Young Professional ReLo to Birmingham (Homewood, Mountain Brook: real estate, apartment complex, for rent)

[movin100]

So there is a strong possibility that I will be moving to Birmingham from Florida for a job. The company is located in The Urban Center in the suburbs.

I'm 25 and single (though would prefer to not remain that way) looking for a young professional area of Birmingham within a reasonable (~25 minutes) commute to work.

So far from looking online the one area that seems to fit that is an area called five points south.

My budget is <$1,000/mo for Rent, or about $140,000 to buy.

I plan on flying up soon to take a look. Given the short timeframe I think renting makes more sense than buying.

Any other areas I should take a look at, and any apartment complexes I should look at?

Also, any areas that are better to live in from a tax standpoint?

[jakabedy]

Are you more of a hipster, indie-music, progressive type? Or more of a fashionista, go with a group of girls to the bar after work type? (I'm assuming you're a girl -- I just got that vibe).

[cpg35223]

Anything from Five Points South eastward along Highland Avenue, down Clairmont past the Highlands Golf Course up to Triangle Park would probably be ideal for you. You can make that commute in 25 minutes, since it's against traffic both ways.

Here's a search of that area. Good luck:

Moderator cut: realtor website

[movin100]

a) jakabedy, your vide detector is 180 degrees off

b) Any apartment suggestions? I'm looking to move in late next week.

[cpg35223]

Here are two areas to consider:

The Mountain Brook/Cahaba Heights part of town will be pretty convenient, but still give you some decent lifestyle choices: Birmingham Apartments: Mountain Brook and Cahaba Heights

The Southside part of town is a lot more artsy and diverse, and closer to nightclubs, restaurants, venues, etc. Now this link has a lot of larger complexes, but these aren't necessarily the most stylish places. Southside Birmingham Apartments by Birmingham-Apartment.com I think you should consider apartments from 19th Street South all the way over to say, 42nd Street, South. For smaller apartments, I would go to Alabama Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - al.com, the Birmingham News' web site.

Also, the downtown loft district is pretty cool, although that will put you further from your office.

[jakabedy]

Well, male or female, it still makes a difference. Someone who likes things to be nice and new and car/parking friendly isn't going to want the same place as someone who wants old but quaint with walkability in a diverse setting. I agree that 5-Points, Highland park, etc. are great. But some folks don't want that vibe and would rather be in a more suburban setting. That's all I was getting at.

[movin100]

I've started to look at the downtown lofts. How is that area. I've heard one real estate agent say that downtown isn't usually a place people go at night. Is that true, is the much to do downtown? Is the area safe?

[1984vt]

Young professionals usually go down 280 to Superior Grill, On-Tap or the Back Nine etc. I wouldn't get an appt off 280 because the traffic isn't worth it. There are some appts right off the interestate on 280 at the Summit that would be close to your work, downtown and the 280 bar/rest. scene. And, as they are right off the interstate, you wouldn't have to get on 280 but about 1 mile in order to hit 459 up to the Liberty Park exit.

[hlsess]

try Homewood/ English village area- or nice parts of southside

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by 1984vt

Young professionals usually go down 280 to Superior Grill, On-Tap or the Back Nine etc. I wouldn't get an appt off 280 because the traffic isn't worth it. There are some appts right off the interestate on 280 at the Summit that would be close to your work, downtown and the 280 bar/rest. scene. And, as they are right off the interstate, you wouldn't have to get on 280 but about 1 mile in order to hit 459 up to the Liberty Park exit.

That's down 280. But the real nightlife among professionals isn't there. It's in Southside/Lakeview, etc. I think the last thing this guy wants to do is live in some soulless apartment complex along a crowded suburban highway ten miles removed from a decent nightclub.

Also, to the OP, there used to be nothing downtown, but that area's coming back nicely. However, you'd still be something of a pioneer to live there.