Where do Upper to Middle class black people live in Birmingham, AL? (Hoover: neighborhood, school district)

[lisawj]

I am moving from Charlotte to Birmingham, AL in August 09. I was offered a job and accepted it - the jobs location is Pellam. I am originally from Seattle, Wa. I currently live in a upper middle class diverse - but mostly white neighborhood and have a daughter that has a slight learning disability and ultimately I am seeking to re-locate in area that is comparable to where we are living and a school district that will accomodate my daughters needs. I have no clue - where to look - I've heard of Hoover, AL. Am I on the right track? Any help will be appreciated. I am finding my search and wanting to be exact to be stressful. Thanks!

[Back Again]

Upper to Middle class black people live where ever they can afford

[cpg35223]

I think Hoover is an excellent choice for you. Mind you, Hoover sprawls all over the place, and has a well-funded school system which, in turns, means well-funded special needs programs. I also think that you'll find the right mix of diversity. If you choose Hoover, I would offer that the area close to Highway 31/I-65 is the right match for you for sheer convenience. Hoover stretches all the way over to Highway 280, which means a much longer commute.

Vestavia and Mountain Brook are also excellent choices for special needs children in this area. The level of the diversity isn't as high in those cities, especially Mountain Brook. At the same time, it's nowhere like the way it used to be a generation ago. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised no matter what suburb you choose.

Feel free to ask us any questions you see fit. We're always glad to be of help.

[Croye22]

I'm not too familiar with the Birmingham area, but I tend to hear a lot of good things about vestevia hills and Hoover as someone note earlier.

[pennquaker09]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

I think Hoover is an excellent choice for you. Mind you, Hoover sprawls all over the place, and has a well-funded school system which, in turns, means well-funded special needs programs. I also think that you'll find the right mix of diversity. If you choose Hoover, I would offer that the area close to Highway 31/I-65 is the right match for you for sheer convenience. Hoover stretches all the way over to Highway 280, which means a much longer commute.

Vestavia and Mountain Brook are also excellent choices for special needs children in this area. The level of the diversity isn't as high in those cities, especially Mountain Brook. At the same time, it's nowhere like the way it used to be a generation ago. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised no matter what suburb you choose.

Feel free to ask us any questions you see fit. We're always glad to be of help.

Are there actually African American kids in MB schools now? I know was the only one when I was at MB elementary and junior high and I'm not even fully African American, lol.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by pennquaker09

Are there actually African American kids in MB schools now? I know was the only one when I was at MB elementary and junior high and I'm not even fully African American, lol.

About a dozen or so, all told. Yeah, I know it's not perfect, but it's progress.

[hexkaster]

I can tell you the number of black students in Vestavia and Mountain Brook are both inflated compared to the number of black people with children living in the area. Many of the students are bussed in to fill "needed" spots in the high schools. Literally fit all non white/asian people onto two pages of my yearbook and can count maybe three that were living in the area at the time.

They may have changed their policies on filling "needed" spots since I was in high school.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by hexkaster

I can tell you the number of black students in Vestavia and Mountain Brook are both inflated compared to the number of black people with children living in the area. Many of the students are bussed in to fill "needed" spots in the high schools. Literally fit all non white/asian people onto two pages of my yearbook and can count maybe three that were living in the area at the time.

They may have changed their policies on filling "needed" spots since I was in high school.

Actually, your information about Mountain Brook is utterly wrong. No students are bussed into the Mountain Brook school system. The black students who are there are the children of high-income professionals, just like the white students. In fact, one of the families lives down the street from us, having moved here three years ago from out west. At a neighborhood party, she and I had a conversation about the challenges of being in an almost entirely-white school system. She said, "Really, we haven't had the first problem."

[lisawj]

Thanks so much for the information. I am seeking diversity and high end living - so it looks like Hoover may be my best bet. I am looking forward to the move and hope my daughter will adjust well - in fact, me too.

[jakabedy]

hexcaster -- are you referring to Vestavia? If so, you're talking about the kids who live in the "historically black" Oxmoor Valley area just over the mountain from Vestavia. That area is zoned either Birmingham or Jefferson County. For years there was a consent decree that had those kids attending Vestavia. But within the last couple years I believe there was a resolution of some kind made to phase that out so that only current enrollees under that decree and their siblings will go to Vestavia.