A small residential community of northwest Birmingham
Deep in the suburban corners of northwest Birmingham is Sandusky. The neighborhood may be small, but it has a lot of heart because of those who live there. "Sandusky is a pleasant, neighborly area to be in. We've got people that seem to really care about one another," says Tim Allen, Birmingham native and president of the Sandusky Community Center. "It's home to small business owners, law enforcement retirees and many churches." However, despite being a quiet slice of suburbia, residents are just minutes away from the excitement of Downtown Birmingham.
Meet the friendly residents in Sandusky.
Feel invited by the welcoming from porches on this craftsman style house.
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Older homes in need of a few repairs
Most homes in Sandusky are at least 60 years old, some dating back to the 1930s. Because homes are older, several need repairs, putting their price points between $50,000 and $90,000. Both owners and investors have already renovated several houses, raising values to between $100,000 and $160,000. Many investors have also purchased homes to renovate and rent out, making Sandusky a rising blend of owners and renters. Buyers will mostly find Craftsman bungalows with around 1,000 square feet and two to three bedrooms. Streets in Sandusky are narrow and woodsy, lacking sidewalks, and most residents have anywhere between a quarter and a half-acre of land.
Admire this charming ranch style house in Sandusky.
This unique ranch style house brings charm to Sandusky.
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Dinner at Jasmine's and exploring the Alabama Farmers Market
Jasmine's Café, about 1 mile away, is a local favorite for dinner and known for its soul food. Pork chops, fried fish, turnip greens, yams and oxtails are all on the menu. The Alabama Farmers Market is about 3 1/2 miles east, offering locally grown produce and wares. Since 1956, this 49-acre market has been owned and operated entirely by Alabama farmers. In addition to produce, the market is home to a flea market that sells local art, artisan soaps, clothes and other merchandise. Ollie's Bargain Market sits 2 miles north of Sandusky and offers a wide range of merchandise, including food, housewares and toys. Locals cruise up and down U.S. State Route 78 to handle additional shopping needs. The commercial strip has main chain restaurants and big box stores, like Walmart Supercenter and Piggly Wiggly.
Find your new favorite soul food at Jasmine's Cafe near Sandusky.
Find fresh fruits and vegetables at the Alabama Farmer's Market near Sandusky.
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Local schools participate in Ed Farm Spaces
Kids growing up in the area attend Birmingham City Schools, which earns an overall C on Niche. Kindergarten through eighth grade students attend South Hampton Elementary School, which has a C-minus on Niche and participates in Ed Farm Spaces. This organization designs programs to help engage and educate students in innovative digital skills. Ed Farm provides schools with Code Clubs, Student Fellows, Pathways and other inventive programs to provide students with skills that will open opportunities for them in the future. They aim to close the generational educational inequality Birmingham communities continue to experience in the shadow of segregation's legacy. Students then progress to Jackson-Olin High School, which Niche gave an overall C-minus.
Jackson-Olin High School is a great place for Sandusky kids to learn.
South Hampton Elementary School strives for excellence near Sandusky.
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Locals get active at the Sandusky Rec Center
Sandusky Park and its adjacent recreation center allow locals to get active and have fun. Kids enjoy the playground while local athletes play recreational games on the tennis court. Inside is a basketball court where residents compete in competitive pickup games. The recreation center is also the setting for special milestones. "People have baby showers, retirement parties and birthday parties," Allen says. "We've even had a wedding." Howze-Sanford Park, located south of Sandusky, features several outdoor sports facilities like a basketball court, three tennis courts and a field for softball or baseball games. The park also has open fields ideal for group activities or picnics, and visitors can stroll along the park's looping walking path. This park is home to a recreation center as well, which serves as another beloved community gathering place.
Shoot some hoops at Sandusky Community Park in Sandusky.
Enjoy the outdoors at Sandusky Park and Recreation Center.
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Heading into Birmingham
Birmingham public transportation doesn't directly service Sandusky, so locals primarily drive to get around. Downtown Birmingham is about 7 miles away, and commuters often use Route 78 to reach the city's center. The nearest hospitals are in, or near, Downtown Birmingham; the closest is Princeton Baptist Medical Center about 6 miles away. When locals need to catch a flight, the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport is about 11 miles away.
Take the short drive from Sandusky and enjoy downtown Birmingham.
Enjoy the fun to be had in downtown Birmingham just a short drive from Sandusky.
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
Fred Smith,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
North Sherman Heights Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Howze-Sanford Park
Basketball
Tennis
Parking Lot
McAlpine Park
Baseball/Softball
Pool
Tennis
One Pratt Place
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Forestdale Community Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Tennis
Sandusky Park Recreation Center
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Transit
Airport
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International
20 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Sandusky
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sandusky, Birmingham sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Sandusky, Birmingham over the last 12 months is $98,044, up 20% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this fabulous area! Discover a bright interior tied together with a neutral color palette. The primary bathroom features plenty of under sink storage waiting for your home organization needs. The back yard is the perfect spot to kick back with the included sitting area. Like what you hear? Come see it for yourself!
Welcome home! This home has Fresh Interior Paint. Discover a bright interior tied together with a neutral color palette. The primary bathroom features plenty of under sink storage waiting for your home organization needs. The back yard is the perfect spot to kick back with the included sitting area. Hurry, this won’t last long!
Remodeled from top to bottom! Nothing left untouched in this beauty! New Roof, New flooring, New HVAC, New Granite Countertops in Kitchen, Main Bath & Master Bath, Fresh Paint and so much more! Just bring your furniture because this one is ready to go!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Fred Smith,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
878
Median Age
35
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
31.2%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$37,391
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,391
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.6%
College Graduates
29.5%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
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®
11/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
3/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
0/ 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.
