Liberal, safe, family-friendly neighborhood in or near Birmingham? (schools, college)

[lovessunshine]

I don't know if there is a neighborhood in Birmingham that I would classify as "safe" and "family-friendly" that is predominantly liberal in the way that safe, moderate to high income neighborhoods in other regions can be very liberal - you'll be looking more for "liberal-friendly." However, I think Homewood is your best bet. You'll want to stay in the Edgewood-Hollywood end of it.

I can't think of any advantages to being within Birmingham city limits, but maybe there's something I'm not aware of. Schools, resources, etc are all better in the suburbs.

[bhamguy]

Originally Posted by lovessunshine

I don't know if there is a neighborhood in Birmingham that I would classify as "safe" and "family-friendly" that is predominantly liberal in the way that safe, moderate to high income neighborhoods in other regions can be very liberal - you'll be looking more for "liberal-friendly." However, I think Homewood is your best bet. You'll want to stay in the Edgewood-Hollywood end of it.

I can't think of any advantages to being within Birmingham city limits, but maybe there's something I'm not aware of. Schools, resources, etc are all better in the suburbs.

With the exception of schools, Crestwood and Forest Park would be more like Homewood. On the flip side, you can actually get more for your money in Crestwood, without sacrificing safety. Forest Park will be more like Hollywood, in terms of prices.

[bosshawk]

If you are planning on private schools anyway, please move into the city of Birmingham proper. You absolutely will not regret it. Home values are skyrocketing, but still very reasonable. All of these areas are filled with liberal, educated, diverse people of all ages and backgrounds: Highland Park, Crestwood, Forest Park, Southside, Glen Iris. All of these areas are as safe as the safest suburbs, are filled with people walking dogs and pushing strollers and are so much more desirable in terms of walkability, culture, dining and nightlife compared to any suburb in the area.

[bosshawk]

Originally Posted by lovessunshine

I don't know if there is a neighborhood in Birmingham that I would classify as "safe" and "family-friendly" that is predominantly liberal in the way that safe, moderate to high income neighborhoods in other regions can be very liberal - you'll be looking more for "liberal-friendly." However, I think Homewood is your best bet. You'll want to stay in the Edgewood-Hollywood end of it.

I can't think of any advantages to being within Birmingham city limits, but maybe there's something I'm not aware of. Schools, resources, etc are all better in the suburbs.

Never having to fight traffic, walkability, close to all of the culture, close to local/good/diverse restaurants, homes with character and architecture, free trash pickup, sky rocketing homes values, lower property taxes than the expensive suburbs, no HOA, short drives to anywhere you would ever go in the metro area are all reasons to live in the city of Birmingham proper as opposed to the suburbs. There is a reason downtown and Southside are the hottest markets in the metro area.

[JCZnytobham]

Hey all, thanks so much for your responses. I feel much more informed.
Can you answer a few questions?
1. Is Crestline (the neighborhood) in Crestwood or Mountain Brook?
2. Thoughts on Edonton & Gladstone (though we'll probably end up buying a single family in Homewood I think the townhouses look very nice)?
3. Any recommendations for a "liberal-friendly" preschool.

Thanks!

[bosshawk]

Originally Posted by JCZnytobham

Hey all, thanks so much for your responses. I feel much more informed.
Can you answer a few questions?
1. Is Crestline (the neighborhood) in Crestwood or Mountain Brook?
2. Thoughts on Edonton & Gladstone (though we'll probably end up buying a single family in Homewood I think the townhouses look very nice)?
3. Any recommendations for a "liberal-friendly" preschool.

Thanks!

Unofficially it is in either depending on the street.

Again, depending on your definition of "liberal" or whatever connotation you are trying to make with the word, being in the city of Birmingham in Crestwood, Forest Park, Highland Park, etc. Is going to be more liberal and progressive thinking than Vestavia, Homewood, or Mt. Brook. The latter are suburbs that are going to vote 85% republican and be much more conservative in most ways.

[JCZnytobham]

Originally Posted by bosshawk

Unofficially it is in either depending on the street.

Again, depending on your definition of "liberal" or whatever connotation you are trying to make with the word, being in the city of Birmingham in Crestwood, Forest Park, Highland Park, etc. Is going to be more liberal and progressive thinking than Vestavia, Homewood, or Mt. Brook. The latter are suburbs that are going to vote 85% republican and be much more conservative in most ways.

Thanks...
Will definitely keep that in mind.
If we bought in crestwood (which we're definitely considering) our daughter will go to private school.
Do you prefer an area in crestwood? North or South? Crestline?

[TimCity2000]

i live in crestwood north, but north and south function as one neighborhood in a sense. really just depends on the housing type/size you're looking for. crestwood north homes, in general, will be older and smaller than those in crestwood south.

very liberal area here (by alabama standards).

[preguntas]

Sorry, but have we come to this? I remember, not so long ago, when people wanted nice neighborhoods with nice people and nice schools. Will we eventually expect people to register their religion and political beliefs when moving into an area. (so as to keep it liberal, moderate, independent or conservative) And surely we don't want to have our children experience the real world when they can have an insular experience.
I would not point this out except for how many times it has been mentioned in this thread. It is truly an obsession; one that I am glad that I don't have. I am also proud that I live in a wonderful area that can't possibly be defined. I call that healthy.

[JCZnytobham]

Originally Posted by preguntas

Sorry, but have we come to this? I remember, not so long ago, when people wanted nice neighborhoods with nice people and nice schools. Will we eventually expect people to register their religion and political beliefs when moving into an area. (so as to keep it liberal, moderate, independent or conservative) And surely we don't want to have our children experience the real world when they can have an insular experience.
I would not point this out except for how many times it has been mentioned in this thread. It is truly an obsession; one that I am glad that I don't have. I am also proud that I live in a wonderful area that can't possibly be defined. I call that healthy.

You are absolutely entitled to your opinion and what is, or is not, important to you.
I posted this thread to gain information about a city which is unfamiliar and find the areas which we would find best reflect us & our values, as that is important to us.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the thread as we feel we have a better handle on how to navigate the city of Birmingham.