Downtown Birmingham


Located in the north-central region of Alabama, Birmingham is the third most populous city in the state and serves as the largest metropolitan area. The city has a rich 150+ year history and a diverse economy, and is divided into 23 communities and 99 neighborhoods, including Fountain Heights, North Titusville, South Titusville, Glen Iris, and Woodland Park. Single-family homes range in price depending on the neighborhood.


Read More

Real Estate Statistics

Average Price $309K
Lowest Price $1.5K
Highest Price $3.4M
Total Listings 209
Avg. Price/SQFT $209

Property Types (active listings)

Search Downtown Birmingham Listings

     

Downtown Birmingham Homes for Sale 

Located in the north-central region of Alabama, Birmingham is the third most populous city in the state and serves as the largest metropolitan area. The city covers 149 square miles and has a population of approximately 200,733 residents, closely connected to the neighboring cities of Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, and Hoover. Founded in 1871, Birmingham has a rich 150+ year history and a diverse economy, including banking, telecommunications, and transportation. There are several post-secondary options, including UAB and five other private colleges. The city is divided into 23 communities and 99 neighborhoods, including Fountain Heights, North Titusville, South Titusville, Glen Iris, and Woodland Park, each with shared and unique amenities tailored to students, young professionals, and new families.

The city includes a mix of single-family homes, condos, and townhouses. The historic Fountain Heights neighborhood includes a range of Craftsman, Colonial Revival, and Tudor Revival style homes, with condos available at the southern edge of the neighborhood. North and South Titusville feature traditional cottages, ranch-style homes, and Prairie-style houses. Homes in the highly sought-after Glen Iris neighborhood include 1920s and 1930s Craftsman bungalows, Tudor Revivals, and a selection of condos and townhomes. In Woodland Park, properties range from cozy mid-century Craftsman bungalows to larger Colonial Revival-inspired estates and brick ranches. 

Pricing depends on the neighborhood and proximity to the city centre. Glen Iris is commonly the most in-demand area due to its proximity to UAB, downtown Birmingham, and other amenities.

Birmingham Neighborhoods 

As Birmingham is the third most populous city in Alabama and serves the largest metropolitan area in the state, there are several residential areas to choose from among the 23 communities and 99 neighborhoods that make up the city. Fountain Heights, North Titusville, South Titusville, Glen Iris, and Woodland Park are some of the more popular neighborhoods with many amenities and attractions shared between them. 

Fountain Heights:  This historic neighborhood is in the Civil Rights District; home of the Civil Rights Institute and the 16th Street Baptist Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Residents can access walking trails, green spaces, and historical displays at Kelly Ingram Park and Linn Park, enjoy hands-on museum exhibits at the McWane Science Center, and upscale dining at the Pizitz Food Hall.

North Titusville:  This primarily residential neighborhood is close to several family-friendly amenities, including the playground, rec center, and pool at Memorial Park and Rickwood Field, the oldest baseball park in the country.  Booker T. Washington K-8 School and the Birmingham Public Library Titusville Branch are educational hubs in the community. Local shopping and dining are available on 6th Ave S., with downtown nightlife, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and the bustling Five Points South district a 10 to 15 minute drive away. 

South Titusville:  This up-and-coming neighborhood is a 5 to 10-minute drive to downtown and UAB, making it an ideal location for students and young professionals. It is well served by MAX Transit buses and is close to Red Rock Trail and Railroad Park. Residents of South Titusville are able to share many of the same amenities as North Titusville residents. 

Glen Iris:  One of the oldest and most in-demand neighborhoods in the city, Glen Iris provides easy access to downtown via the I-65. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a disc golf course, a dog park, lighted ball fields, and a tennis complex at George Ward Park, along with walking and hiking along the Vulcan Trail. The Red Mountain Plaza & Greensprings is readily available for most retail needs. 

Woodland Park: A tight-knit community with an active neighborhood association, Woodland Park residents can enjoy outdoor activities at Spring Haven Park along with community and recreational programming at the Bethesda Family Life Center. This neighborhood is also a short drive to Railroad Park, the iconic Alabama Theatre, and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Birmingham City Schools  

Birmingham is served by Birmingham City Schools. It is the fourth-largest school system in the state. The system serves the city through 21 elementary schools, eight K-8 schools, seven middle schools, three middle schools, and seven high schools. 

  • Richard Arrington, Jr. Elementary School
  • Avondale Elementary School
  • Barrett Elementary School
  • Charles A. Brown Elementary School
  • Bush Hills STEAM Academy
  • Central Park Elementary School
  • EPIC Alternative Elementary
  • Martha Gaskins Elementary
  • Glen Iris Elementary School
  • Hemphill Elementary School
  • Huffman Academy
  • Minor Elementary School
  • Norwood Elementary School
  • Henry J. Oliver Elementary School
  • Oxmoor Valley Elementary School
  • Princeton Alternative Elementary School
  • Robinson Elementary School
  • Sun Valley Elementary School
  • Tuggle Elementary School
  • West End Academy
  • Wylam Elementary School
  • William J. Christian K-8 School
  • Hayes K-8 School
  • Hudson K-8 School
  • Inglenook Pre K - 8
  • John Herbert Phillips Academy
  • South Hampton K-8 School
  • Booker T. Washington K-8 School
  • Dupuy Alternative School
  • Green Acres Middle School
  • Huffman Middle School
  • Jones Valley Middle School
  • Ossie Ware Mitchell Middle School
  • W. E. Putnam Middle School
  • L. M. Smith Middle School
  • Malachi Wilkerson Middle School
  • George Washington Carver High School
  • Huffman High School
  • P.D. Jackson-Olin High School
  • Parker High School
  • Ramsay High School
  • Wenonah High School
  • Woodlawn High School

 

Each elementary and K-8 school serves a defined attendance zone, which means the specific neighborhood a family chooses determines which school their child attends. Buyers with school-age children typically prioritize zoning when narrowing their home search.

Things to Do in Downtown Birmingham  

With numerous parks throughout the city, abundant entertainment options, and diverse dining experiences, Birmingham offers a wide range of activities and amenities to enjoy. 

Located under the I-59/I-20 interstate, residents can enjoy walking and biking paths, a skate park, playgrounds, outdoor fitness areas, and community programming at The City Walk BHAM, recreational activities at George Ward Park, and walking or jogging on the scenic Vulcan Trail. Boutique shopping and unique dining options can be found at Pepper Place, while nightlife and live entertainment can be enjoyed at Five Points South and the Alabama Theatre. 

Common Birmingham activities include:

  • Walking trails and community events at Railroad Park 
  • Dining and nightlife in Five Points South
  • Shopping and dining at Pepper Place
  • Birmingham Barons baseball games at Regions Field
  • Learning local history at Vulcan Park & Museum 
  • Walking or biking the City Walk BHAM

Location and Area Access

Birmingham is the heart of central Alabama, covering 149 square miles with a population of approx 200,733 residents. Nearby communities, including Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, and Hoover, are accessible within 15 -25 minutes via US-31, US-280, and I-65. UAB and the medical district are conveniently located in the city. The Birmingham-Shuttleworth International Airport is 10 to 20 minutes away. 

Nearby destinations within easy reach include:

  • Mountain Brook (10 to 15 minutes)
  • Homewood (5 to 10 minutes)
  • Vestavia Hills (10 to 20 minutes)
  • Hoover (15 to 25 minutes)
  • The Summit (15 to 20 minutes)
  • Birmingham-Shuttleworth International Airport (10 to 20 minutes)
  • Birmingham Zoo and Botanical Gardens (10 to 15 minutes) 

Birmingham, AL Real Estate FAQs

What types of homes are available in Birmingham?

Homes in Birmingham include a mix of Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, classic cottages, brick ranch-style, traditional Southern, and mid-century modern properties. Condos and townhomes are more readily available in the Glen Iris neighborhood, with modest inventory found in Fountain Heights and Woodland Park.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Birmingham?

The average price for a property in Birmingham varies depending on the neighborhood. Single-family homes in Glen Iris and Fountain Heights are on the higher end due to proximity ot UAB and the downtown core. The North and South Titusville neighborhoods can see a broad range of home prices, with Woodland Park homes falling in a median range.

What schools serve Birmingham?

Birmingham is served by Birmingham City Schools. It is the fourth largest school system in the state and includes 21 elementary schools, eight K-8 schools, seven middle schools, three middle schools, and seven high schools.

What are the best neighborhoods in Birmingham?

Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Birmingham include Fountain Heights, North Titusville, South Titusville, Glen Iris, and Woodland Park. Fountain Heights is a historic neighborhood home to the Civil Rights Institute, access to walking trails, green spaces, and historical displays at Kelly Ingram Park and Linn Park, and dining options at the Pizitz Food Hall. North Titusville is a primarily residential neighborhood close to a number of family-friendly amenities, including Memorial Park and Rickwood, along with shopping and dining on 6th Ave S. South Titusville is an up-and-coming neighborhood, a 5 to 10-minute drive to downtown, and is close to Red Rock Trail and Railroad Park. Glen Iris is one of the oldest and most in-demand neighborhoods in the city, with ease of access to downtown via the I-65. Amenities in this area include George Ward Park, the Vulcan Trail, and the Red Mountain Plaza & Greensprings. Woodland Park is a tight-knit community with an active neighborhood association, with outdoor activities and recreational programming available at Honeysuckle Hills Park, Spring Haven Park, and the Bethesda Family Life Center.

Is Birmingham a good place for families?

Yes. Birmingham can be a great place for families with its convenient access to parks, downtown amenities, higher education, and community activities.

What is there to do in Birmingham?

As the third-largest city in Alabama, Birmingham offers a wide range of activities and amenities for residents, including families, students, and young professionals. The City Walk BHAM, George Ward Park, and Vulcan Trail are three of many public green spaces that offer a range of outdoor and recreational activities and community programming. Pepper Place offers boutique shopping and unique dining options, while the nightlife and live entertainment can be enjoyed at Five Points West and the Alabama Theatre.

How does Birmingham compare to cities like Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, and Homewood?

Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia Hills are the three over-the-mountain communities serving Birmingham. Vestavia Hills covers more geographic area and offers more new construction along with a broader range of price points than Mountain Brook or Homewood. Mountain Brook carries higher home prices and a more historic, garden-city character with three village commercial centers. Homewood offers a more urban, walkable feel with a larger downtown commercial district and generally more accessible price points. Birmingham offers a more urban living experience with a wider range of historic neighborhoods, greater housing diversity, closer proximity to downtown employment, and more entertainment options.