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Once a manufacturing hub known as the “Pittsburgh of the South,” Birmingham has become a diverse city that serves as one of the largest banking, business and arts centers of the Southeast.
But if you’re thinking of moving to Birmingham, you’re more likely interested in things like the best neighborhoods, Birmingham schools, restaurants, parks, and more. (And by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop — your friendly Birmingham movers)
But with dozens of growing and popular Birmingham neighborhoods, you may be wondering where you should buy or rent if a move to this gem of the American South.
What Are the 5 Best Neighborhoods in Birmingham?
From beer and baseball to barbecue and rock music, Birmingham has moved into the spotlight and gained national attention. The city’s rich cultural fabric adds a unique character to its booming culinary scene and thriving downtown.
In this guide, we’ll detail the five best neighborhoods in “The Magic City” so you can find the Birmingham home best suited for you.
Vestavia Hills
Vestavia Hills’ beautiful residential suburban streets are lined with Southern grub hubs, theaters, and upscale designer brands. A tight-knit community, Vestavia Hills radiates southern hospitality.
A big part of the charm of Vestavia Hills is its parks and recreational activities.
- Wald Park, the popular outdoor space for families in the area, has a playground, pool, and picnic spots.
- McCallum Park draws locals outdoors with its peaceful trails along Little Shades Creek.
Vestavia Hills is a safe and cozy community, but downtown Birmingham is just six miles away and there is lots to do within Vestavia Hills’ borders.
- The area is home to Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Zoo, and the Alabama Wine Trail.
- There are great shopping opportunities at Riverside Galleria.
- Just outside of Vestavia Hills is Moss Rock Preserve and Waterfalls.
Mountain Brook
Mountain Brook is one of Birmingham’s most upscale communities home to luxury homes and charming amenities.
Mountain Brook sits in the southeast portion of the city. Its local nickname is “The Tiny Kingdom” for its wealth and influence. The neighborhood has received many acknowledgments as one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city, state, and even country.
Homes here have a beautiful backdrop of natural preserves. Families enjoy peaceful strolls along quiet streets. The great schools in the area, both public and private, have been awarded for their excellence over the years.
Some of the best restaurants in Mountain Brook include:
- Sol Y Luna Tapas and Tequila
- Brick & Tin
- Dyron’s Lowcountry
Homewood
This charming suburb of Birmingham is on the rise. Homewood is full of beautiful houses and southern charm.
Its main residents are families, drawn by the area’s great school system. However, many young professionals are also moving to the area, interested in a first home that’s a wise investment.
This affluent neighborhood is home to many cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Homewood’s quaint Soho Square and Edgewood business districts are where locals and visitors do most of their shopping and eating out.
On sunny days, the nearby Red Mountain Park packs in hikers, bikers, rock-climbers, and zip-liners.
Avondale
This quaint community is buzzing with local shops, cafes, and breweries. Venues pulse with live music. Locals pack in barbecue joints. Unique boutiques sell second-hand and vintage items.
This neighborhood has become the place to be in recent years. Avondale is known for its large park and grassy amphitheater, pavilion, and rose gardens. The area is scattered with lots of open green spaces.
This neighborhood has a long list of eateries and drinkeries:
- Saturn, a great live music venue, sells coconut lattes and crispy donuts from their coffee bar, Satellite
- A stop by Avondale Brewing Company (and venue) will quench your beer thirst and simultaneously give you a great live band performance.
- Melt serves creative grilled sandwiches.
- Taco Morro Loco will curb any appetite with its authentic and flavor-packed Mexican dishes.
- Wasabi Juan’s creates a mash-up of Asian fusion and Mexican street food.
- Saw’s Soul Kitchen plates mouth-watering fried chicken and BBQ.
Hoover
Located in Jefferson County, this suburb of Birmingham is known as one of the most envied places to live in the area. The real estate market is booming in this fast-growing community. Its close proximity to downtown, about 8 miles away, makes this suburb a popular spot for commuters.
Hoover’s low crime rates, good-sized homes, and highly rated public school system draw many families to the area. Its historical southern charm and many picturesque golf courses don’t discourage newcomers either.
The area is full of parks, coffee shops, and family activities. Aldridge Gardens is full of hydrangeas and features an art gallery, nature trails, and a lake. Moss Rock Preserve is a popular spot for hikers and rock climbers and offers a number of stream-side paths and boulders.
Shopping in the area can be found at the huge Riverchase Galleria. Hoover also boasts of an impressive dining and drinking scene, from Middle Eastern cuisine and Japanese dishes to coffee and craft beer.
Grab lunch, watch a game and have a pint at On Tap Sports Cafe.
There You Have It: The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Birmingham!
We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. We coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Birmingham, and we would love to help.
Lastly, if you’re interested in other nearby cities, you might consider taking a look at Atlanta. The most popular city in the neighboring state of Georgia.
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