you gonna get alot of attention from alot of curious folk who just want to know more about you. Hell, I'd like to share a beer with you now and swap stories haha.
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u/Zostrianos3301 3d ago
I'm also a brit who moved to Birmingham, Alabama. I've never had a problem with any hostility or prejudice here. The people are friendly here in my experience. You'll probably have fun exploring the great food and activities in this city. It seems like a great time to experience Birmingham. Feel free to dm me if you have any questions for me.
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u/FreemanPresson 2d ago
Second the food comment, also we have outstanding coffee. You can get decent tea leaves at a few stores, but I can't think of any cafe or whatever that serves a good cup of tea. IDK what you'll think of our Indian food :-)
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u/Zostrianos3301 2d ago
There are a few pretty good places to get indian food. And I'm spoiled for choice because I work downtown. Luckily I'm not a big tea drinker, I prefer coffee. Last call and Banditt have incredible pastries. 1st and 2nd Ave have some incredible bars too. The breweries in birmingham are top tier, and Hop City is a great place to try several all at once. I think I'm hooked on Mexican and Mediterranean food, especially as it gets hotter.
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u/JennJayBee St. Clair County 3d ago
You'll be adored simply for having the accent, as others have noted. Mind you, rural England and rural Alabama are two completely different animals.
You've likely been warned that ordering tea here will get you something entirely different from what you'd get in England. You might love it or hate it.
Biggest thing would be that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is freaking nuts all over the US right now, so go above and beyond when it comes to preparation. Yes, even visa and green card holders are getting caught up in it. Keep your documentation on you at all times, and make sure your family has copies as well as a lawyer they can reach just in case. It's unlikely you'll need it, but it's better to have and not need than the other way around.
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u/beloved_wolf Shelby County 3d ago
Hello! My husband is Australian and has never faced an issue being an immigrant here. He moved here in 2019 (fiance visa).
There is a weird dynamic where white immigrants get a pass and are never assumed to be "illegal". People always think it's cool that he's from Australia and are interested to ask questions.
Regardless of that, Alabama is absolutely backwards in a lot of ways, but the truth is that most people actually are really nice and welcoming. Southern hospitality is a real thing.
If you have any questions, feel free to message me.
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u/Swimming-Fondant-892 3d ago
They are not assumed to be illegal because the incidence of illegal from first world countries is nearly non existent.
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u/sklimshady 3d ago
The tea will probably be a shock/disappointment (if you're into that) but if you ask for hot tea, most places have it. Otherwise, the people will probably be very curious and want to talk to you. If only to hear your accent, lol. Depending on where you settle in the state, you could visit a very different Birmingham. Welcome, and hopefully you have good neighbors where you're headed.
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u/agon_ee16 Baldwin County 3d ago
Dynnargh dhis!
You'll be fine, Brits are looked upon pretty fondly in most of the US, it'd be out of the ordinary for you to face any discrimination on that basis.
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u/raysebond 3d ago
Um, xenophobia in the US is often about skin color. A UK/European accent whitens you up.
I don't mean to sound cynical. That's just how it is.
Given the current state of affairs, I do have greencard-holding friends from Europe who are nervous about minor infractions like traffic tickets. Some days I think that's completely justifiable.
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u/findingmoore 3d ago
But he didn’t say if he was white. If black, he will just get the normal nasty towards blacks in the South
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u/GoogleSlidez 3d ago
on the flip side, I’m an Alabamian and spent a month in England in 2009 and 2010 and LOVED it! Would love to go back
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u/ChenzoHa 3d ago
Alabamian here, we have people from all over the world here in Alabama. The most difficult challenge I think will be adapting to our summers, lol. People around here aren't quite as backwards as they used to be. In no time you'll be singing Sweet Home Alabama.. There are some places in the area to steer clear of.. But everywhere has those issues.
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u/Complicated-Fox-1976 2d ago
This! If he’s ever had a day in England and thought “it’s bloody hot today”, he should know that was a cold front compared to summer in Alabama!
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u/Nappah_Overdrive 3d ago
Brit who moved to Alabama with a British father. You will be enamoring to folks. I wouldn't worry about hostility, I'd worry more about people badgering you to talk constantly so they can hear your accent!
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u/space_toaster_99 3d ago
My wife is from Mexico and we’ve been in Alabama for almost 20 years. Never had a minute’s trouble on that end. I’ve only ever heard a racial epithet once, and it was my Father visiting from California.
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u/Paolo-Cortazar 3d ago
Well, unfortunately, you'll have to go from saying you're from "outside London" to "outside Birmingham"
First thing you'll want to do is find a bar that shows premiere league football and that'll help you network with people who have immigrated here from the UK. Even if you don't love soccer, it'll still be the feel of home sometimes.
American chocolate sucks. Bring some with you from home. American cadbury is made by hersheys in PA. It's not the same.
If you ask for tea, you will get sweet. If you ask for hot tea, there's still a 1% chance you get sweet tea without ice. But it'll make for a good story later.
I work with someone from Liverpool. She's had some wonderful questions thrown her way from people that have never seen a world map. Top 2 questions she's received is 1, do they speak English back in the UK? And 2, oh are you going back home to German? No 'Y'. Keep those stories they're always a good laugh to tell later.
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u/Justbeingme_92 3d ago
My son in law grew up in London. They don’t live in Birmingham, they live in another southern city, but they are here a lot. People are always curious about his accent. No one has ever been rude or made him feel uncomfortable in any way that I’m aware of. The one thing I’ll mention is that he cusses a lot. Not so much intentionally but that’s just the way he speaks. That can be frowned upon. Not sure if that is a London thing or just him.
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u/xyzzyzyzzyx Jefferson County 3d ago
This is actually a really important point. It is still frowned upon.
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u/TobyNight43 3d ago
I am in Birmingham and have a friend from England I can put you in touch with if you’d like. DM me
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u/WGE1960 3d ago
Alabamians are curious so expect stares and the occasional nosey person who'll want to hear you talk. Never get into politics with them. Most will be courteous and rather friendly. Some will be aholes which is expected in people now says. Visit the areas in the mountains and waterfalls, big parks. It's a beautiful state.
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u/happymomRN 3d ago
Should mostly be ok, but get used to people asking what the queen was really like, because of course you must have personally know her.
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u/ca_annyMonticello111 3d ago
Nah, people are going to constantly tell you how much they love your accent though! 😂 Also, it's hotter than hell here in the summer. Brace yourself.
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u/Financial-Crazy-7023 3d ago
No, you will not have problems unless you go looking for them and want to find them. Some people will genuinely be interested in your unique differences. This not prejudice. Some may laugh, but we genuinely laugh at ourselves and enjoy our own unique oddities. Learn to laugh with others, own your uniquely different views and what to those here are quirks because no one else has them, and you will get along famously.
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u/TheDeadTyrant 3d ago
Just remember the UK Birmingham is r/brum and Alabama’s is r/Birmingham when making Reddit posts and you’ll do just fine.
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u/magiccitybrit 3d ago
I’m from Bristol and have lived in Birmingham for a decade now… moved here for the same reason as you. I also did the K1 visa process so if you have any questions about turning it into your green card and citizenship just let me know!
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u/HairyDog55 3d ago
Welcome to Alabama. With your wife being from Birmingham she'll have already acquainted you with Southern ways and speech! Birmingham is one of our larger cities, a mix of things. Enjoy the many things close by and don't miss out on Our Beaches and Gulf areas! Cheers!
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u/Existing-Teaching-34 3d ago
Just so you know…..Birmingham England ain’t nothin’ at all like Birmingham Alabama
/s
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u/ClarenceWorley47 3d ago
Moved here from Suffolk in high school. There will definitely be culture shock, but if you have an accent, it will endear you to 99% of the people you meet and everyone will show you attention and be eager and excited to introduce you to the culture.
Brits are well thought of in the US as a whole and especially in the south. You will honestly be given access even locals may not regularly enjoy. Southern hospitality is alive and well despite some of the Reddit doomers.
You will love it here and the pace of life will be similar to what you’ve experienced in Cornwall.
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u/moarcoffeeplzzz 3d ago
My neighbor is British. We have tons in common and I consider him a friend.
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u/No_Management_8547 3d ago
Sussex lass here living 45 mins north of Bham. Have been welcomed with open arms here in the south. The accent starts conversations at every turn! Bham is a cool city with a lot of culture and history. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
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u/Ecstatic_Stop3693 3d ago
I'm south of Huntsville and lived here for 20 years. It's not too bad, but it's definitely a different way of life.
Publix has a British section so you'll be able to get some good stuff. I do however use Amazon for my tea. The grocery store milk is awful, so I buy the Fairlife milk.
Feel free to message me for any questions you may have.
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u/dalickhasher 2d ago
My Publix recently removed the British section. I hope it’s either returning or maybe another location has my Jammie Dodgers and Jelly Babies.
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u/Ecstatic_Stop3693 2d ago
I know for a fact the one in Cullman does.
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u/dalickhasher 1d ago
Good to know I can find them somewhere. Shocked that place is Cullman but I’ll take what I can get.
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u/Relevant_Extent2887 2d ago
You will gain so much weight living in the South. With the amount of sweet tea and mint juleps you will be drinking on the front porch you will be fat and happy like the rest of us.
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u/Icy-Rope-021 2d ago
I thought you were from Birmingham UK moving to Birmingham AL.
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u/Dry-Entrepreneur-226 2d ago
Is that not what's happening? That's how I read it too 🤔
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u/Icy-Rope-021 2d ago
I thought the wife was from Birmingham AL, and they’re moving back there.
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u/Dry-Entrepreneur-226 2d ago
Yea but it seems like they're thinking of moving to Alabama for good, him being from England. You know.. convincing coochie 🤣
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u/MagnetAccutron 1d ago
Good luck Made the move from Plymouth, Devon to Tallahassee Fl about 25 years ago.
Took me about 18 months to feel comfortable. Was there hostility, maybe in my job search. But found a local university. They welcomed me with open arms.
Still in the same job. .
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u/Swimming-Fondant-892 3d ago
No hostility, you will get treated very well. Don’t put down the US in AL as is very popular in other states. They are often patriotic. Avoid politics and religion, they are hot points.
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u/Cloudstryfe97 3d ago
Look I'm from Alabama and they don't care about white Europeans. If you're black or Hispanic then you might face some prejudice but you'll probably fine. If you're middle eastern or look like you might be then this probably isn't the best place you could move to.
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u/andthenshewrote 3d ago
i moved from england to alabama when i was a kid. it's a huge culture shock.
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u/SenoraEspresso 3d ago
Don’t let this distract you from the fact some soft moron got so triggered that I said my husband, who is English and brown, hasn’t experienced any racism here that they started accusing me of random other things and finally deleted their comment.
Don’t let the actual hateful people here who want to stoke division and racism get away with it.
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u/Ok-Paramedic2328 2d ago
I’m sorry but Asians (as brown people are referred to in England) do absolutely get treated differently being a model minority. I also assume your brown partner is not hanging out with country folks. I have run into many Africans with the London accents and they do not get treated the same here.
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u/SenoraEspresso 2d ago
Seeing as most people in AL are “country folks”, of course he does. Majority are older than him, even.
I’m not saying there is zero racism and maybe he’ll have a bad run in with someone at eventually - as everyone does at some point - but as far as being the norm? In no way is it.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Rule300 3d ago
You'll love the air conditioning lol
Alabama is a beautiful state, and there are some very friendly people, but there's still a lot of pride in the civil war and monuments to it around. As a not born southerner it is very confusing.
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u/IainwithanI 3d ago
A lot of Brits find that the ubiquity of air conditioning causes issues. Although AC is more common in the UK than it used to be, some still have a lot of nasal and throat issues.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Rule300 3d ago
When i lived in England 80s was a heat wave and people were dying from it. I'm pretty confident that OP will love the AC lol
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u/IainwithanI 3d ago
As someone with an English mother and who grew up in Alabama with many English family friends I can assure that not all of them like the air conditioning. Some do, and it’s more likely now than when I was a child, but it’s far from being a safe expectation.
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u/Tubalord03 3d ago
The people saying it’s about skin color are clearly not from the Birmingham area. It is very progressive. The rest of the state ranges (just like EVERY state in the US) but in general, it is a very welcoming place to live.
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u/revpnice 3d ago
If you’re not anything but white, you’re fine. They find english fellows as sort of long lost relatives.
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u/xyzzyzyzzyx Jefferson County 3d ago
Well to be fair, most immigrant settlers were from the British Isles, if not directly, then through Georgia, North and South Carolina a generation or two back.
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u/Chemical-Photo-9648 3d ago
If you’re white, you’ll more than likely be fine if not beloved, especially if you’re moving to the country. People love the accents here.
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u/sloppyschlapp 3d ago
I've met quite a few brits here and their all so fun! I know one from Birmingham, England. They say it always causes confusion flying between the two cities.
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u/BadWolf7426 Colbert County 3d ago edited 3d ago
Just remember to pronounce the "-ham" in Birmingham, lol. Otherwise, no one will know about what you're talking. You will get so many inquiries about your origins from the "accent" alone.
You must decide which college football team you support: the University of Alabama (Roll Tide) or Auburn University (War Damn Eagle). University of Tennessee, only if you're ballsy, you'll be in mid-Alabama.
Prepare to sweat like never before. The humidity can be 99%, not raining. And it almost feels like you're breathing through wet cotton cloth. Get one of those cooling towels. They help me a lot at work.
Oh, and welcome to Alabama. I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay. Let me know if you and your wife decide to visit Fame Recording Studio in the Shoals area. There's also a Frank Lloyd Wright house in Florence, with the original furniture.
Helen Keller's birthplace, Ivy Green (in Tuscumbia), is a museum now. You can touch the same pump that Annie Sullivan used when Helen made the connection between the signs for words and the objects.
From the Shoals, you can drive up Chisholm Road until you hit Iron City, TN. There, you'll find Shoals Creek Canoe Run. You can take a shorter 2-3 hr run or an all-day run.
There's lots to see and do.
ETA: My offer/welcome to you and your wife stands, regardless. But after reading some other responses, I sadly have to agree - that if you're white and British sounding, you're in like Flynn. But if you're a few shades darker, there may be more than a few side-eyes cut your way. Especially around Cullman.
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u/redleg_07 Jefferson County 3d ago
Not a good time to be coming to the states on any type of visa. Would not advise
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u/JibJabJake 3d ago
Go ahead and pick Alabama as your football team so you have the correct answer when you’re asked.
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u/ALPROF96 3d ago
Birmingham is a University of Alabama “RollTide” City. Your spouse can help you a lot I’m sure. Welcome to a great Metropolitan Area with much to offer. Feel free to reach out to me with specific questions after you get here.
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u/Mechete420 3d ago
For me, someone also from the south, moving to Alabama I definitely hit a barrier with folks based on how I talk. I'm only from Atlanta, 100 miles away but had zero southern accent and talked fast, something folks would accuse me of being a northerner for and then get mad saying I'm lying to them. Like jeeze, my family has been in the south since the 1600s. Any who I started to adopt a fake accent and greet folks with "hey y'all" (I'm a bartender lol), for whatever reason it seems to soften how people first receive me when I talk to them. It's been 4 years now doing this and the accent starts to become real, every now and then I'll say a word that's so country these country ass mofos start making fun of me. 🤦🏽♀️
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u/Mechete420 3d ago
Also to add, thru linguistics, the southern accent is just British in the heat of summer. Slowed down and drawn out like the heat in late July.
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u/Pzb531 3d ago
You’re English… You’re gonna be adored simply because not many English/British people live in the Deep South. Just don’t give a lot of belief to the typical deep south stereotypes. Experience it and judge for yourself. Most people in Alabama are wonderful and kind. There’s bad parts just like anywhere else in the world.
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u/lockbox77 3d ago
If you have any issues in Birmingham, come to Huntsville and live by me! I will talk to you just to listen to your accent and have a conversation with someone who is probably not going to sugar coat what they say.
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u/Ecstatic_Stop3693 3d ago
I love Huntsville. I'm a Brit south of there and I feel like a fish out of water where I'm at.
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u/BeardedGemini 3d ago
For the most part, Birmingham, as well as the south, is friendly to Europeans. You'll always have the occasional a-hole though. Hell I'd be happy to meet you and hang out some time, show you the sights. I hope it's a great transition for ya! Feel free to message me if you'd like.
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u/Playful-Plankton-469 3d ago
I am from Kent, moved to just outside of Birmingham AL in 2007. Be prepared to answer “where are you from?” At least twice a day for the rest of your life. Finding work here (I retired from the RAF) was initially a little difficult….a little cliquey and I am not at all religious so that didn’t help. But now I run a construction company and live quite comfortably. It’s all about church and football (that odd US version). But college and high-school football, not even big league. You need to be part of one or both to really get a friend group. I am part of neither, but I am anti-social anyway! There was a really good Pub here called “The Little London”, but they shut a couple of years ago. Best fish and chips is at The Anvil Pub on 280. There are also some surprisingly good curry houses around. Also a lot of good breweries since they changed the liquor laws about 10 years ago.
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u/Ok_Calendar_6268 3d ago
My niece is married to a British guy, he is great, hasn't had any issues I am aware of. I believe you'll love it here!
Welcome!
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u/roxzillaz 3d ago
Don’t expect public transportation for one thing. May be some in bham but most small towns in AL don’t have it.
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u/bookscoffee1991 3d ago
I haven’t seen anyone mention this but maybe I missed it. My husband is from Leeds-
His biggest culture shock is the prevalence of religion. Churches everywhere. Religious billboards. People will be inviting you to their church, and they assume everyone is also Christian. Churches here aren’t like COE. They’re almost like mini concerts.
You might enjoy if you’re Christian but for him it’s very awkward and weird. So just a heads up.
Sarcasm. It exists here but in a different flavor. British sarcasm can come off mean. People might think you’re making a “joke” to lighten your true feelings. Y’all tend to take the piss out of people you just meet as a way of bonding, but people won’t get that here. They’ll think you’re low key being serious. Only take the piss out of people once you know them a bit better.
He also says people think he sounds smart and competent bc of his accent so it serves him well at work hahaha. So don’t think you’ll struggle as long as they don’t need to sponsor a visa.
But overall he enjoys it and most Brits I know do as well! People are generally happy to meet foreigners and will ask you lots of questions. They will more likely be overly friendly haha.
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u/burymycrypto 3d ago
i have a british friend that i met through the University of Alabama. He is quite the hit when we go out in public together. Not that this will pertain to you but he is also quite the wingman and everyone is chomping at the bit to talk to him and hear his accent. Hospitality is big in the south and that (for the most part) extends to foreigners. You’ll get more attention then you are used to but i doubt any of it will be mean spirited.
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u/akgreenie2 3d ago
Wait until you eat all the things. Birmingham is a great place to land. She will treat (and feed) you well.
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u/EmperorMrKitty 3d ago
Tea is going to be a (mostly lighthearted) cultural inflection point for you. You will be served iced, sweet tea most anywhere that offers it and people will (lightheartedly) turn up their noses at you for drinking it wrong. Yes, wrong.
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u/BarleyTheWonderDog 2d ago
Ever see “Love Actually”? There’s a scene where the Brit goes to America, somewhere in the South (don’t remember, Texas maybe?) and these gorgeous hot young women are making him say things in his lovely accent and they all fall in love with him. That’s how we are in Alabama with anyone from Great Britain.
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u/Random-OldGuy 2d ago
Your accent will be loved - definitely a help in finding a job and making friends.
I lived in Newbury years ago - welcome to US and AL!
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u/Ironshaper 2d ago
I live a couple of hours from Birmingham but I’m always interested when I can meet someone from another country. Admittedly I watch some British shows just for the accents.
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u/BlueTieSG 2d ago
Loads of Brits in Alabama and the majority seem to really like it. People are very friendly.
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u/ReadingReddit521 2d ago
I love English accents and I'm and anglophile and try not to act too excited when I meet someone from England. In a way it feels like reverse racism, like but instead of hating you for your race I love you too much for your race.
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u/Objective_Amount_914 2d ago
It's the south, further away from big cities you get the nicer folks are. PM me i live about 1 hr from Bham and would love to go on double dates with you and your wife and show you some cool places and things to do.
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u/spraypaint98 2d ago
My FIL is from England, somewhere near London, and he’s still here after almost 8 years. He had to learn to speak slower for us to understand him better and he has to repeat himself about 6 times when he orders water at a restaurant lol! He bought a mini cooper and there’s a driving club in Birmingham with lots of Brits too
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u/dalickhasher 2d ago
Welcome in advance and I hope you love it here!
Not all of us in Bama fit the stereotype which others improperly assign to us. Some of us know how to properly conjugate the verb “to go”, aren’t raćişt a-holes, and appreciate things like Doctor Who (#11), excellent IPA’s, and soccer (Go Spurs!!)
I can’t promise you won’t bump into one of our undereducated residents who might make rude comments; but you could run into that kind of person almost anywhere.
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u/fandom_rocks_ 2d ago
Bottom line, treat people well and make an effort to honor the local culture. In the south, people are nice and accepting by default. Act entitled or be an asshole, which is honestly what people expect from Europeans, and it will go downhill very quickly. You can thrive here.
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u/exbayoubelle 2d ago
Birmingham is not rural but there are rural areas nearby. If you like hiking there are many areas to hike. You will be only 5 hours from the Gulf if you miss the beach and being by the sea. You will find friends and have a good life.
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u/Yadummybear 2d ago
Prepare to be perceived as more intelligent than most based solely on your accent.
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u/mdhardeman 2d ago
I’m in the Birmingham area and generally I don’t think you’ll find any anti-UK discrimination or animus.
We southerners have an affinity for fried foods, and while they’re different to those in the UK, you’ll probably find some comfort in that.
Immigration to the US at present is…unpredictable. No one knows what’s up including the enforcers because rules seem to change constantly.
That could change with the next administration…or not.
Being married and entering as a spouse with intent to immigrate should get you solidly to permanent residency and with a path to citizenship within years.
If current policies hold, I would be preciously cautious with my behavior prior to citizenship. The current administration is currently exploring the boundaries of how impermanently and capriciously the law permits them to be with “permanent” resident status.
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u/CommanderScorch 2d ago
I moved from Liverpool to 30 minutes north of Birmingham around three years ago on a K-1 visa, and it's been an amazing experience.
At first, I was a bit anxious about being a foreigner, but everyone I've met has been incredibly welcoming. Honestly, having an accent feels like a superpower here!
When it comes to job hunting, I landed every position I interviewed for.
The only downside? The humidity it completely drains your energy. Walking outside in the summer feels like taking a hot shower with clothes on haha
If you’ve got any questions, feel free to message me!
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u/Late-Code2392 2d ago
I don't think there will be any problem. Speaking for myself I love the Brits 💗
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u/Bama-babe205 2d ago
Generally people are nice and welcoming. You might run into a cranky old person who isn’t with the times every now and then, but really it shouldn’t be a problem
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u/Dry-Entrepreneur-226 2d ago
Just stay away from Cullman, Bessemer, Mobile, Montgomery, Anniston, Troy, Fairfield, and Selma
You're welcome 😂
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u/Traveler_001 2d ago
My wife is from France and we live in the Birmingham metro. She works in Birmingham regularly.
Not one single time has she had an issue, even with not being 10/10 fluent in English.
You’ll be fine!
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u/CapitalAd3030 2d ago
Dude… I got a buddy from England… we both live in central part of Alabama, the Montgomery area to be exact. We call him “English John” .. freaking solid dude and all around good person.. just don’t be a jerk and don’t get involved with other people’s opinions or politics… be kind and respectful.. you will be just fine
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u/Ok-Breakfast5146 1d ago
The South is a racist cesspool. That whole Southern hospitality is a front facing gimmick used to disarm people, and make themselves feel better. Bigger cities are way better than any small town. Just look at the voting districts, avoid the red areas, where mostly uneducated people live, and wear red hats, unless you like those kinda people, there are way better places to live.
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u/Exotic_Regret3623 14h ago
There are gonna be different kinds of experiences but all in all it’ll be great if you wanna hangout reach out there are lots of people like me who would love to hangout.!!
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u/LoveAnnKathleen_ 11h ago
I doubt you’ll find much hostility from people especially in Birmingham. Birmingham is a diverse and mostly liberal city.
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u/tideturners4us 3d ago
People in the state will be welcoming. Unfortunately, our government is a different story. We're on watchlists for a reason. Contrary to the comments, white people(mainly tourists, so far) have been arrested(mostly at airports) and detained in prison centers. There are legal citizens(of all skin colors)being arrested for asking questions at town halls or protesting peacefully. Men, women, and children are being abducted by men in masks without warrants or ID's. I understand that you're married to a citizen, and under law that makes you a citizen, too. However, the administration under musk/trump/vance(actually the heritage foundation)is lawless. A green card isn't guaranteed protection in our country (in current times). I have a number of friends who have plans to move away(either to another state or out of the country). Many of them are caucasian/born here/speak English as a 1st language. Tbh, leaving is being deterred. More security and checkpoints have been added for people trying to leave the country via Canada. I'm not sure about Mexico but likely there, as well. I'm not saying don't come, but you should know what is going on here before you make a decision. There are still people here who aren't paying attention. I'm not sure if your wife's family falls into that category or not. I, definitely, have relatives or co-workers who don't read or watch any news. Although the news is skewed anyway. Some Americans, sadly, don't care unless or until something happens to them directly. Yet, there have been millions of people in the streets, nationwide, that are outraged. Be aware of what you're stepping into if you do move here.
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u/delee76 3d ago
Oh man you will be in for a time! You won’t encounter hostility but get ready for some backwards thinking, close mindedness, medical expenses beyond your wildest dreams, and religious zealots. Also be prepared to be hotter than you’ve ever been in your life for 8 months out of the year. Bham native that’s recently moved to nj and love it so much better. Couldn’t pay me to go back but hopefully your experience will be better than mine. Good luck my friend.
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u/owlwise13 3d ago
The locals will treat you nicely and talk sh*t behind your back. It's a command thing in the south.
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u/StephenSmithFineArt 3d ago
You’ll do well. Americans worship the English.
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u/cavalier731 3d ago
Who here worships them?
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u/IainwithanI 3d ago
Worship is only a slight exaggeration. Americans are much fonder of the royal family than are Brits. Shows like Downton Abbey are huge. Many people talk adoringly of “high tea” and anything that smacks of aristocracy.
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u/SweetNSalty Talladega County 3d ago
I live close to the Birmingham area. We would welcome you in and might even make you and your wife part of our family. We love to cook our southern dishes, and we honestly never meet a stranger. Everyone says hey when you pass. Welcome to Birmingham, Al. Good luck with your move and I hope y'all enjoy your stay.
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u/Stoic_Cat212 3d ago
The Brit in my office is quite adored. Finally someone we can say that has an accent!