Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama with a population of over 200,000 residents. It is known for its diverse neighborhoods, rich history, southern culture and cuisine. Birmingham offers residents an affordable cost of living, thriving job market and plenty of amenities.
When determining the best place to live in Birmingham, there are several key factors to consider:
- Neighborhood safety
- Quality of local schools
- Access to amenities like shopping, dining and parks
- Affordability of housing
- Commute times to workplaces and downtown
- Sense of community
Certain neighborhoods rise to the top when weighing all of these considerations. The best places to live in Birmingham tend to offer low crime rates, top-ranked schools, family-friendly amenities, reasonable home prices and commute times under 25 minutes.
Safest Neighborhoods in Birmingham
When evaluating where to live, safety is often the number one priority. Birmingham has some neighborhoods that are safer than others. Here are some of the safest areas in Birmingham:
| Neighborhood | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bluff Park | 47 per 10,000 residents | 266 per 10,000 residents |
| Homewood | 58 per 10,000 residents | 303 per 10,000 residents |
| Hoover | 45 per 10,000 residents | 232 per 10,000 residents |
| Mountain Brook | 12 per 10,000 residents | 149 per 10,000 residents |
| Vestavia Hills | 35 per 10,000 residents | 203 per 10,000 residents |
As the table shows, Mountain Brook has the lowest rates for both violent and property crimes by far. Bluff Park, Hoover and Vestavia Hills also stand out for lower crime. These would be safer family-friendly areas to consider.
Homewood and downtown Birmingham tend to have higher crime rates in comparison. Those moving to Birmingham for the first time may feel most comfortable living in one of the safer neighborhoods.
Schools in Birmingham
The quality of the local public schools is another important factor, especially for families with children. Birmingham has some districts that consistently outperform others on statewide tests and rankings. Here are some of the top-rated school districts in Birmingham:
| School District | Average Test Scores | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Homewood City Schools | 18.6 / 20 | 95% |
| Mountain Brook Schools | 19.2 / 20 | 97% |
| Vestavia Hills Schools | 19.1 / 20 | 97% |
| Hoover Schools | 17.8 / 20 | 93% |
The top-performing school districts are Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Homewood. Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills earn exceptionally high average test scores. All three districts have high school graduation rates above 90 percent.
Families looking for good schools will want to concentrate their home search within these school zones. Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills consistently rank among the top districts statewide each year.
Most Affordable Areas
Housing costs also vary significantly depending on which Birmingham neighborhood you live in. Birmingham has a very reasonable cost of living compared to national averages, but some areas are more budget-friendly for buyers and renters.
Here is a look at median home values and median rent for different Birmingham zip codes:
| Zip Code | Median Home Value | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| 35242 (Vestavia Hills) | $253,100 | $900 |
| 35243 (Homewood) | $215,200 | $860 |
| 35209 (Downtown) | $130,300 | $760 |
| 35211 (North Birmingham) | $85,000 | $650 |
North Birmingham (35211) and Downtown (35209) offer the most affordable options for buying or renting. Median home values are below $150,000 and rents are lower compared to the metro area averages.
Vestavia Hills (35242) and Homewood (35243) are two of the more expensive neighborhoods but also rank among the most desirable places to live.
Shortest Commute Times
Many Birmingham residents commute to workplaces in the downtown area. Commute times under 25 minutes are ideal.
Here are average commute times from key neighborhoods:
| Neighborhood | Average Commute Time |
|---|---|
| Downtown | 10 minutes |
| Highland Park | 15 minutes |
| Homewood | 20 minutes |
| Vestavia Hills | 25 minutes |
| Hoover | 22 minutes |
| Mountain Brook | 20 minutes |
Residents of downtown Birmingham enjoy commute times of 10 minutes or less. Neighboring areas like Highland Park, Homewood and Mountain Brook keep average commutes under 25 minutes.
Vestavia Hills and Hoover have slightly longer commute times on average, but are still under 30 minutes total.
Best Neighborhood Amenities
Access to amenities like parks, trails, restaurants, malls and entertainment is key. Birmingham offers great amenities across many different neighborhoods.
Here are some of the top neighborhoods for amenities:
Downtown Birmingham – The heart of Birmingham offers the best access to amenities and attractions like restaurants, parks, museums, performing arts and sports.
Homewood – Shades Valley and downtown Homewood have excellent local shops and eateries. Homewood is also home to the Birmingham Zoo.
Mountain Brook – This affluent community has top-rated schools, parks and recreation centers for families.
Trussville – Trussville offers popular retail, chain restaurants and recreation facilities for suburban living.
Vestavia Hills – Residents enjoy parks, trails, community centers plus shopping and dining at Wald Park and City Center.
Evaluating the amenity access is one of the best ways to find a neighborhood with your desired lifestyle. For families, areas like Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills probably offer the most amenities. Young professionals may prefer downtown Birmingham for its walkability and nightlife.
Most Walkable Neighborhoods
Walkability is a priority for many home buyers nowadays. Walkable neighborhoods allow you to get around easier without a car, while promoting a more active lifestyle.
Here are some of the most walkable neighborhoods in Birmingham based on Walk Score ratings:
| Neighborhood | Walk Score |
|---|---|
| Downtown / Five Points | 88 |
| Fountain Heights | 75 |
| Highland Park | 75 |
| Lakeview | 71 |
| Glen Iris | 67 |
Downtown Birmingham is rated as “very walkable” with a score of 88. Neighborhoods around downtown like Five Points, Highland Park and Lakeview are also quite walkable.
Suburban neighborhoods in Birmingham tend to be more car-dependent overall. But for the best walkability, look to live downtown or along the outskirts of downtown.
Best Suburbs in Birmingham
Within the greater Birmingham metro area, there are several popular suburbs that offer great schools, amenities, safety and quality of life.
Here are some of the top-rated suburbs around Birmingham:
Vestavia Hills – Excellent public schools and amenities plus low crime rates. Vestavia Hills ranks as one of the most desirable suburbs.
Homewood – Top-performing schools and a walkable downtown area. Homewood has beautiful neighborhoods and architecture.
Mountain Brook – This posh community has elite private schools and extremely low crime. Houses are very expensive in Mountain Brook.
Hoover – With great shopping and recreation, Hoover is ideal for families who want amenities. Schools perform very well.
Chelsea – A newer suburb located between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. Chelsea has great new homes and an appealing small-town vibe.
Helena – Located south of Birmingham, Helena offers scenic rural living with new residential growth.
For those willing to commute farther, Leeds, Trussville, Moody and Gardendale are also popular suburbs. Birmingham benefits from having so many appealing suburbs within 30 miles.
Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods
In addition to established neighborhoods, Birmingham has some up-and-coming areas that are getting renewed attention.
Here are a few up-and-coming Birmingham neighborhoods to consider:
Avondale – Very walkable and close to downtown with local eateries and breweries. Home prices are rising quickly.
Woodlawn – Just east of downtown, Woodlawn is more affordable and seeing revitalization.
Parkside – Adjacent to East Park, this area has beautiful historic homes and charming local businesses.
Norwood – Located between Homewood and Mountain Brook, Norwood offers great homes at lower prices.
Princeton – A historic neighborhood northeast of downtown with new development.
Riverchase – This master-planned community in Hoover has golf courses, recreation and nature areas.
These up-and-coming neighborhoods give you a chance to buy-in early before prices rise too much. The locations still offer good proximity to Birmingham job centers and amenities.
Most Affordable Suburbs
While Birmingham itself is very affordable, some suburbs are more budget-friendly than others. Young families or first-time home buyers may want to target these affordable suburbs first before looking at more costly areas.
The most affordable Birmingham suburbs include:
Pleasant Grove – Located southeast of Birmingham in Jefferson County. Pleasant Grove has median home values around $130,000.
Adamsville – A western suburb with median home prices of $97,000 and decent access to Birmingham.
Fultondale – North of Birmingham, Fultondale has homes for around $115,000.
Center Point – Very affordable with median home values around $85,000.
Hueytown – Southern suburb with relatively low home prices and rents.
While these affordable suburbs have lower incomes and more crime on average, they offer an entry point for those on a budget. Young families may choose to buy in one of these areas, then move to a more upscale suburb later on.
Best Places to Raise a Family
When it comes to the best neighborhoods in Birmingham for raising a family, a few stand out for their exceptional schools, low crime, amenities and family-friendly appeal.
Here are some of the top family-friendly neighborhoods:
Vestavia Hills – Consistently ranked Birmingham’s top suburb for families. Vestavia Hills has incredible public schools, parks, recreation and shopping. Large single-family home neighborhoods promote community.
Homewood – Charming neighborhood feel with historic architecture. Homewood has top-performing, walkable schools and kid-friendly activities.
Bluff Park – Located south of downtown, Bluff Park offers sizable homes and safe streets. The area has highly-rated elementary and middle schools.
Mountain Brook – Affluent area with luxury estates and elite private schools. Low crime makes Mountain Brook one of the safest places for families.
Hoover – Major suburban area with excellent retail and recreation. Hoover schools perform very well academically.
Families looking for the classic suburb lifestyle will be very happy in communities like Vestavia Hills and Hoover. For superb schools and character, Homewood and Mountain Brook are ideal family neighborhoods.
Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
Birmingham also has some great neighborhoods for young professionals, often around the downtown and entertainment districts. Look for areas that are walkable and have vibrant nightlife.
Top neighborhoods in Birmingham for young professionals include:
Downtown – At the heart of Birmingham with walkability, loft apartments, restaurants and activity. Condos and apartments appeal to young professionals downtown.
Highland Park – Historic neighborhood near downtown with its own entertainment district. Highland Park has beautiful architecture and green space.
Lakeview – Adjacent to downtown with pubs, eateries and small locally-owned shops. More affordable than downtown with great nightlife.
Five Points South – Walkable area near downtown with retail, restaurants and music venues. It has a lively social scene.
Avondale – Experiencing revitalization with new breweries and eclectic shops. Home to young artists and entrepreneurs.
For millennials and recent graduates moving to Birmingham, these communities offer the most opportunities to live an active social lifestyle. They also provide more affordable housing options like apartments and condos.
Most Diverse Neighborhoods
Known as a civil rights landmark, Birmingham today has neighborhoods that reflect the city’s diversity and multiculturalism. Some of the most diverse areas include:
Southside – Home to the University of Alabama Birmingham campus. Southside is multicultural and LGBTQ-friendly.
Roebuck – This eastern suburb has a diverse population including Hispanic, African American and Asian American families.
Titusville – Historic African American neighborhood with affordable homes near downtown. Home to well-known civil rights sites.
Princeton – Seeing an influx of Hispanic, Asian and African American families in this revitalizing community.
West End – Adjacent to downtown with multicultural families and ethnic restaurants. Nearly half are Hispanic or Latino.
While Birmingham still faces some socioeconomic divides, these communities showcase the city’s multiculturalism. Southside and West End appeal to young singles and couples, while families move to areas like Roebuck or Princeton.
Retirement Communities
With its low cost of living and mild winters, Birmingham has become a popular retirement destination. Several local communities cater to retirees and seniors.
Some top retirement neighborhoods in Birmingham include:
Hoover – Active adult communities with amenities and entertainment. Close to medical facilities.
Trussville – Retirees are attracted to Trussville’s small-town feel with shopping and recreation.
Alabaster – Newer suburban development appeals to retirees. Relatively low taxes.
Mountain Brook – Affluent area with luxury estates and country clubs. Close to respected doctors and hospitals.
Vestavia Hills – Beautiful natural surroundings. Retirees often downsize to smaller homes in Vestavia Hills.
With amenities and access to healthcare, these communities are designed for safety, comfort and socializing. Birmingham suburbs like Hoover, Alabaster and Trussville offer many options for active adult living.
Downtown Birmingham high-rises and Vestavia Hills also attract local retirees looking to downsize into maintenance-free condos and apartments.
Conclusion
With diverse neighborhoods and rankings as an affordable place to live, Birmingham has a lot to offer. Families may want to target suburbs like Vestavia Hills and Homewood for the schools. Young professionals often gravitate to walkable areas like downtown or Highland Park.
Mountain Brook and Hoover consistently rate as two of the most desirable communities. But up-and-coming neighborhoods in and around downtown also give local flair. Safety, schools and amenities are top considerations for most Birmingham residents. The area gives a range of neighborhood options at reasonable Alabama prices.