Med student moving to UAB, where to live nearby?? (Homewood: apartments, lofts)

[questiona]

My girlfriend and I are both moving to UAB for medical school. I am looking for a place but am struggling to figure out what is "safe" and what isn't (all of downtown looks the same to me).
I would prefer to be able to walk/bike to class (Volker hall) but I would have no problem driving 10 minutes or less each day.
The budget is $900-$2000 +-
I think for this price range we can get a nice house or nice apartment.
A 2 bedroom is a minimum requirement since we will both need a room/office to study in. We like our space and would like something 1000 Sqft+. We will both be studying basically all day at home so we are looking for something that will be super professional and quiet (No drunk frat kids 24-7).

Any recommendations on what areas near UAB is safe? (My research shows that basically anything south of campus is safe [Mountain brook, Homewood] while north and west isn't)
Any recommendations on particular units we could look at near campus?

Thank you in advance!

[Tourian]

All I can say about the units in particular is that you'll just have to visit them to determine if they have the professional vibe you are looking for. As far as the areas themselves you are right. Safety is generally not a concern downtown and to the south. The west is not recommended but there are some good areas to the north and the east like Norwood and Crestwood that may not be as popular with students that could give you the peace you are looking for and offer more bang for your buck.

[cpg35223]

$900-$2000 will get you a really good range of options. If you There are a host of apartments/lofts in the downtown/midtown area within a matter of blocks of UAB. This area is pretty safe and is really beginning to blossom nicely. If you want a less urban setting, I would go a mile to the southeast and look at the area along both Highland and Clairmont Avenue. Really great neighborhoods. Easy to reach the UAB campus from both.

That being said, Tourian is right. The eyeball test is best.

[steveklein]

While there is certainly nothing wrong with Mountain Brook or Homewood, I would prefer living even closer to UAB's campus (walking distance). Consider Station 121, Bristol Southside (condos), Liv on 5th (condos), University House, and other apartments/lofts between the railroad tracks and 10th avenue south and between 14th and 22nd streets.