Vibrant city-center living in historic downtown Birmingham
Living in the center of Downtown Birmingham, residents of Central City are within walking distance of all the community's culinary, recreation and cultural offerings. Sidewalks connect a visual smorgasbord of architecture, and locals have their choice of low- and high-rise residences, eateries, boutiques and green spaces, including the new City Walk Park — an innovative oasis brimming with sports facilities, entertainment and an educational Civil Rights storytelling zone. Residents typically live in condos, enjoying quick access to essentials and delights, as well as nearby employers such as the University of Alabama Birmingham.
Modern condos blend with historic buildings in Central City.
The John A. Hand Building, located in Central City, opened in 1912.
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Culinary options, Birmingham Museum and Reed Books
Dining and shopping choices are plentiful. For no-frills, Southern-style home cooking, Fife's has been a favorite since 1959. Coworkers and friends gather over espresso and pastries in June Coffee as sunlight pours in through the café’s floor-to-ceiling windows. And for modern Mexican fare amid rich wooden and industrial decor, El Barrio is a top pick. Carrigan's Public House — popular for craft cocktails on the patio — also offers rooftop dining for spectacular city views.
Cultural opportunities include exploring global art collections and the sculpture garden at the Birmingham Museum of Art or attending performances at the opulent Lyric Theatre.
Book lovers find their bliss at Jim Reed Books, owned and operated by local author Jim Reed. Also known as The Museum of Fond Memories, it brims with vintage memorabilia and books spanning every conceivable subject and genre.
El Barrio is Central City's very own multi-regional Mexican-inspired cusine.
Visit Jim Reed Books off of 3rd Ave N. in Central City.
Fife's is a Central City favorite for southern-style cooking.
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Innovative City Walk Park
There's always something happening at the 31-acre City Walk Park, Central City's newest gem, which opened in 2022 beneath the I-59/20 interstate bridges. Amenities include central Alabama's largest skate park, a bring-your-own roller-skating rink, walking paths, a food truck area and an amphitheater. The park's Bier Garden hosts live music amid a bistro, ping pong tables and bocce ball courts. One of its most unique treasures is the dynamic Civil Rights storytelling zone with educational signage, just blocks from the Birmingham Civil Rights District. Its ADA-accessible playscape reflects Alabama's five physiographic regions, and there's even a membership-only off-leash dog park, The Barkery.
Local baseball leagues practice at Marconi Park's diamond, and Linn Park offers shaded walking paths that meander past a lovely central fountain.
Central City has a great cityscape with lots of activity in the afternoons at City Walk Park.
All ages can work on their fitness at the City Walk playground in Central City.
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Watts Tower, John Hand and Mercantile Morris condos
Condominium living prevails amid an eclectic assortment of buildings, some with landscaped rooftops. "Living in The Watts Tower," says Zac Kennedy, an eXp Realtor with more than eight years of experience in the residential real estate industry, “you’re getting million-dollar Magic City views without the million-dollar price tag." Two-bedrooms in this historic Art Deco tower, built in 1928, ask around $240,000. A one-bedroom in the Italianate Founders Station, built in the 1880s, asks $350,000, as do contemporary 2020 condos in Mercantile Morris.
Other residential options include the iconic John Hand Building — one of Birmingham's most famous skyscrapers, where a two-bedroom can fetch $550,000. Built in 1912 with ornate Sylacauga, also known as Alabama marble, this high-rise seems to glow amongst its industrial brick counterparts. "Living in the John Hand Building offers a true urban experience," says Carol Waites, a Realtor with RealtySouth for more than 40 years. "You're walking distance to all major downtown attractions like Railroad Park, Regions Field, The Rotary Trail, Alabama Theatre, Lyric Theater, McWane Science Center. I could go on and on." The John Hand Building also includes a boutique hotel and a private club on its top two floors.
Adding to the neighborhood's variety, First Presbyterian Church and the Cathedral of Saint Paul, which both originated in the late 1800s, are some of the downtown area’s finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture. Both are on the National Register of Historic Places and draw tourists who marvel at their intricate spires and stained glass.
Watts Tower is one of many high-rise condo buildings in Central City.
The John A. Hand Building, located in Central City, opened in 1912.
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Birmingham City School District
Birmingham City School District earns a Niche C grade, and public-school kids start at Phillips Academy, which gets a Niche C-plus. Students then head to Wilkerson Middle, given a Niche C-minus. Older students advance to Parker High, which gets a Niche C-plus and features a standout football program.
J.H. Phillips Academy serves kindergarteners through eighth graders in Central City.
A.H. Parker High School is on Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard in Central City.
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Residents of Central City have access to the MAX Transit system.
MAX Transit around town and to the airport
Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority offers MAX Transit buses at stops along most corridors. The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is less than 6 miles from Central City and can be reached via bus transit.
Artwalk and City Walk Events
The Cathedral of Saint Paul hosts a free downtown concert series on Sunday afternoons, and First Presbyterian offers Wednesday dinners and holiday brunch events. Every September, the free Artwalk festival fills the community with nearly 100 visual artists, musicians, street performers and food vendors. All year long, City Walk Park offers an assortment of events for all ages from BMX Nights, to football season tailgates to skate park jam sessions. City Walk Park also hosts a Festival of the Trees in December, complete with a grand tree lighting, 20 smaller lit trees, holiday music and beverages.
Important to know
The CAP Index gives Central City a 9 out of 10 score, which may in part be due to an uptick in car break-ins reported by Birmingham Police in late 2023. The police department is now placing community signs that warn residents to remove valuables from cars when parking.
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
One-of-a-kind 2 bed, 2 bath loft in the historic Rhodes Carroll Building on 2nd Ave N. Soaring 2-story windows flood the space with natural light. Original hardwoods, exposed brick, custom LED lighting, Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances, and brand new carpet in bedrooms. Both bedrooms have custom closets. Once an elevator shaft, now a dramatic spiral staircase with original pulley system as a showpiece.
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Birmingham City Living at its finestFOR RENT | Spacious Downtown Loft Townhouse 4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | Prime Downtown Location Discover the best of city living in this large, open-concept loft-style townhouse located in the heart of Downtown Birmingham. This unique residence offers 20-foot ceilings, expansive living space, and modern charm, perfect for those who crave both style and
Welcome to Common at The Frank. Located in vibrant Central City, this luxurious apartment community offers beautiful studio and 1-bedrooms and an array of incredible amenities tailored to elevate your lifestyle. As you step through the doors of your new home, you're greeted with a sense of belonging that extends far beyond your apartment door. Each space within Common at The Frank is meticulously
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,912
Median Age
39
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$46,881
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$72,009
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
80.3%
College Graduates
43.5%
Advanced Degrees
26.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
47.2%
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
Bikeable
Bike Score®
63/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
89/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
47/ 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.
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.
