Section Image

Brown Springs

Brown Springs

$118,954 Average Value

Thick forests miles from downtown Birmingham

Located between the artsy Eastlake neighborhood and Ruffner Mountain Preserve, Brown Springs is a green stretch of residential zones that connects Birmingham’s urban atmosphere with the wetlands and forests to the east. Formerly an agricultural area, the community still maintains a more verdant, secluded atmosphere than one might expect, so close to the fast pace of the nearby Magic City. Greenery festoons streets with a rural atmosphere, and backyards end in busy thickets of oak and hickory trees that stretch into the mountains in the distance.

You can see the trees growing in between the overall landscape of Brown Springs in Birmingham.
You can see the trees growing in between the overall landscape of Brown Springs in Birmingham.
Brown Springs is located near the interstate for an easy commute.
Brown Springs is located near the interstate for an easy commute.
1/2

The natural beauty of Ruffner Mountain Preserve

The southern end of Brown Springs cuts into the thick of the Ruffner Mountain Preserve, which consists of over 1,000 acres of forests, wetlands, hills, mountains and streams. In addition to miles of hiking trails and panoramic overlook views, Ruffner Mountain is the home of an inactive mining quarry converted into a bat habitat. Habitat gardens bloom with native flowers and plants, and conservation programs constantly reforest and restore this former industrial zone to its former natural beauty.

Welcome to Brown Springs a suburb of Birmingham, AL.
Welcome to Brown Springs a suburb of Birmingham, AL.
Brown Springs is close to Ruffner Mountain with plenty of nature trails.
Brown Springs is close to Ruffner Mountain with plenty of nature trails.
1/2

No frills fixer-uppers

Despite its proximity to downtown Birmingham, pieces of the neighborhood look cut from far more rural places in Alabama, something that is further accentuated by a lack of new construction or upscale amenities. This sense of “no-frills” living has recently attracted its share of new residents. “It’s a really fast-growing neighborhood,” says Andrew Fair, a Realtor with Black Clover Realty who’s served the area for ten years. “There’s a lot of historic homes out there, often mixed in with 50s and 60s housing. It’s an affordable place to find a house.” Most homes are ranch-style design, with centennial fixer-uppers starting in the low-$20,000s and renovated move-in ready models peaking in the low-$90,000s.

You can find a fixer upper in Brown Springs.
You can find a fixer upper in Brown Springs.
Quaint, affordable housing can be found in the Brown Springs neighborhood of Birmingham, AL.
Quaint, affordable housing can be found in the Brown Springs neighborhood of Birmingham, AL.
1/2

The Birmingham Airport, practically in the backyard

At 6.5 miles northeast of downtown Birmingham, nearby Interstate 20 and Route 11 are convenient ways for locals to commute daily into the city. The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is located 2 miles northwest for trips further afield. Public transit is available through Birmingham’s Max Transit bus system, and several of the closest stops can be found less than a mile away on 2nd Avenue.

Birmingham Shuttlesworth is located minutes from Brown Springs.
Birmingham Shuttlesworth is located minutes from Brown Springs.
Birmingham Shuttlesworth is located close to the boarder of Brown Springs.
Birmingham Shuttlesworth is located close to the boarder of Brown Springs.
1/2

Walmart, Waffle House and wings

Fans of popular chains like Arby’s, Jack’s and Waffle House can head a mile south to the Irondale neighborhood, the home of a Walmart Supercenter and several other convenient shopping options. Boston Fish Wings and Things offers wings, shrimp and chicken dinners for a casual lunch.

Walmart is less than a 10 minute drive from Brown Springs.
Walmart is less than a 10 minute drive from Brown Springs.
Boston Fish Wings & Things is a local favorite in Brown Springs.
Boston Fish Wings & Things is a local favorite in Brown Springs.
1/2

Earn college credits at Woodlawn High

Students can begin their education at Barrett Elementary School before attending W.E. Putnam Middle School, both of which scored a C-minus on Niche. From there, they can enroll at C-minus-scoring Woodlawn High School, which has a reputation for focusing on both brains and brawn. "We offer an early college program where students can earn credits while they’re taking their regular school courses,” says Brittany Wilson, Head Secretary at Woodlawn. “And we have an outstanding athletics program.”

Woodlawn High School educates the leaders of tomorrow in Brown Springs of Birmingham.
Woodlawn High School educates the leaders of tomorrow in Brown Springs of Birmingham.
The school colors are green and gold, and the mascot is the Colonel at Woodlawn High School.
The school colors are green and gold, and the mascot is the Colonel at Woodlawn High School.
1/2

The biggest catfish in East Lake wins

The East Lake fishing rodeo has been an annual tradition that brings families together since its inception in 1998. The free event features anglers of all ages vying for the best catch with prizes for the biggest catfish caught. Those with a more artistic bent can attend the annual Birmingham Art Walk, which showcases hundreds of artists and musicians with performances, food and more.

Anyone can go fishing at the Pier, at East Lake Park om Brown Springs.
Anyone can go fishing at the Pier, at East Lake Park om Brown Springs.
Locals love to fish at East Lake Park.
Locals love to fish at East Lake Park.
1/2
Phil Keeling
Written By
Phil Keeling
Michael Voyack
Video By
Michael Voyack

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jeremy Galloway, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International

8 min drive

Bus

73rd St S And Oporto Madrid Blvd (Ib)

Bus

London Ave And 73rd St

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
226
Median Year Built
1950
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,194
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jeremy Galloway, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
491
Median Age
42
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$35,357
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,609

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89.4%
College Graduates
10.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.1%
% Population in Labor Force
49.9%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
57''
Average Winter Low Temperature
35°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
1''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

7 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

13 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

23 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Brown Springs neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Brown Springs