Welcome to the forum, my friend. I consider Alabama (Birmingham) home. Most of my family is still in B`ham and yes, you can learn everything you need to know (and a lot you don`t) here. A bunch of good and very knowledgeable folks here.
I worked in Bessemer, B`ham, Jasper, Gadsden, Cullman, Huntsville, and Decatur many decades ago. I still miss Bama and preferred the northern part of the state.