Where to buy a home if you work at UAB

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) provides a range of employment opportunities for residents of the metropolitan Birmingham area. The university is the largest employer in the state, with more than 27,302 faculty and staff and over 53,000 jobs. Available positions include faculty and staff roles, as well as healthcare jobs with UAB Medicine. The campus is integrated into the Southside neighborhood of downtown Birmingham, providing faculty and staff ease of access to many urban conveniences.

If you are currently working or looking to work for UAB, proximity to campus is often a high priority. Healthcare professionals and staff often work long hours, and an extended commute is less than desirable. Fortunately, downtown Birmingham and neighboring cities feature robust real estate markets and community amenities that encourage healthy work-life balance. Learn more about Downtown Birmingham, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, and Hoover, and find out which city is the best fit for your needs.

Community Comparison: Living Near UAB

Downtown Birmingham

The core of the city boasts a rich history, diverse economy, and numerous entertainment, dining, and shopping options. Attractions and amenities are shared between 23 communities and 99 neighborhoods. Specific housing types are available with greater density in certain neighborhoods.

Real Estate Highlights

The UAB campus is bordered by many neighborhoods, though South Titusville and Glen Iris tend to be the most popular with university employees. South Titusville is an up-and-coming neighborhood that is a 5-10 minute drive to campus and is served by the MAX Transit system.

Housing stock in this community includes cottages, ranch and Prairie-style homes. Glen Iris is one of the most in-demand neighborhoods with a more varied housing selection including condos, townhouses, and single-family homes in Craftsman and Tudor Revival styles.

Amenities and Activities

Residents are able to enjoy everything that Birmingham has to offer, including outdoor recreation at The City Walk BHAM and several other parks and greenspaces, shopping and dining at Pepper Place, and live entertainment at Five Points South and the Alabama Theatre.

Homewood

Located 5-10 minutes directly south of UAB across Red Mountain, Homewood provides residents with walkable urban density, established residential neighborhoods, and three major commercial districts.

Real Estate Highlights

Compared to the other two “over the mountain” cities of Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills, Homewood has a much more architecturally varied housing stock. Between five major neighborhoods, you can find classic brick bungalows and cottages, Tudor and Mediterranean-style homes, mid-century homes, and newer builds. Condos and townhomes are most commonly found near the commercial districts.

Amenities and Activities

Between SoHo Square, Edgewood, and downtown Homewood, locals and visitors enjoy boutique shopping, major retail, and specialty restaurants in one of the most active commercial scenes in the Birmingham metropolitan area. Outdoor recreation and community events can be found at Homewood Central Park, with hiking and biking available at Red Mountain Park.

Mountain Brook

One of the most established and historical residential communities, Mountain Brook features three walkable commercial villages and a well-regarded local school system. UAB is a 10 to 15 minute drive from most parts of the city.

Real Estate Highlights

Housing stock in Mountain Brook is primarily composed of single-family homes, which are available in a range of builds. These build types include Classic English Tudor, Georgian Revival, Colonial homes, Mid-century, newer estate properties, and renovated traditional homes.

Amenities and Activities

The Mountain Brook, English, and Crestline villages host most shopping and dining options in the city along with seasonal events and holiday celebrations. The Jemison Trail is popular with cyclists, runners, and walkers year-round, connecting visitors to the Cahaba River. Additionally, Mountain Brook is a 5 to 10-minute drive from the Birmingham Zoo and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, two of the most popular family-friendly attractions in the region.

Vestavia Hills

Located 15-20 minutes away from UAB, Vestavia Hills is an established residential community known for its variety of parks, trails, and green space. The city is made up of three distinct neighborhoods (Liberty Park, Cahaba Heights, Vestavia), each with access to different amenities.

Real Estate Highlights

Like Mountain Brook, the local real estate market is dominated by single-family homes, though some townhouses and condos are available. Build styles include classic ranch style, updated cottages, and larger estates.

Amenities and Activities

Vestavia Hills features three major parks with access to public pools, playgrounds, and walking trails. Year-round youth recreation is available at the Liberty Park Sports Complex. Golfers can choose from private clubs and public courses within and nearby the city, most notably the championship course at the Vestavia Country Club. Each neighborhood features a shopping district, with Cahaba Heights Village one of the most popular centers for locals.

Hoover

Hoover is a 20-30 minute drive from UAB and offers some of the widest variety of build options and amenities between Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia Hills. The city is made up of 25+ neighborhoods, with three of the most popular including Riverchase, Bluff Park, and Ross Bridge.

Real Estate Highlights

Classic cottages, brick ranch-style homes, and mid-century modern properties can be found in the sought-after Bluff Park community atop Shades Mountain. Craftsman and traditional Southern homes are more common in master-planned neighborhoods like Riverchase and Ross Bridge.

Amenities and Activities

As the largest suburban city and the 6th largest city in Alabama, Hoover has a lot to offer those who are seeking recreation and entertainment outside of downtown Birmingham. Outdoor recreation, including hiking and rock climbing, can be found at the 350-acre Moss Rock Preserve. Championship-calibre golf courses are available at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and Oxmoor Valley. The Riverchase Galleria is one of the largest shopping centers in the area, offering a wide variety of dining and shopping options. Other attractions include the Hoover Metropolitan Complex and the Library Theatre.

Which community is right for you?

If you work for UAB, choosing the right community for you depends on several factors, including preferred housing type and lifestyle.

Downtown Birmingham provides you with direct access to the city’s many urban amenities and a mix of property options including condos and townhomes. The three “over the mountain” cities have their own unique characteristics, with Vestavia Hills offering more new construction along with a broader range of price points, Mountain Brook seeing higher average home prices in more historic neighborhoods, and Homewood offering a more urban, walkable feel and generally more accessible price points. Hoover benefits from a broad range of build options and access to amenities outside of the downtown core.

Ready to find your new home in the Birmingham metro area? Contact our team today.