Newly matched MS4/incoming UAB resident moving to Birmingham - Neighborhood Recs

Basically the title!

My fiance and I will be moving to Birmingham at the beginning of June from Shreveport, LA. We're looking to rent for at least 1 year at $1500 or less/month, appliances included, willing to buy washer/dryer if hookups only. We have lots of outdoor toys (kayaks, small boats, etc.) and will need some yard/storage space for them.

If you know anything about Shreveport, crime is kind of unavoidable regardless of how nice your area is unless you're in the upper crust gated communities. Our current neighboorhood in Shreveport is overall pretty rough but our BLOCK (and nicely updated home) is decent. Occasional gunshots heard, but you kind of hear that wherever you live in the city tbh.

Honest recommendations appreciated - we're considering the areas around Red Mountain Park, Irondale, Forestdale, Green Acres, etc. Also if anyone has recs on companies/people willing to rent to freshly graduated medical students that understand the financial situation we're in until we start work, we'd love to hear them!