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Highland Park

Birmingham, AL

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$190,000 (June 2025, down 46.9% MoM)
Median Home Price
Very walkable (Walk Score ~75–80)
Walkability Score
Public schools are average to below average; private schools are highly rated and popular among residents.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Generally bounded by Red Mountain to the south, 20th Street South to the west, Avondale to the north, and Forest Park to the east.

Zip Codes

3520535222

Market Data Summary

Price RangeRecent months have seen sales from $190,000 to $400,000+ depending on property type and condition.
Price per Sq Ft$222 (June 2025)
Inventory Levels63 homes for sale in May 2025 (+6.8% MoM). Inventory for 2- and 3-bedroom homes increased, while 4-bedroom homes decreased.[2]

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Historic single-family homesRenovated bungalowsModern condosApartment complexes

Architectural Styles

VictorianCraftsmanTudor RevivalMid-century modern

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesSmall to medium urban lots (0.1–0.25 acres)
Home Age RangeEarly 1900s–present (many homes 80–120 years old, some new infill)
Construction QualityMix of well-maintained historic properties, some needing renovation, and high-quality new developments.[1]

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Predominantly young professionals, graduate students, and medical staff due to proximity to UAB. Diverse, urban, and educated population. 65% renter occupancy.[1]

Community Vibe

Urban, vibrant, and social. Strong sense of neighborhood identity, active neighborhood association, and regular community events.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Medical staff
  • Graduate students
  • Small families
  • Investors

Family Friendly

Moderately family-friendly; more popular with singles, couples, and small families. Parks and walkability appeal to active lifestyles.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • • Rhodes Park
  • • Caldwell Park
  • • Rushton Park
  • • Highland Park Golf Course

Dining Options

  • • Fine dining (Highlands Bar & Grill, Bottega)
  • • Casual eateries (Rojo, O'Henry's)
  • • Coffee shops

Shopping Centers

  • • Local boutiques
  • • Nearby Five Points South retail

Local Businesses

  • • Rojo
  • • O'Henry's Coffees
  • • Highlands Bar & Grill
  • • Bottega

Education & Schools

Public schools are average to below average; private schools are highly rated and popular among residents.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • • Avondale Elementary
  • • Glen Iris Elementary

Middle Schools

  • • Putnam Middle School

High Schools

  • • Woodlawn High School

Private Schools

  • • Highlands School
  • • Advent Episcopal School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • • MAX bus lines

Major Roads

  • • 20th Street South
  • • Highland Avenue
  • • Red Mountain Expressway (US-31/US-280)

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times5–10 minutes to downtown Birmingham, 5 minutes to UAB, 15–20 minutes to suburbs.
WalkabilityHigh; most errands and recreation accessible on foot.
ParkingStreet parking is common; some homes have driveways or off-street parking, but parking can be tight near popular businesses.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • Medical staff
  • Investors
  • Small families

Key Selling Points

  • Urban lifestyle
  • Historic homes
  • Walkability
  • Strong rental demand
  • Proximity to parks and UAB

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively due to recent market correction; highlight unique features and upgrades to justify premium.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need repairs or updates.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports, highlight recent upgrades, and connect buyers with reputable contractors.

Objection: Parking is limited in some areas.

Response Strategy:

Point out available off-street parking, nearby public lots, and walkability to amenities.

Objection: Public schools are average.

Response Strategy:

Highlight proximity to top-rated private schools and enrichment programs.

Objection: Recent price volatility.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize long-term appreciation, rental demand, and historic resilience of the neighborhood.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong long-term appreciation due to location, historic character, and demand from professionals. Recent volatility suggests short-term caution.[1]

Rental Demand

Very high, driven by UAB and medical district proximity. 65% renter occupancy.[1]

Buyer Competition

Moderate to high, especially for renovated historic homes and condos. Increased inventory may ease competition in late 2025.[2]

Best For

  • Investors seeking rental income
  • Young professionals
  • Buyers seeking walkable urban lifestyle

Potential Concerns

  • Price volatility
  • Older home maintenance
  • Parking limitations

Professional Recommendations

1

Stay updated on rapid market shifts and inventory changes.

2

Network with local contractors and inspectors for historic home expertise.

3

Emphasize walkability, amenities, and rental demand in marketing.

4

Prepare buyers for competitive offers on renovated homes.

5

Highlight unique architectural features and community events.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Forest Park
  • Crestwood
  • Five Points South

Market Positioning

Best suited for buyers seeking urban lifestyle with historic charm and strong rental demand.

Competitive Advantages

  • Higher walkability
  • Historic architecture
  • Proximity to UAB and downtown

Price Comparison

Priced above city average ($136,269) but below luxury neighborhoods; offers better value than some nearby urban districts.[4]

Investment Metrics

Typically 5–7% for well-managed rentals, higher for value-add properties.
Cap Rates
Gross yields 6–8% depending on property and management.
Rental Yields
Moderate; attractive for investors due to strong rental demand.
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow possible, especially for multi-family or renovated properties.
Cash Flow
Long-term upward trend, but expect short-term volatility through late 2025.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Appealing due to urban lifestyle and walkability, but may be deterred by older home maintenance.

Move-Up Buyers

Attracted to larger historic homes and vibrant community.

Downsizers

Drawn to condos and low-maintenance options near amenities.

Investors

Strong rental demand and appreciation potential; focus on renovated or value-add properties.

Relocators

Popular for those moving to Birmingham for UAB or downtown jobs.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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