Metropolitan Alabama GuideMetropolitan Alabama is the central region of the U.S. state. Just like it sounds, Metropolitan Alabama is home to most of Alabama's urban areas. Interstates 65, 20, and 59, and US routes 31, 43, 11, 280, 78, and 278 lead into Metropolitan Alabama. HotelsFind hotels in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden, Clanton and more. BirminghamBirmingham is the largest city in the state of Alabama. With more than 1.2 million people in the metropolitan area, Birmingham is the cultural and economic heart of Alabama. TuscaloosaTuscaloosa is a city in Metropolitan Alabama and home of the University of Alabama. HooverHoover is in Metropolitan Alabama. While most nearby attractions in the area are in Birmingham, Hoover is an important shopping/retail area. GadsdenGadsden is a city in the Appalachian foothills of Alabama. Gadsden was settled in the early 1800's. ClantonClanton is a small town in Metropolitan Alabama near Lay Lake and the Confederate Memorial Park. HeflinHeflin is the county seat of Cleburne County. It is located on Interstate 20, approximately half-way between Birmingham and Atlanta. PelhamPelham is a city in Alabama.