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Thomas

Thomas

Suburban Neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama

Jefferson County 35204, 35207, 35214

$99,213 Average Value
$58 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

A town that’s always been close-knit

Like many other neighborhoods in Birmingham, Thomas began as a residential area for workers in the growing mining and manufacturing industry. Specifically, Thomas’ inhabitants were employed in the blast furnaces used to smelt iron ore into pig iron, which could then be processed into steel. Though the city of Birmingham would annex Thomas in 1910 and the mining companies would cease operations in the 1920s, the neighborhood remains. And it's as close-knit today as when it was a company town, even as the community continues to readjust after the decline of manufacturing here. “Thomas is very friendly, very family-oriented,” says former Thomas Neighborhood Association President and longtime resident Alonzo Darrow. “We’re working with the city of Birmingham to make a lot of improvements.” One example is the creation of One Pratt Park, developed in neighboring Pratt City in the aftermath of the 2011 tornadoes.

This artwork in front of Wade Sand and Gravel is another unique feature to enjoy in Thomas.
This artwork in front of Wade Sand and Gravel is another unique feature to enjoy in Thomas.
Enjoy a crisp summer day in Thomas.
Enjoy a crisp summer day in Thomas.
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Colorful, comparatively affordable homes with an array of styles

Owing to its long history, Thomas is a different neighborhood than others in Birmingham. “It’s a unique neighborhood,” Darrow says. “Some houses are almost 100 years old.” Thomas is also a bit separated from other neighborhoods, surrounded by railways, industries and forests. Small ranch-style houses, cottages and American Craftsman-inspired bungalows are popular, especially east of the railroad tracks. Many feature porches. Established single-story and two-story shotgun homes can be found primarily on the west side, along with Colonial Revival homes with wraparound porches. Some homes have carports or detached garages while other residents prefer to park on their lawns or the street. Some homes feature recently painted, colorful vinyl siding, the owners clearly taking pride in their home and community, while others might need a thoughtful resident of their own. Homes tend to sell between $35,000 and $80,000, with homes east of the tracks on the upper end of this range. Some homes will enter the $100,000s. This is well below Bham’s median home price of $250,000.

This row of Craftsman-style houses watch over this quiet Thomas street.
This row of Craftsman-style houses watch over this quiet Thomas street.
These older Craftsman-style houses give us a hint that there has always been beauty in Thomas.
These older Craftsman-style houses give us a hint that there has always been beauty in Thomas.
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Highways keep residents “close to everything”

Highway 78 cuts right through Thomas, and Interstates 20 and 65 are about 5 minutes away from most homes. MAX bus route 6 passes through 78, running east to downtown and west to Ensley. “You’re close to everything,” Darrow says. “If you want to visit downtown Birmingham, or even drive to Memphis, it’s very convenient.”

HWY 78 provides an easy path to the interstate when you're leaving Thomas for work or play.
HWY 78 provides an easy path to the interstate when you're leaving Thomas for work or play.
Thomas is convenient to downtown Birmingham and all of it's resources.
Thomas is convenient to downtown Birmingham and all of it's resources.
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From studying to teaching

Students can attend Tuggle Elementary, Wilkerson Middle and Parker High School. Tuggle Elementary and Wilkerson Middle receive C-minus ratings from Niche, while Parker High scores a C-plus. Students at Parker High can participate in the school’s Academy for Urban Educators which prepares them for careers related to pedagogy. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the Child Development Associate certification exam.

Wilkerson Middle School is a popular school for Thomas residents to attend.
Wilkerson Middle School is a popular school for Thomas residents to attend.
Friday night lights are all the buzz when watching Thomas teenagers play for the Mustangs.
Friday night lights are all the buzz when watching Thomas teenagers play for the Mustangs.
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Southern eats and a farmers market

Yo Chef Surf and Turf Smokehouse serves up soul food, cocktails and hookah. Members of the “Dine After Nine” club have restaurant access from 9 PM until 4 AM or sometimes later, except for on Mondays. Niki’s West is just up the street, a cafeteria-style restaurant known for their meat and three meals: one meat plus three sides. Locally raised meat, fresh produce and other wares can be grabbed at the Alabama Farmers Market. Though open 7 days a week from 6 AM to 7 PM, locals will advise visitors get there early, as vendors are known to run out of goods quickly. The farmers market is owned and operated entirely by Alabama farmers, with a flea market on the premises too. Other goods can be purchased at the Family Dollar just up Highway 78.

The Alabama Farmer's Market is open five days a week in Thomas.
The Alabama Farmer's Market is open five days a week in Thomas.
Find time to try the famous Niki's West restaurant in Thomas.
Find time to try the famous Niki's West restaurant in Thomas.
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Playing and relaxing in Thomas

Pratt City Park is small green space on the west side of Thomas offering a multi-use grassy field, a playground and basketball courts. East Thomas Park boasts a multi-purpose field as well, along with a seasonal public swimming pool. Recently updated play structures with astroturf and rubber flooring and musical instruments can be found at One Pratt Place, which is also just a great spot to go for a walk or run.

Take the kids to One Pratt Place for a great experience near Thomas.
Take the kids to One Pratt Place for a great experience near Thomas.
Take a walk at McAlpine Park near Thomas.
Take a walk at McAlpine Park near Thomas.
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Events downtown

The Magic City is often bustling with events from the Birmingham Bowl football game to the Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival.

Taste your favorite Lebanese food at the Lebanese Food Festival near Thomas.
Taste your favorite Lebanese food at the Lebanese Food Festival near Thomas.
Take advantage of being close to downtown and find a fun event near Thomas.
Take advantage of being close to downtown and find a fun event near Thomas.
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Alexander Breuhan
Written By
Alexander Breuhan
John Gibbons
Photography Contributed By
John Gibbons
Curtis Newkirk
Video By
Curtis Newkirk

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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 neighborhood? Reach out to Randy Brooks, an experienced agent in this area.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International

15 min drive

Bus

2nd St And 16th Ave W

Bus

16th Ave W Near 1105 Address

Bus

2nd St W And HWY 78 (Gas Station)

Bus

16th Ave And 10th St W (Ib)

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Thomas US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$54,950
Median Single Family Price
$58,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$58
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
4
Months of Supply
6.00
Median List Price
$72,200
Median Discount From 1st List Price
13%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
12%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
340
Median Year Built
1951
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,073
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,028
Median Age
44
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
21.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$27,685
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$39,999

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90%
College Graduates
9.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.3%
% Population in Labor Force
46.8%
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®

29 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

29 / 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.

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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
Thomas