With a history of industrial boom and decline, Ensley is an area defined by the shifting neighborhood amenities available to its established, close-knit community. While residents no longer work in steel production at The Ensley Works, the neighborhood’s proximity to I-20 means locals often drive to employers across the greater Birmingham area. Local dining, specialty shopping and convenience options provide residents with daily essentials, alongside a handful of chain options along 20th Street Ensley. When neighbors aren’t chatting across front porches, they can be found walking down Ensley’s residential sidewalks to local parks or to classes at East Ensley Public Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Residents who have lived in the area for their entire lives live alongside new neighbors seeking refuge from high property costs around downtown Birmingham, building upon Ensley’s existing suburban community.
The busy interior of Green Acres restaurant.
Take a walk down the historic downtown area of Ensley.
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Blocks of single-family homes
Ensley’s residential areas are laid out in grassy blocks of single-family homes built in the 1920s through 1950s. Homes sport unique designs and paint colors, with bungalows, shotguns and the occasional four square style houses making up many of the offerings. Fixer-uppers in need of serious work may sell for $30,000, while move-in ready options go for $80,000 to $130,000 depending on its interior updates and square footage. “Ensley has a bright future because more people want to live where rent and mortgages are lower than downtown Birmingham. People buy and renovate out here where things aren’t as congested,” says George A. McCall, president of the Ensley Neighborhood Association who has lived in the neighborhood for 80 years. Narrow residential sidewalks run past rows of porches lined by bushes and flowers, occasional vacant or damaged lots and under the boughs of mature trees, connecting the neighborhood.
A residential street in Ensley.
A historic home in Ensley.
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Proximity to I-20
“We’ve got proximity to the interstate, so you can get anywhere in Birmingham very quickly. It’s part of what attracts people to the area,” says McCall. I-20 runs along the southeast of Ensley, providing residents with a 7-mile commute to downtown Birmingham, home to many of the area’s employers. Locals also have access to public transportation via bus stops which run the length of the neighborhood.
Downtown Birmingham from the interstate.
You are always welcome in Ensley.
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Local businesses of downtown Ensley
Downtown Ensley provides a handful of options for locals’ daily necessities and dining, as well as a few specialty businesses which tend to be sandwiched between vacant storefronts. Groceries can be picked up at Marino’s Market on Avenue E, and the Family Dollar and Dollar General on 20th Street Ensley provide further household essentials. Stop & Shop Square has served locals takeout soul food for decades, while the newer Heritage Coffee provides residents with a cozy coffeeshop interior in which to get caffeinated. A couple of development projects in the downtown area are slated to provide increased commercial and medical spaces to Ensley, but these projects are still in the works.
The cafe counter in Heritage Coffee.
Signage at Stop and Shop Square.
The exterior of Green Acres restaurant.
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Attending Birmingham City Schools
Kids in Ensley can attend kindergarten through fifth grade at Wylam Elementary School and sixth through eighth grade at Bush Hills Academy, both of which are outside of Ensley and earn a C-minus and D-plus on Niche respectively. Students finish school within Ensley at P.D. Jackson-Olin High school which earns a C-minus and can choose to participate in Career and Technical Education programs which allow them to explore specialized career interests alongside traditional academics.
Bush Hills STEAM Academy teaches kids to do their best near Ensley.
Wylam K-8 School is a great place to learn for Ensley children.
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Swimming and sporting at McAlpine and Ensley parks
McAlpine Park and Ensley Park provide residents with large public green spaces and a recreation center at each which can be booked for community events. Residents looking to play a pick-up game of tennis or baseball might head to Ensley Park, while similar athletic fields as well as a playground and community pool draw locals to McAlpine Park.
Take a stroll at McAlpine Park in Ensley.
Take a stroll with someone you love at Ensley Park.
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Ensley and Western/Jackson-Olin High School alumni events
Ensley has produced robust high school alumni associations out of Jackson-Olin High School and the now demolished Ensley High School, both of which engage with Ensley’s wider community at events like annual alumni picnics. Beyond giving thousands of neighbors and old classmates space to get together, alumni also raise money for scholarships for current students in Birmingham.
Cheer on the Mustangs at Jackson-Olin High School near Ensley.
Jackson Olin High School takes pride in teaching future leaders of Ensley.
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Ensley Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Ensley, Birmingham sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Ensley, Birmingham over the last 12 months is $74,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great opportunity for investors, builders, or anyone looking to build in a convenient location. This lot at 2326 18th Street offers plenty of potential for a new construction home or future investment property. Located near local schools, shopping, dining, and major roadways, the property provides easy access to everyday conveniences. Whether you are looking to build now, add to your investment
Lot size approximately 25x132 ~ Please check anything that is of importance including schools and zoning. Sale will be subject to third party approval.Purchaser will be responsible for obtaining a Bill for Quiet Title.
12-unit multifamily property in Birmingham featuring twelve 1-bedroom, 1-bath units. Excellent opportunity for an investor seeking a multifamily asset. Buyers and agents to verify all information, including rents, leases, occupancy, expenses, zoning, and property condition.
Commercial Land! Flat Land with bushes covering most of it. Conveniently situated near commercial and residential properties. Electric and water is nearby. Buyers are asked to do their due diligence before purchasing property. Seller financing is available with a 20% down payment.
Charming bungalow with tons of character and investment potential! This home features spacious rooms, original hardwood floors, large windows providing great natural light, and a functional layout ready for your personal touch. The property offers a covered front porch, mature trees, and a sizable yard with additional storage space. Conveniently located near schools, shopping, dining, and
Take a look at this well-maintained 3BR/1BA home in Birmingham’s Ensley area! This vacant property offers a functional layout, original hardwood flooring, newer vinyl windows along the front, and plenty of potential to make it your own. With approximately 1,385 sq. ft. of living space and minimal updates needed, this home is ready for its next chapter. Clear title and ready to close ASAP!
Turn-Key and Tenant ready! Nothing needed and completely updated 4 Bedroom and 1.5 Bath. Over 54.5K in recent updates such as; Brand New Entire HVAC System, New Flooring entire house, repainted entire interior, new siding, New Metal Roof, New Hot Water Heater, Updated electrical.
This duplex offers an excellent investment opportunity with two separate living spaces.The main residence features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, while the second unit offers 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, providing great potential for rental income or multi-family living.Prior to the current tenants occupying the property, the owner completed numerous updates and improvements, as
Charming Birmingham home with the space, comfort, and potential you have been looking for! Welcome to a cute 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offering 1,512 sqft of living space. The layout provides plenty of room for everyday living, entertaining, or creating spaces that fit your lifestyle. EVEN BETTER: a HVAC system will be installed before closing. Enjoy the peace of mind of knowing this important
What a rare find! This thriving, body shop has been in the family for 62 Years!Well maintained building that appraised for $650,000. It is almost 9000 square feet under one roof! The sellers are leaving $100,000 worth of equipment, computers, and tools! When the business was in full force it could not take in all the work! The building has 12 bays, 2 frame machines, a paint shop with a
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home perfectly situated on a spacious corner lot in a well-established community. This property features beautiful hardwood floors and a large open living space that offers endless possibilities for customization and design. The level, fully fenced yard provides plenty of room for outdoor entertaining, gardening, or play. With its generous layout and prime
Section 8 Housing Vouchers Welcome.2701 Avenue J offers a comfortable and practical home with a functional layout designed for everyday living. The main living area provides plenty of flexibility for furniture and seating, while the kitchen offers useful cabinet and counter space for storage and meal preparation. The home includes well-sized bedrooms, a conveniently located bathroom, and
Apply today with confidence, your application fee will be credited back upon approval!Available now! Text our property manager Amy at (205) 966-8543 to schedule a showing.Section 8 not accepted.Welcome to 1304 Avenue G in Birmingham, AL 35218 – a cozy and inviting 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home that offers comfort, functionality, and great outdoor space.Step inside to
Updated finishes throughout. This home features a bright exterior, covered parking, fresh interior updates, hardwood flooring, and multiple flexible living/bedroom spaces.Inside, you’ll find a spacious living area, updated kitchen with white cabinets, granite-style counters, subway tile backsplash, and hard-surface flooring. Both bathrooms have been updated with newer vanities, fixtures, and
This Quaint apartment is located in Birmingham and Features:* Eat-In Kitchen* Spacious Rooms* Hardwood FloorsEasy access to schools and I-20. (Tenant to verify schools.)A NO DEPOSIT option is offered through Rhino, a way to pay your deposit over time instead of in one lump sum. Please contact us for information.Please call today! [Si, hablamos Espaniol.]We
Section 8 accepted. Great curb appeal on this wonderful home on a quiet neighborhood street. This lovely home features 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bath. You are sure to love the beautiful hardwood flooring that runs throughout most of the home. The large living room features lots of natural light. The dining room is perfect for hosting family and friends. The kitchen offers great cabinet and counter space.
Welcome home to this spacious renovated 3 bedroom 1 bathroom home, living room with separate dining room. Call or Text 205-370-6191 for more information.Security Deposit: $1100Managed by Arice Properties
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