Walkability can be a major factor when deciding where to buy your next home. Buyers value the convenience of being able to access daily needs without the use of a vehicle, the benefits of greater connection with their local community, and often higher property values.
Out of all the over-the-mountain communities in the Greater Birmingham area, Homewood has some of the highest concentration of walkable neighborhoods. Three of the most walkable neighborhoods include Edgewood, Hollywood, and West Homewood, which are each defined by their own community character, available real estate, and access to specific amenities.
Walkable Neighborhoods at a Glance
|
Neighborhood |
Build Styles |
Nearby Amenities |
|---|---|---|
|
Edgewood |
Single-family homes: bungalows, cottages, new construction |
Oxmoor Road, Homewood Central Park, Edgewood Elementary |
|
Hollywood |
Historic single-family homes: Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival, English Tudor |
Downtown Homewood, SoHo Square, Shades Cahaba Elementary |
|
West Homewood |
Mid-century homes, ranch-style properties, updated cottages |
Patriot Park, West Homewood commercial strip |
Edgewood
Edgewood is considered one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city. It is quite common to see strollers, dog walkers, and kids walking to the local Edgewood Elementary School in this family-friendly community. Residents are close to the shopping district along Oxmoor Road, which almost exclusively features local businesses and restaurants. Some of the more popular neighborhood staples include Saw’s BBQ, Taco Mama, and Big Spoon Creamery. Homewood Central Park is also nearby and features six pavilions with picnic tables, tennis courts, and a playground.
Edgewood Listings, $600,000 - $700,000
Hollywood
Located east of Edgewood, this neighborhood was originally developed in the 1920s and is characterized by historic single-family homes in Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival, and English Tudor build styles. Shades Cahaba Elementary is the local school, which is walkable from most parts of the neighborhood. Most shopping is found on the 18th Street South Corridor, which features boutique shops, including Little Professor Bookshop and Alabama Goods. The mixed-use SoHo Square development features several restaurant options, including Soho Standard, The Battery, and Jinsei Sushi.
West Homewood
In recent years, this neighborhood has seen increased buyer interest thanks to new commercial development and climbing prices in Edgewood and Hollywood. Patriot Park and the adjacent commercial strip are focal points for the local community. The commercial strip features several local restaurants, including Seeds Coffee, Pizzeria GM, and Buka.
Homewood City Schools
The three elementary schools that serve the city, Edgewood, Shades Cahaba, and Hall-Kent, are all strategically located within these neighborhoods so that students can travel to and from class on foot. The Homewood City School system is independent of Jefferson County, with all elementary schools feeding Homewood Middle School and Homewood High School. Families are able to take advantage of a unified and highly rated school system, which has an overall graduation rate of 94% and high proficiency in mathematics and reading.
Looking to move to Homewood?
Homewood has some of the greatest concentration of walkable neighborhoods in Greater Birmingham, offering residents better connection to their local community and often increased property value. Edgewood, Hollywood, and West Homewood have their own distinct character and unique access to specific amenities and schools. Finding the best neighborhood for you and your family often comes down to the school zone and what amenities you want direct access to day-to-day.
If you're ready to explore available homes in Homewood's most walkable communities, contact our team today to start your search.
Edgewood is considered the most walkable neighborhood in Homewood. Homewood Central Park, 18th Street Corridor shopping, and Edgemont Elementary are all found within a few blocks of each other. Homewood is served by the Homewood City School System, which operates independently from Jefferson County. The district includes three elementary schools (Edgewood, Shades Cahaba, Hall-Kent) along with Homewood Middle School and Homewood High School. Homewood is a convenient 5-10 minute drive to downtown Birmingham via U.S. 31, Lakeshore Parkway, or I-65. No. Unlike other public school districts in Alabama, the Homewood City Schools system does not operate a bus system. This is because schools are integrated into neighborhoods like Edgewood, Hollywood, and West Homewood and are walkable or accessible by bike. Each of these three walkable neighborhoods features unique housing stock. Edgewood features bungalows, cottages, and new construction, while West Homewood is characterized by mid-century homes, ranch-style properties, and updated cottages. Hollywood is a historic community with single-family homes available in Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival, and English Tudor build styles. Homewood FAQs
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