Birmingham Homes For Sale | Birmingham Real Estate
Beautiful Birmingham, Alabama: home of the famous Talladega Speedway and the location of your exciting new real estate investment! Whether you came upon this page by accident during your search for a downtown Toronto condominium or you were actually considering moving to Alabama, we're certain that if you click through our pages of helpful real estate info your mind will be made up. Before you know it you'll be Birmingham bound!
Birmingham, Alabama: The Magic City
Birmingham, AL is located in the Jones Valley in the Appalachian foothills. The seat of Jefferson County, it is the largest city in the state of Alabama. Its population of 229,000 is spread out over an area of 150 square miles, making for a low population density and lots of room for newcomers.
The name Birmingham was borrowed from a major British industrial city in the hopes that it would auger well for Birmingham AL's industry. Founded in 1871 by real estate prospectors it was always intended as a manufacturing center because it was one of the few places in the world to possess deposits of all three raw minerals needed for the production of steel: iron ore, coal and limestone. By the late 1800s the city's explosive growth earned it the nickname "The Magic City."
Birmingham, Alabama would enter the history books once again during the 1950s and 1960s as a major center of activism in the Civil Rights movement. With Martin Luther King Jr. helping local leaders organize sit-ins and mass marches, police repression and arrests became common. Martin Luther King Jr.'s treatise on civil rights, "Letters from a Birmingham Jail" was written during this time.
In modern times, Birmingham, AL is well known for its college and motor sports. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers football team plays out of nearby Legion Field and their games are always well attended. Several major motor sporting events are held at Birmingham, Alabama's Talladega Speedway, including the UAW Ford 500 and the Nextell Cup. Birmingham was also recently named "Bass Capitol of the World" by ESPN because of its extensive network of lakes and quality of recreational fishing.
Entertainment also abounds for those who aren't into sports, from classical dance to hardcore punk. Nearby Oak Mountain State Park offers scenic drives and hiking trails. Tannehill Ironworks State Park preserves the historic Civil War era iron works ruins, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens features 67 acres of displays including a Japanese Garden. The Birmingham Zoo and Alabama Adventure Theme Park are great places to take the kids. Or, for a more grown-up experience, try attending the Alabama Ballet or visiting one of the many local museums, such as the Birmingham Museum of Art or the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
Birmingham, Alabama Locales
Now that we've settled on why Birmingham, AL is such a great place to live, it's time to decide what type of real estate you'll be looking for, your budget, and where in the city you'll want to live.
The cost of living in Birmingham, AL is low, only 8.1 compared to the U.S. average of 100. Average housing prices for 2007 ranged from mobile homes at $32,000 to townhouses at $155,000. The overall average for all home types was around $124,000, so your real estate investment can be made relatively inexpensively. Renters can expect to pay in the vicinity of $600 per month.
Most of Birmingham, Alabama is contained within the Jones Valley, so there are numerous neighborhoods in all price ranges in which a lovely view can be secured. However, the Over the Mountain area is the premiere destination for suburban paradise seekers. With excellent views, quiet streets and friendly neighbors, the communities of Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Homebrook, and Hoover will welcome you and your family with open arms and their famous southern hospitality.
For more detailed info, click over to our community page. It has a run-down of each of Birmingham's neighborhoods, including prices, home styles, demographics, and which amenities are available.
How Do I Get Started?
Real estate is a complex business. Going it on your own can be trying, so why not let one of our qualified realtors handle everything for you? Simply click over to our contact page to get started. Our realtors have access to thousands of real estate listings in Birmingham, AL and the surrounding area. One of them will be pleased to become your personal agent. He or she will guide you through the entire process and before you can say "boo" you'll be moving into your dream house.