Mountain Brook

Birmingham, AL

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$780,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
Varies by village; English and Crestline Villages score 60-75 (walkable to shops/cafes), estate areas are car-dependent.
Walkability Score
Consistently rated 9-10/10 on state and national rankings; Mountain Brook High School is among Alabama’s top public high schools.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Mountain Brook is an affluent suburb southeast of downtown Birmingham, bordered by Homewood to the west, Irondale to the north, and Vestavia Hills to the south and east. It includes the villages of Mountain Brook, Crestline, and English Village.

Zip Codes

352133522335243

Market Data Summary

Price RangeRecent sales range from $624,900 to $1,195,000 for 3-7 bedroom homes
Price per Sq Ft$257 (June 2025), down from $320 in May 2025
Inventory LevelsLow inventory; homes sell quickly, typically within 5 days.[4]

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesLuxury estatesTownhomes (limited)

Architectural Styles

Traditional SouthernColonial RevivalTudorRanchModern renovations

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.3 to 2+ acres, with larger lots in estate sections
Home Age Range1930s to present; many homes built mid-20th century, with ongoing renovations and new custom builds
Construction QualityHigh; premium materials, mature landscaping, and custom features are common

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Affluent, highly educated, predominantly professional families and executives; median household income well above Birmingham average.

Community Vibe

Tight-knit, traditional, and civic-minded with a focus on local events, philanthropy, and neighborhood pride.

Typical Residents

  • Families with children
  • Established professionals
  • Retirees
  • Executives

Family Friendly

Exceptional; top-rated schools, parks, and community events attract families.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Mountain Brook Trail System
  • Jemison Park
  • Crestline Tot Lot
  • Birmingham Botanical Gardens (adjacent)

Dining Options

  • Chez Lulu
  • Daniel George
  • Olexa’s Café
  • Davenport’s Pizza

Shopping Centers

  • Mountain Brook Village
  • Crestline Village
  • English Village

Local Businesses

  • Boutique shops
  • Specialty grocers
  • Local banks
  • Fitness studios

Education & Schools

Consistently rated 9-10/10 on state and national rankings; Mountain Brook High School is among Alabama’s top public high schools.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Crestline Elementary
  • Brookwood Forest Elementary
  • Mountain Brook Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Mountain Brook Junior High

High Schools

  • Mountain Brook High School

Private Schools

  • The Altamont School
  • Saint Francis Xavier School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Limited; primarily serviced by Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) routes on periphery

Major Roads

  • US-280
  • Cahaba Road
  • Montclair Road

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10-20 minutes to downtown Birmingham; 20-30 minutes to UAB and major hospitals.
WalkabilityHigh in village centers, low in estate/residential areas.
ParkingAmple off-street and private driveway parking; village centers have limited public parking during peak hours.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Affluent families
  • Corporate executives
  • Medical professionals
  • Relocating retirees

Key Selling Points

  • Top-ranked schools
  • Prestigious address
  • Walkable village centers
  • Large, private lots
  • Proximity to downtown Birmingham

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively given recent month-over-month declines, but emphasize long-term value and unique property features.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High home prices compared to Birmingham average

Response Strategy:

Emphasize top schools, safety, and long-term appreciation potential.

Objection: Older homes may need updates

Response Strategy:

Highlight recent renovations, quality construction, and potential for customization.

Objection: Limited public transit

Response Strategy:

Focus on short commutes, ample parking, and walkability in village centers.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong long-term appreciation due to limited supply, high demand, and top schools; short-term volatility possible due to recent price correction.[2][4]

Rental Demand

Moderate; most homes are owner-occupied, but executive rentals and short-term furnished options are in demand.

Buyer Competition

High; low inventory and quick sales create competitive environment for buyers.[4]

Best For

  • Families seeking top schools
  • Executives relocating to Birmingham
  • Buyers seeking long-term value

Potential Concerns

  • High entry price
  • Property taxes
  • Limited new construction

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on the value of Mountain Brook’s schools and community amenities.

2

Leverage professional staging and high-end marketing materials.

3

Network with relocation specialists and corporate HR departments.

4

Monitor inventory closely and act quickly on new listings.

5

Prepare buyers for competitive offers and potential bidding wars.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Homewood
  • Vestavia Hills
  • Hoover

Market Positioning

Mountain Brook is positioned as Birmingham’s premier luxury and family-friendly neighborhood.

Competitive Advantages

  • Best public schools in metro Birmingham
  • Prestigious reputation
  • Unique village center walkability

Price Comparison

Mountain Brook’s median price ($780,000) is more than double Birmingham’s overall median ($354,900, June 2025).[3]

Investment Metrics

2.5-3.5% (low, reflecting high home values and owner-occupancy)
Cap Rates
3-4% for executive rentals; lower for long-term leases
Rental Yields
High (indicative of owner-occupancy preference and long-term investment)
Price-to-Rent
Limited for traditional rentals; higher for short-term furnished or executive rentals
Cash Flow
3-5% annual appreciation expected over next 3-5 years, barring major economic shifts.[4]
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to high entry price; best suited for affluent first-time buyers or those with family support.

Move-Up Buyers

Ideal for buyers upgrading from other Birmingham neighborhoods seeking schools and lifestyle.

Downsizers

Attractive for retirees seeking luxury, low-maintenance homes near amenities.

Investors

Best for long-term appreciation or executive rental strategies, not for cash flow.

Relocators

Highly desirable for professionals moving to Birmingham for work or quality of life.

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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