Well, the city had its chance to pump up Southside a long time ago, but once again lacked vision. Had they made 5 Points an entertainment destination (blocking traffic at night and not allowing things like Schaeffer Eye in the most valuable real estate), and creating a shuttle directly from UAB's campus at night, things may be a little different now. I'm pretty sure both UAB and the city put on blinders to the fact that college students don't drink. And once Highlands was rated the #5 restaurant in the country, the city should have invested more in that area. Period.
Now, I haven't been to Columbus to hang out, so I'm not sure how far these "upper income" neighborhoods are in comparison to the nightlife, but if they are a couple of miles, then that's about the same as to Homewood, Forest Park, Redmont, etc., which last time I checked, are "upper income" neighborhoods. If you dispute this, please look at housing prices and check back. Some of the wealthiest people in Alabama live in these areas.
Personally, I think the BJCC will need something like a Dave & Busters to draw out of towners in, as, quite frankly the bars in Birmingham suck, with a few minor exceptions. By the way, Nana Funks next to Innisfree -- worst bar on the planet. Birmingham needs more bars like The Garage, The Nick, and Bottletree to ever have a chance. I agree with Leonard23 -- after moving back from Denver last year, the one thing I miss is the CHOICE to go to many places. Birmingham has only a handful of bars.
And my final thought is just kind of shoved in here, because I didn't think of it until now, but we also have a huge problem in the fact that so many areas are competing to be an entertainment district. It's not only confusing for tourists, but also expensive. Cabs ain't cheap.