Relocating to Birmingham - Seeking safe/active/family area (Hoover: cul-de-sac, houses)

[spectrageo99]

Hello, In latter part of this year my family (wife, 7yr old, and college-student kids <one starting at Alabama>) and I will be relocating to Birmingham. Are originally from Atlanta and have been in Northern California for work for last several years. Excited to get back to the SOUTH!! We are mid 40's. Looking for good schools and active neighborhood with homes that have some character. Only (3) at home now so don't need/desire a large house but ~3br with home office (we work from home so need such space) and would like to stay under $300/$350k. Been eyeing Vestavia Hills area then just stumbled upon Homewood (Edgewood/Hollywood) areas and love the character of the area per Google StreetView.
We'd like to be in an area similar to areas in Atlanta such as Decatur or neighborhoods like the Garden Hills area in Atlanta (but less expensive).
Any warnings about Homewood area or suggestions on similar areas that are active and not far from city center?
Another question: How is downtown Birmingham's vibe at night? Similar to Atlanta in that it somewhat clears out at night? Any information or references are appreciated!
Thanks so much!!

[cpg35223]

The Cahaba Heights area of Vestavia is an area I'm high on. It was annexed into Vestavia a few years ago, which means Vestavia schools at a comparatively lower price point. What's more, it's an easy drive to downtown and smack dab in the middle of a nice array of retail. It's really a bargain for your price range.

Edgewood/Hollywood are great areas, but you might be hard pressed to find a house off that size in your price range. That being said, Homewood does have some affordable areas as well. And the schools are excellent.

To your second question, Birmingham's been enjoying a nice surge of new entertainment options in the downtown/Southside area over the past five years. Lots of new music venues, restaurants, and things to do. Is it the entertainment capital of the South? Well, no. But the sidewalks don't roll up after dark anymore the way they used to.

[Tourian]

^That's the best answer^

It is going to be hard to find that size of house for that money in Hollywood simply because the homes are smaller and way more expensive. That amount of money goes farther in Edgewood, but the houses, again - just aren't that big until they get quite expensive. Cahaba Heights is getting a lot of attention to its core from the city itself and a major developer and it already has a nice neighborly charm, so it will be (and already is) a great place for families. The homes there, do tend to be a few years older. To get something new and modern or less then 15 years old, you have to look further out to a subdivision in Hoover or Pelham, but perhaps HOA/cul-de-sac life isn't what you are looking for. Plus, that would mean more traffic and congestion, less charm and being further from the city core.

Downtown is improving almost on a daily basis with RR Park and the Barons at the nucleus of it for families - along with plenty of music venues and restaurants for the parents and the families.

[preguntas]

School districts are going to limit a huge amount of beautiful, affordable and large homes from your list unfortunately.

[chilitiger]

FYI, if you see something that appears much more affordable in Homewood than other homes, be aware that it is most likely the small part of Homewood that extends on the west side of Green Springs Hwy. Not quite the same vibe as the rest of Homewood that is on the east side of Green Springs. Don't get me wrong, I actually grew up in a house on that side of Green Springs and my parents still reside there, but it is definitely a step down from the Edgewood, Mayfair and Hollywood areas of Homewood. Good luck with your search. Birmingham is a great place to live.

[Tourian]

Yes. West Homewood is the red headed step child of Homewood and is a bit seedy and run down especially in its commercial areas compared to the rest of Homewood.