Why Live in East Thomas
East Thomas in Birmingham is known as the birthplace of the city's Civil Rights Movement. The neighborhood is rich in history and community spirit, as it was built by Black professionals and activists in the 1940s. Located just 2 miles from Downtown Birmingham, East Thomas features post-war bungalows and ranch-style homes. The neighborhood, once called "Dynamite Hill" due to its history of bombings, now offers quiet, close-knit atmosphere where residents look out for one another. The area is characterized by gently sloping streets and narrow sidewalks, with over 60% of the homes owned by full-time residents. Commuting is convenient with fixed route buses on U.S. Route 78 and quick access to Interstate 20, making downtown easily reachable. East Thomas is within the Birmingham City Schools district. Kids may attend Tuggle Elementary, Wilkerson Middle, and A. H. Parker High, the latter being a historic hub for the community. Neighbors might visit the nearby Alabama Farmers Market on Finley Avenue, or Niki's West, a cafeteria-style restaurant known for its farm-fresh meals. For nightlife, Trackside Lounge provides a local spot to enjoy old-school DJ beats. The Dorothy Spears Greenway, a mile-long walking trail, links the regional trail system to Dorothy Spears Park, also known as East Thomas Park, which includes a baseball field, basketball courts and a swimming pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Thomas a good place to live?
East Thomas is a good place to live. East Thomas is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. East Thomas is a suburban neighborhood. East Thomas has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 3.8 people per acre and a median age of 45. The average household income is $68,506 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 15.6% of residents. A majority of residents in East Thomas are home owners, with 37.7% of residents renting and 62.3% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving East Thomas can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
East Thomas neighborhood guide.
Is East Thomas, AL a safe neighborhood?
East Thomas, AL is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 6 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in East Thomas?
The median home price in East Thomas is $96,200. If you put a 20% down payment of $19,200 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.38%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $480 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $21K a year to afford the median home price in East Thomas. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in East Thomas is $69K.
What are the best public schools in East Thomas?
The best public schools that serve East Thomas are:
What are the best private schools in East Thomas?
The best private schools that serve East Thomas are:
What are the most popular zip codes in East Thomas, Birmingham, AL?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near East Thomas, Birmingham, AL?
Home Trends in East Thomas, AL
On average, homes in East Thomas, Birmingham sell after 9 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in East Thomas, Birmingham over the last 12 months is $100,833, up 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$100,833
Median Single Family Sale Price
$96,200
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$83
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Last 12 months Home Sales
5
Median List Price
$96,200
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
22%