South Eastlake
Revitalization along Ruffner Mountain
Because the neighborhood’s roots date back about 100 years, mature trees shade the slowly narrowing sidewalks that weave throughout the community. Gridded streets border Interstate 59, but city blocks lose shape closer to Ruffner Mountain. The neighborhood's oldest cottages, bungalows and ranch-style homes date to the 1920s, but houses continued to pop up through the 1970s. Turnkey houses with about 1,000 square feet start around $135,000, while those approaching 1,500 square feet can exceed $200,000. Those ready to build sweat equity can find properties starting around $30,000; however, investors are purchasing and remodeling many of the homes needing extensive repair. The resale of recently renovated houses have driven average values higher in South Eastlake over a few years, a trend that could continue.Commuter-friendly access to Interstate 20
Less than 10 miles from downtown and the University of Alabama-Birmingham, South Eastlake allows residents to reach top employers with a quick ride down Interstate 20. The bus also links the neighborhood to the city's heart, including the 25 and 17 lines. Birmingham-Shuttleworth International Airport is 5 miles away for trips out of state.Access to Birmingham City Schools
Students can attend Birmingham City Schools that received C-minus grades from Niche, starting with Robinson Elementary. From here, students can transition to Ossie Ware Mitchell Middle School and graduate from Woodlawn High School. At Woodlawn, students can participate in programs such as the Early College and the Academy of Business and Finance.Swinging by Joe & Deb’s or driving to national retailers
Although restaurants are limited in South Eastlake, takeout spots such as Lady Vee’s and Wings Rings & Things by Joe & Deb are popular. With downtown less than 10 miles away, locals can also explore top-rated restaurants in the heart of the city. For grabbing the essentials, Piggly Wiggly is the closest option, but Walmart Supercenter in Irondale is also less than 3 miles away. National retailers and bulk shopping options in Trussville can be reached in about 10 miles by heading north on Interstate 59.Bordered by East Lake Park and hiking trails
Along the neighborhood’s eastern edge, East Lake Park is a gathering place — just as it’s been for generations. “The park has been around since the early 1900s,” says Justin Mundie of eXp Realty, a Realtor specializing in the South Eastlake area. Home to networking and community events such as the annual Melanin Mala Project, the park is a landing place for community activism. Of course, the vibrant green space also offers the appeal of natural beauty. “It has this large, stunning lake and is actually one of the largest municipal parks in Birmingham,” Mundie says. The western half of South Eastlake also benefits from proximity to outdoor recreation, as many houses border Ruffner Mountain. With trails throughout its 1,000-acre natural landscape, the preserve allows locals to escape urban life and see the city streets from above.Community events and aid from P.E.E.R., Inc. and ELI Strive
To help bring fresh produce to the neighborhood and support local artisans, the East Lake Farmers Market by P.E.E.R., Inc. sets up shop at the East Lake United Methodist Church every Saturday. ELI Strive is another organization that regularly hosts events in the area, including Lunch & Learns for parents and food markets for families in need.Violent crime rates above the national average
According to the CAP Index, the crime score in South Eastlake exceeds the national average, particularly in categories of violent crime. The police department recently tested a new safety initiative with the Housing Authority of Birmingham District that involved barricading historic neighborhoods to deter crime. While this has yet to make it to South Eastlake, the city of Birmingham is considering its designation as a historic neighborhood, so similar police initiatives may make their way to the community.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Brian Kelleher
Keller Williams Homewood
(659) 207-5345
158 Total Sales
10 in South Eastlake
$78K - $210K Price Range
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Bozeman and Minor Group
ARC Realty Vestavia
(659) 207-4276
410 Total Sales
14 in South Eastlake
$21K - $180K Price Range
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Christa Moore
Responds QuicklyLake Homes Realty of West Alabama
(659) 348-0183
21 Total Sales
1 in South Eastlake
$255,000 Price
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Yolanda Dye
Dalton Wade Real Estate Group
(659) 201-3700
91 Total Sales
1 in South Eastlake
$170,000 Price
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Scott Ridgeway
Ridgeway Realty LLC
(659) 207-9809
58 Total Sales
1 in South Eastlake
$133,000 Price
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James Faulkner
RealtySouth-MB-Crestline
(659) 204-7650
161 Total Sales
6 in South Eastlake
$25K - $232K Price Range
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | South Eastlake | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 9 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 7 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 9 | 4 |
Robbery | 7 | 4 |
Burglary | 5 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 4 |
Larceny | 4 | 4 |
Crime Score | 6 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South Eastlake Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Eastlake, Birmingham sell after 121 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in South Eastlake, Birmingham over the last 12 months is $307,000, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Minimal Transit
Transit 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

A community that connects the mountains to Magic City

Up-and-coming neighborhood full of charm in the middle of Birmingham

Housing projects and ranch-style homes comprise this community by Ruffner Mountain

A small suburb centered around a 100-acre historic park close to the airport

Spacious and historic suburban homes in the shadow of Ruffner Mountain

A community park is the focal point of this East Lake neighborhood