Why Live in Ensley
Ensley, a neighborhood in Birmingham, is known for its strong community roots and historical ties to the steel industry. Although the steel production at The Ensley Works has ceased, the neighborhood's proximity to I-20 allows residents to commute easily to jobs throughout the greater Birmingham area. Ensley features local dining, specialty shopping, and convenience options, particularly along 20th Street Ensley. Residents often socialize on front porches or walk to local parks and the East Ensley Public Library. The neighborhood is characterized by grassy blocks of single-family homes built between the 1920s and 1950s, including bungalows, shotguns, and four square style houses. These homes vary from fixer-uppers to move-in ready properties. Ensley’s narrow residential sidewalks, lined with bushes, flowers, and mature trees, connect the community. The neighborhood's location near I-20 provides a 7-mile commute to downtown Birmingham, with public transportation available via bus stops. Downtown Ensley offers essential services and dining options, such as Marino’s Market, Family Dollar, Dollar General, Stop & Shop Square, and Heritage Coffee. McAlpine Park and Ensley Park provide large green spaces, athletic fields, playgrounds, and community pools. The area is safer than the national average, contributing to its appeal. Ensley also has active high school alumni associations that host annual events and raise scholarship funds for current students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ensley a good place to live?
Ensley is a good place to live. Ensley is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable with minimal transit options. Ensley is a suburban neighborhood. Ensley has 5 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 3.5 people per acre and a median age of 43. The average household income is $46,691 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 8% of residents. A majority of residents in Ensley are renters, with 58% of residents renting and 42% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Ensley can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Ensley neighborhood guide.
Is Ensley, AL a safe neighborhood?
Ensley, 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 Ensley?
The median home price in Ensley is $81,450. If you put a 20% down payment of $16,300 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.15%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $400 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $17K a year to afford the median home price in Ensley. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Ensley is $47K.
What are the best public schools in Ensley?
The best public schools that serve Ensley are:
What are the best private schools in Ensley?
The best private schools that serve Ensley are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Ensley, Birmingham, AL?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Ensley, Birmingham, AL?
Home Trends in Ensley, AL
On average, homes in Ensley, Birmingham sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Ensley, Birmingham over the last 12 months is $72,000, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$72,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$71,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$180,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$62
Number of Homes for Sale
12
Last 12 months Home Sales
31
Median List Price
$81,450
Median Change From 1st List Price
11%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
20%