Birmingham

Birmingham is a residential city in Oakland County, Michigan, located about 16 miles (26 kilometers) north of Detroit. The city spans a hilly landscape with neighborhoods clustered around a compact commercial core.

The first permanent settlers arrived in this area in 1819 and established a small community named after the British industrial city. Over the course of the 20th century, the settlement grew into an affluent suburb with its own character.

The commercial center shows a mix of upscale shops, restaurants and small stores that shape daily life for residents. Many streets are lined with trees and invite walking.

The city connects easily to the Detroit area and works well for day visits or as a base for exploring the region. The center can be walked through, and parking is available near the main streets.

The name of the city comes from an industrial metropolis in England, even though the place itself never hosted factories or heavy industry. This naming choice in 1819 was a wish by the founders to mirror the rise of the British city.

Location: Oakland County

Inception: 1819

Elevation above the sea: 237 m

Shares border with: Bloomfield Hills

Website: https://bhamgov.org

GPS coordinates: 42.54667,-83.21139

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:40