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Thursday, March 30, 2023

8 Best Places to Live in Birmingham, AL

Birmingham, Alabama

 

Are you getting ready to experience the wonders of “Magic City?” With over 150 years of history, Birmingham, Alabama, is many things: a center for the Civil Rights movement and a hub for business and healthcare. Education, arts, and culture flourish, and picturesque parks and trails add to the attraction of this southern city.

Before you move to Birmingham, learn a little about the historic charm of Alabama’s largest city. There are countless reasons why living in Birmingham is an excellent choice for individuals and families alike. Learn about Birmingham’s best neighborhoods to get the city’s flavor.

About Birmingham, AL

Birmingham AL map

Birmingham is Alabama’s largest city, but even so, it’s not super packed like other southern major metropolitan areas such as Nashville or Atlanta. Just over 200,000 people live in the city limits. That doesn’t include the suburbs that make up the Birmingham metro. Adding them brings the area’s population up to 1.1 million. Additionally, it’s a relatively young city with a median age of 35.7.

Workforce

One of Birmingham’s early nicknames was the “Pittsburgh of the South” because it started as an industrial hub for iron and steel production. The rich mineral deposits were one reason Birmingham was founded. The southern town grew around two rail lines transporting this natural wealth across the nation. The industry remains essential; several auto manufacturing plants and other processing plants are still at work today.

However, modern Birmingham has pivoted more towards technology and medical research. The Innovation Depot is one of the largest complexes in the southeast, with facilities for startups and tech companies. Birmingham is ranked as a top city for entrepreneurs, a popular choice for its affordability and local talent pool. 

Education and Schools

Education is core to the city’s identity, just as much as the steel mills and industry. The University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) is among the top federally funded research universities. Birmingham also has four other colleges, including Birmingham Southern College, Jefferson State, and Lawson State.

In addition, it has a high concentration of healthcare jobs. That quality trickles down into the public school system. Birmingham and its suburbs have some of the state’s top-rated schools for K-12 education.

Recreation

Birmingham has taken advantage of the rolling landscape in central Alabama. Located on the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, many lush parks and green spaces is one of the perks of living in Birmingham. It has more green spaces per capita than any city of similar size in the nation.

Popular Red Mountain Park spans 1,500 acres and has a dog park, 15 miles of walking trails, and three tree houses to explore. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve is another beautiful park residents prize for its stunning views and ample outdoor space. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is one of the city’s treasured attractions, with a Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring, storytime for the kids, and fall festivities.

Birmingham is a highly active city. It’s not just NASCAR racing at Barber Motorsports Park. Sports Business Journal calls it one of the top 50 cities for sports. The city loves hosting various sporting events, from the Mercedes-Benz Marathon to the USFL Birmingham Stallions. It hosted the 2022 World Games and the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for their football bowl games.

Besides a thriving work environment and excellent educational opportunities, many attractions draw people in. Some are nationally critical historical attractions, from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to the historic Carver Theater. Others capture Southern culture, like the two Halls of Fame, Jazz and Alabama Sports, based here. Families will enjoy the 700 animals at the Birmingham Zoo and the McWane Center, with its IMAX dome theater and interactive science exhibits.

Birmingham Real Estate

real estate aerial view in Birmingham Alabama

Alabama ranks as one of the most affordable states to buy a home in the United States. The Birmingham real estate market follows suit. It’s ranked among the most affordable cities for first-time homebuyers.

In the Birmingham metro, the monthly supply of inventory has been slowly rising since its low in February 2022. As of August 2024, it had a four-month supply of inventory. That’s more in line with its five-year historical average.

Days on the market have fluctuated, partially with the changing seasons, but were up year-over-year. Local housing prices were at a median sale price of $375,000 reported in June 2024, up $60,000 from two years before. The housing prices are still well below the national average of $412,300 for Q2 2024. 

As you can see, the affordable housing prices make Birmingham an ideal place to buy a home. There are a variety of neighborhoods inside the city and in the surrounding suburbs to check out. So, where should you look to purchase a home in Birmingham? We will focus solely on what neighborhoods are popular within the city limits, excluding suburbs like Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook.

Birmingham Alabama Best Neighborhoods

Highland Park

Beautiful Highland Park has received many accolades in its history. Not only does it have a convenient location to the downtown business district, but this rolling community feels quaint and charming under the mature tree-lined streets. Sidewalks throughout lead to numerous parks, providing additional green spaces for play and relaxation.

Residents like how Highland Park mixes that quiet suburban feel with many activities. Highland Avenue is the winding main road linking the community. Multiple trending restaurants and coffee shops are in the neighborhood. And, if you’re in healthcare, two hospitals are conveniently located in the northwest corner. Plus there’s an 18-hole golf course, a tennis, and essential shops.

Highland Park has five historic neighborhoods inside its borders. For the home buyer, it has a mix of real estate, from new single-family homes to modern condos and apartments. The community had a median list price of $512,300 in October 2024, with 25 homes for sale. But don’t be deterred by the price, as there are historic homes listed in the $200-$300K price range.

Forest Park

Forest Park is a great neighborhood to check out if you want a peaceful community near nature. Not only is it around Red Mountain, whose park and crest cover a thousand acres of green space, but it has more parkland thanks to Avondale Park, Altamont Park, and the two golf courses nearby.

Living here balances the blend of urban amenities. Accessing some of the top city landmarks, like the Botanical Gardens or the Sloss Furnaces, is easy. Along 4th Avenue, residents can stop at Avondale Brewing to try the latest craft creations or pick up ice cream from Big Spoon Creamery. Clarimont Avenue has a string of eclectic boutique shops for those seeking a special gift or unique touch around the home. More bars and grills, dining, restaurants, and shopping options are all close at hand.

Stately historic homes frame the valley. Forest Park has many early-period homes. The architectural styles and opulent landscaping of the residences earned the neighborhood its nickname, the “Country Club District.” The charming homes carried a median list price of $484,000 for the 26 homes for sale in October 2024.

Redmont Park

Are you sensing a theme among Birmingham, Alabama’s best neighborhoods? The southside historic districts were planned so thoughtfully that they still have incredible perks today! This vibrant community is prized for its access to the city’s parks and its beautiful homes. It’s southwest of Forest Park and next to Mountain Brook, a top metro suburb for its schools and housing.

Living here, residents can easily walk the trails at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, bring the kids to the Zoo, and or summit Red Mountain. Vulcan Park and Museum are on one corner, and Altamont Park is on the other. Two golf courses are on either side–Highland Park and the Country Club of Birmingham. The beautiful winding streets work with the rising hills for beautiful views from this suburban enclave. The architectural styles speak to its development era, with charming English cottage homes beside Spanish Revival and Dutch Revival. Best of all, it has a more affordable price tag of $499,000, with 15 homes for sale in October 2024. Note that its zoning crosses school and tax districts, which may matter to families buying in Redmont Park.

Downtown

aerial view of Downtown Birmingham Alabama

For those who love the energy of urban living, it doesn’t get much better than downtown. Park the car and walk to all the entertainment and dining options in the historic city center. Birmingham’s historic streetcar line makes it easy to get around without needing a car.

Residents enjoy the balanced living found in this mixed-use district. Walk to the farmer’s market at Pepper Place, or spend a Friday evening strolling the brewery trail. Have a picnic on a pleasant spring day at Railroad Park. Watch nearby trains come and go as your run the paths or ice skate at the winter rink. Or check out a festival at Linn Park. Downtown is also where you’ll find key cultural sites in Birmingham, like the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and the Civil Rights Heritage Trail. It also has entertainment venues like Regions Field and Legacy Arena.

However, it’s not all arts venues, museums, and attractions. Residents have stores catering to the daily essentials and for finding something unique. You can check out the famous Read Books or find secondhand goods at one of the consignment shops.

For work, there’s the business district with its retail, financial, and professional services. UAB Hospital is near downtown, as its the campus. 

Living downtown has the best access to city amenities and public transit in Birmingham. Downtown breaks into some smaller residential neighborhoods like Druid Hills and Fountain Heights. The housing market trends towards apartment lofts and condominiums, but there is a mix of housing options. 

Central City

Revitalization breathed life into the Central City neighborhood. The downtown area is a trendy mixed-use neighborhood with residences, business, and retail space.

Like many downtown areas, it’s highly walkable to downtown or the UAB campus. Being so close to the student centers and the downtown entertainment scene, it has extensive nightlife options booming along First and Second Avenues. End up a night at high-end cocktail bars or laidback sports bars. Catch acts performing at historic venues like the Lyric Center and the Carver Center. The Birmingham Museum of Art is also in Central City.

Condos and converted lofts in red brick buildings dominate the real estate market. The Central City neighborhood had an October 2024 median list price of $350,000, with 50 homes for sale. You’ll also find modern apartment buildings with affordable rent prices.

Lakeview District

The Lakeview District might appeal to you if you want to live near a place with lots of culture. What is today a top entertainment district grew up as a streetcar neighborhood. That places it close to downtown Birmingham and hints at its southern character. You’ll find some classic buildings bursting with character. Sometimes, this area is called “Southside.”

Residents can walk to the Civil Rights Institute or the Birmingham Museum or the historic Sloss Furnances. However, this isn’t just a historic district, although that is one of the perks. Locals prize the Lakeview District for all its trendy entertainment. It has no shortage of dining options, bars and pubs, and independent shops. For example, The Market at Pepper Place has healthy and locally grown produce and goods. TrimTab Brewing creates craft beers and has an event space.

The real estate market includes redeveloped industrial buildings adapted into modern apartment complexes, condos, or lofts. There’s also been a flurry of new construction to cater to the demand for downtown living. Either way, you’ll have great proximity to downtown and affordable options for living.

Five Points South

Convenience is king in Five Points South, which has a young vibe thanks to its being home to the UAB campus. Don’t be surprised to find many students and young professionals living in this urban neighborhood. They like being within walking distance of the class.

The 9,000 residents have convenient access to many parts of Birmingham. You can take one of the intersecting roads into campus, downtown Birmingham, Lakeview, or one of the suburbs.

 It has a lively social scene. Right at the historic intersection is a collection of pubs, delicious globally-inspired restaurants, and chain dining. Some restaurants include James Beard award-winning restaurants, which is why Five Points South is called Birmingham’s “food hub.” But there’s more than delicious eats in Five Points. Find funky retail options like vintage clothing stores and record shops. There’s even an apothecary that’s been in business since 1914. Best of all, it’s a highly walkable neighborhood. One iconic attraction is the central Storyteller Fountain, now a popular spot for snapping social media photos.

Five Points South had 37 homes for sale in October 2024 at a median price of $350,000.

Glen Iris

This Magic City neighborhood is right off Interstate 65, making it easy to get into downtown or the UAB campus when you want. In fact, the parts of the campus touch its northeastern border.

Since it’s further away from downtown, you’ll find quiet streets and a peaceful community. It has its own park, Glen Iris Park, and George Ward Park for green spaces. It also connects to the Vulcan Trail, which will lead you right up Red Mountain or to Vulcan Park.

Locals can easily go for their daily grocery run or buy a gift for a special occasion. Visit the Riverchase Galleria Mall or the Red Mountain Shopping Center. The latter is among Alabama’s biggest enclosed malls, with over 150 stores. This mix of quiet neighborhoods with accessible shopping and parks makes the neighborhood a choice for families.

Glen Iris has a mix of single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments. The October 2024 market had 17 homes for sale at $250,000.

Living in Birmingham

statue in the park - Birmingham Alabama

As you can see, there’s a lot to love about living in Birmingham. Besides its many historical attractions and southern charm, residents have an affordable cost of living and a rich dining scene. An extensive parks and recreation system encourages active living, with the pinnacle being the scenic views from Red Mountain. If Birmingham, AL, sounds like the right city for you to set up a home, learn more by talking to a local real estate agent.

 

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