From parks bursting with camellias to eateries boasting some of the best flavors east of the Mississippi, Birmingham is a city that knows a thing or two about Southern charm.
After all, any city nicknamed “Magic City” is sure to delight, and its culture and community are just as strong as the steel it’s built upon. Not only are Birmingham neighborhoods rich in culture, but they’re filled with historic places.
If you’re thinking about moving to Birmingham, chances are you want to find an equally magical neighborhood to call home. Fortunately, we’re here to help. In this guide to the best neighborhoods in Birmingham AL, we’ll explore the three most sought-after communities.
#1 Highland Park
Located two miles south of downtown Birmingham, AL, Highland Park is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. In addition to gorgeous Tudor-style homes, the Birmingham neighborhood features one-bedroom condos and spacious apartments.
The neighborhood also harbors some of the city’s best cultural attractions and restaurants, including Rojo, which serves American and Latin cuisines under twinkling string lights.
Bordering the Highland Park Golf Course, the neighborhood also contains multiple parks Birmingham residents can enjoy.
Things to do and see
Living in Highland Park means spending days strolling through numerous greenspaces and nights taking in the community’s vibrant culture.
A few of the neighborhood’s can’t-miss attractions include:1
- Virginia Samford Theatre – First opened during the Roaring Twenties, the historic Virginia Samford Theatre delights the community with an eclectic mix of musicals and plays. Popular performances include The Sound of Music and Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5: The Musical.
- Rhodes Park – Known for its abundance of friendly four-legged friends, the 3.25-acre Rhodes Park is considered the city’s “Unofficial Dog Park.” The park is also known for its many festivals, especially its canine-centric “Do Dah Day” parade, which raises funds for local animal charities.
Housing market
Highland Park is one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. Consequently, the neighborhood’s median listing home price of $699K is one of the steepest in the city. That said, it’s possible to find listings from the sub-$100Ks.2
However, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in this neighborhood is $944 and you can typically find two-bedroom homes for about $1,457.3
#2 Central City
Combining the hustle and bustle of city life with the stylish sophistication of urban living, Central City is Birmingham’s neighborhood of choice for young professionals.
As a result, the Birmingham neighborhood features some of the city’s swankiest art galleries, hippest nightlife, and trendiest restaurants.
Things to do and see
Whether you prefer spending an afternoon shopping at one of the neighborhood’s many fine retailers or sipping a spritz on a restaurant’s veranda, Central City sports the atmosphere for any occasion.
Popular neighborhood attractions include:
- Birmingham Museum of Art – As one of the largest and most well-known regional art museums, the Birmingham Museum of Art features more than 27,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, and student projects.4
- Sloss Furnaces – In the late 1800s, Birmingham was a leader in iron and steel production. Take a fascinating tour of the city’s industrial history of Birmingham, AL by visiting the city’s longest-running blast furnace, Sloss Furnaces. Although the blast furnace is now closed, visitors can still tour the works and take classes in metal arts.
Housing market
With a median home listing price of $347K, homes in Central City tend to be some of the most affordable in the city. You can easily find modern family lofts, high-rise apartments, and fashionable factory flats.5
If you’re looking to rent, you can expect to find a one-bedroom for $1,139 on average.6 There are numerous studios and one-bedroom apartments in the area, including Common at The Frank. With close proximity to cafes, cocktail spots, bookstores, and museums, it’s easy to make apartment living feel like home in the heart of Central City.
#3 Vestavia Hills
Vestavia Hills is consistently rated as one of the best Birmingham Alabama neighborhoods—and for good reason.
While the area is an homage to laid-back, hospitable Southern charm, it also prides itself on its modern, community-oriented feel. As you walk its streets and wooded walking trails, you’ll come across numerous gastropubs, retailers, and cultural landmarks.
Things to do and see
Located a mere six miles from downtown Birmingham, Vestavia Hills is a popular destination for day-trippers.
Popular sights include:
- Moss Rock Preserve and Waterfalls – Escape into a forested area of hiking trails, rock walls, and streams by heading to the Moss Rock Preserve and Waterfalls. The nature preserve features over 12 miles of trails and is just 15 miles south of Birmingham.7
- Temple of Sibyl – Designed by former mayor George Ward to accompany his mayoral estate, the Temple of Sibyl is a replica of the famous Roman temple by the same name. Many hold weddings and private parties under its domed ceiling.
Housing market
How does Vestavia Hills real estate and housing market compare to other neighborhoods in Birmingham AL? Vestavia Hills prides itself on affordable family living. Whether you’re looking for a ranch-style family home situated on a cul-de-sac or a two-bedroom condo close to the neighborhood’s center, Vestavia Hills has the home for you.
With a median listing home price of $427.5K, Vestavia Hills provides accessible walking trails and plenty of cultural attractions, all within a short drive of downtown Birmingham.8
For those looking to rent, the average price for a one-bedroom is $1,030.9
Common: Birmingham Living Made Easy
Ready to discover all the best places and neighborhoods of the Magic City? Birmingham is an area brimming with Southern charm, trendy attractions, and cultural significance, making it an ideal locale for young professionals searching for an exceptional place to call home. From its historic places to the rich culture of Birmingham residents, there’s a neighborhood for everyone.
From the tree-lined streets of Highland Park to the trendy eateries of Central City, Birmingham living is all-encompassing. It might even be challenging to choose between the Birmingham neighborhoods. For apartment living that’s just as comprehensive, look to Common.
We provide all-inclusive coliving and apartments in beautiful spaces across the country. If you’re looking to experience all that Birmingham has to offer, Common at The Frank is located among the bustling cafes and theaters of Central City. In addition to its on-site courtyard, bar, and turfed lounge, you’ll find studios and one-bedroom apartments.
Book a tour today and start planning your Birmingham move with Common.
Sources:
- StyleBlueprint. Your Guide to BHAM’s Charming Highland Park Neighborhood. https://styleblueprint.com/birmingham/everyday/guide-to-highland-park-birmingham/
- Realtor. Home values in Highland Park. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Highland-Park_Birmingham_AL/overview
- Zumper. Average Rent in Highland Park, Birmingham, AL. https://www.zumper.com/rent-research/birmingham-al/highland-park
- Birmingham Museum of Art. About the Museum. https://www.artsbma.org/the-museum/
- Realtor.com. Central City, Birmingham, AL Real Estate Market. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Central-City_Birmingham_AL/overview
- Zumper. Average Rent in Central City, Birmingham, AL. https://www.zumper.com/rent-research/birmingham-al/central-city
- The Crazy Tourist. 15 Best Things to Do in Vestavia Hills (AL). https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-to-do-in-vestavia-hills-al/
- Realtor. Home values in Vestavia Hills, AL. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Vestavia-Hills_AL/overview
- Zumper. Average Rent in Vestavia Hills, AL. https://www.zumper.com/rent-research/vestavia-hills-al